Bigger, better & been around longer than NZ idol

Bigger, better & been around longer than NZ idol

15 July 2004

Music students all over the country are waiting in anticipation as the National Final of the New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest draws nearer. Eight groups will be competing for a place in the chamber music version of New Zealand Idol.

Like New Zealand Idol, the National Final promises to be a showcase of the best young musical talent the country has to offer. The eight groups selected are Wellington¹s The B Naturals, Christchurch¹s The Ahi Trio, Sierenes, Tacet and Auckland¹s Nacio Para Tocar, Bogi Voinu, Shared Affections and Furiant.

A special highlight of the National Final will be the performance of the winning original composition. Wellington student Karlo Margetic won the SOUNZ prize of $500 and will perform his winning composition Zemljotres with the Zemljotres Quintet.

The winning group of the National Final wins the de Croy Arts Trust School¹s Prize of $10,000, awarded proportionally to the groups schools and the Arthur Hilton Memorial prize of $400 each. Second place getters will receive the de Croÿ Arts Trust prize of $2000 to be distributed amongst the players¹ schools.

All participants in the National Final receive a Season Pass to the 2005 Celebrity Season concerts in the centre of their choice.

Megan Mannering, National Organiser of the contest says, "the level of competition intensifies each year as many of the students return to compete in their second, and in some case third, National Final. The professionalism and confidence of these young musicians is staggering and this is reflected in the music they produce."

Touring Australian musicians Duo Sol will be adjudicating the high profile event. And as a special one off, they are holding masterclasses for the National Final participants over two days prior to the event. These masterclasses are supported by funding from the Stout Trust.

Chamber Music New Zealand acknowledges major funding from Creative New Zealand and the New Zealand Community Trust.

For more information visit www.chambermusic.co.nz, email info@chambermusic.co.nz or phone 0800 CONCERT (266 2378).

ENDS

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