The ‘‘Rising Stars’’ finalists concert, to be held next Friday, May 16, from 7.30pm at Dunedin Town Hall, will feature cellist Portia Bell, 18, and pianists Ozan Biner-McGrath, 16, and Roy Zhang, 18, the youngest finalists in the competition thus far.
In the concert’s second half each player will perform one movement of the concerto of their choice, accompanied by a combined Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and Dunedin Youth Orchestra, under the baton of DSO principal guest conductor James Judd.
This year’s combined orchestra will include about 40% Dunedin Youth Orchestra players, giving these emerging musicians the invaluable experience of performing alongside Dunedin Symphony Orchestra professionals on the town hall stage.
The winner of the concerto competition will be announced in a short prizegiving ceremony following the finalists’ performances.
The concert’s first half will feature the Dunedin Youth Orchestra conducted by David Burchell.
Dunedin Concerto Competition Charitable Trust chairman Pieter du Plessis said, since it began in 2021, the Dunedin Concerto Competition has grown into a much-anticipated feature in Dunedin’s arts calendar. Held every second year, its mission is to provide exceptional performance opportunities for young classical musicians from across Otago and Southland.
The competition is made possible through the long-term support of its patrons, led by Bruce Hodgson, the HTowers Charitable Trust, the Bill and Clare Hodgson Bequest, and funding from the Dunedin City Council Arts Grants, Creative Communities, Otago Community Trust, and the Dunedin Casino Charitable Trust.
Mr du Plessis said community support had been strong for the event, with good attendance at the preliminary rounds in March, and organisers are hoping for another full house for next week’s finalists’ concert.
‘‘This is more than a concert. It’s a statement of belief in the future of classical music in the deep South,’’ Mr du Plessis said.
‘‘By attending, you’re not just supporting three finalists — you’re backing the whole stage of young ‘rising stars’ who represent the next generation of musicians, educators and cultural leaders.’’
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
