Violinists in tune for national final

And.... this year the winner will have a choice of a very special instrument prize.

“This year we offer the winner the choice of a violin and a viola made from fine Australian tonewoods” said local luthier Graham Caldersmith.

“Many entrants already own fine traditional violins of spruce and maple although several past winners have embraced their prize violins of King William Pine and Blackwood as their career instrument. However Goetz Richter encourages violinists to learn the viola as a companion instrument to broaden their careers and experience of string musicianship. I have found that Australian tonewoods, arched and graduated according to their acoustic character, bring a special warmth and clarity to the viola timbre and hope this may open competitors to the underrated beauty of the viola as an enrichment to the violinist’s obsession!’

James Dong, a year 12 student on a full music scholarship at Camberwell Grammar School, studies with Robert Wakely. James has been awarded his A.Mus.A.and L.Mus.A. in violin, both with distinctions. He has also been awarded his A.Mus.A. in piano as well as 7th grade Musicianship with distinction. His other music interests include composing. He was the 1st prize winner of the original composition sections at the Dandenong and Boroondara Eisteddfods.

Lachlan O’Donnell graduated in 2009 from the Queensland Conservatorium, under the guidance of Michele Walsh, with a Bachelor of Music in Advanced Performance with Class 1 Honours and the Griffith University Medal. His most recent awards include the Ronald Clifford Davis Violin Prize, the Matilda Jane Aplin Violin Prize and the Dulcie E.E. Kappe award for most outstanding string instrumentalist at the Queensland Conservatorium. In 2010, Lachlan won a Colonial Trust Foundation Scholarship, enabling him to participate in the 2010 Australian Youth Orchestra’s International Tour, in which he held the position of Principal Second Violin. Lachlan is now on full scholarship at the Australian National Academy of Music under the tuteage of Paul Wright. He was a Kendall finalist in 2008.

Anna O’Hagan commenced her violin studies at the age of three, at a local Suzuki school. She began studies with Paul Wright from the age of eleven, and was awarded her Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music at the age of 13. Anna first performed with the Australian Youth Orchestra in 2003 and in 2007 and 2010 she toured with the orchestra to Europe. In 2008 she completed her studies at the UWA School of Music graduating with a Bachelor of Music with First class honours. Anna now studies with William Hennessy at the Australian National Academy of Music and frequently plays with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.

Liisa Pallandi studies with Associate Professor Goetz Richter at Sydney Conservatorium where she is in the last year of a Bachelor of Music with Honours. She also studies viola under the tutelage of Roger Benedict. She is a member of the Sydney Symphony Sinfonia, has participated in Australian Youth Orchestra programs, including the 2007 international tour. She has led the Sydney Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Modern Music Ensemble and in 2009 was concertmaster of the Sydney Youth Orchestra (SYO). This year she led the Barry Tuckwell Chamber Orchestra at National Music Camp, performed Vivaldi concerti under the instruction of Elizabeth Wallfisch, and became a casual member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. She was a Kendall finalist in 2009.

One finalist will also be awarded the TimberLay International Travel Scholarship valued at up to $4OOO. A number of awards of $5OO are made for specific performances.

Full Day Admission is $25, half day $15; Students $15/$10. To book please phone Mavis Barnes 6559 4339, email mbarnes@tsn.cc or send cheque with SAE to PO Box 86, Kendall 2439. The winner performs at the Celebration Concert with the Novalis Ensemble on Sunday 26 September at 2 pm. $25, Students $15. www.kendallviolin.org.au