21 October 2008

YOUTH PERFORMING ARTS EVENT FINISHES WITH A FLOURISH

Late on Sunday evening (19 October 2008) the final curtain came down on the Mazda Foundation National Young Performer Awards, held at the Baycourt Community and Arts Centre in Tauranga.

This was the fifth (and last) successive time that the prestigious performing arts event, had been held in Tauranga. The final staging of the event in the Western Bay produced another multitude of outstanding performances.

One of the best-known names in performing arts in New Zealand was extremely impressed by the National Young Performer showcase event. International pianist Michael Houstoun who was the pianoforte adjudicator said, “the PACANZ competition was a terrific event, well organised and well run, and I especially loved the final concert - as did the full house”.

“All the winners were out of the top drawer, and I have no doubt they will have excellent careers in their fields,” said Houstoun.

Renowned New Zealand Soprano Patricia Wright, who adjudicated in the vocal section, was also impressed by the high standard set by the competitors. Patricia said that it was a delight to give the first prize to James Loelu.

“This young man brings an exceptional maturity to his art form”. “He possesses a voice of beauty, warmth, and technical security and is a craftsman in the delivery of the music he sings”.

Patricia went on to say, “Every style is interpreted with integrity, and a deep understanding both in spoken words and through his beautiful voice, and commanding stage performance”. 

Another section where competition was intense was the tap dance section. Wellington performer Jaimee Sammut, who put on an outstanding performance, was placed third the last time tap was held two years ago.

A face that has been seen on television finished in third place behind Jaimee and Cameron Fulton. Auckland dancer Simon Watts has performed with distinction on “New Zealand’s Got Talent” reaching the finals of the show.

2008 Mazda Foundation Young Performer of the Year results

Pianoforte

1st Jason Bae (Westlake Boys’ High School) 2nd Lucy Zeng Auckland (Epsom Girls Grammar) 3rd Rafaella Garlick-Grice (Wellington)

Vocal

1st James Ioelu  (Auckland) 2nd Angela Rumping (Hamilton) 3rd Amelia Berry (Wellington)

Ballet

1st Amelia Hutchinson (Auckland) 2nd Emma White (Auckland) 3rd Jason Yang-Westland (Auckland)

Tap

1st Jaimee Sammut (Wellington) 2nd Cameron Fulton (Christchurch) 3rd Simon Watts (Auckland)

For further information contact:

Annette Johnston    PACANZ Executive Officer

Ph. (07) 578 0713 M. 021 478 813

Left to Right:

Andrew Clearwater (Chairman of Mazda Foundation)

Amelia Hutchinson (Ballet)

James Ioelu (Vocal)

Jason Bae (Pianoforte)

Jaimee Sammut (Tap)