Instrufest a huge success

Organisers of the inaugural Central Coast Instrufest have hailed the five-day instrumental and vocal competition a resounding success.

The competition saw more than 100 competitors aged five to 50 take to the stage in Robert Knox Hall at the Central Coast Conservatorium in Gosford.

Organised by the Conservatorium and supported by Central Coast Council, the competition saw musicians compete for first, second and third place across seven categories – vocal, piano, brass, woodwind, strings, guitar and open adult.

The senior, intermediate and junior age winners of each category, and selected stand out performers, then went on to compete in the Grand Final Showcase Concert with more than $2,000 in prizes awarded.

Central Coast Grammar School student Charlie Schoeman took home the senior first prize for his flawless and energetic acoustic guitar performance of Jongo by Paolo Bellinati.

Runner-up in the senior category was fellow Central Coast Grammar School student, and Central Coast Conservatorium flute student, Elana Sydenham who performed Theodor Verhy’s Flute Concerto No 1 (first movement).

Pianist Hechter Caleb Saturno was named the intermediate winner, displaying impressive dexterity as he performed the third movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

Guitarist Jensen Hornsby amped up the show with his rendition of Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson on electric guitar, taking home intermediate second place.

In the junior section, singer Ruby Williams impressed adjudicator John Kellaway with her performance of Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid earning her first prize.

Runner-up was cellist Sebastian Lee, who played Hugo Schlemuller’s Forward March.

“Congratulations to all participants for getting out there and giving it a go and sharing their love of music with their families, friends and everyone who came to watch,” Conservatorium CEO Lisa Barnes said.

“Thank you also to Central Coast Council for supporting this event, which saw the community come together and celebrate music and quality music education – which is what we are all about.”