St George Instrumental Eisteddfod is nearing the milestone of a century of memorable music.
In 2017 the Eisteddfod will mark 96 years of fostering musical talent in the St George area.
On August 13 at the Kogarah School of Arts the Eisteddfod’s Open Piano Championship will be staged.
Patron of the St George Instrumental Eisteddfod, Monika Tu, has deep personal reasons for wishing to support the organisation and its events.
‘‘As a Chinese-born Australian who grew up during the Chinese revolution, music and its splendid ability to transport us to a wonderful place was noticeably lacking from my childhood memories,’’ Ms Tu,.
‘‘For this very reason, I have much respect and admiration for the fine committee and team that facilitates the Eisteddfod.
‘‘Without their dedication to our children and the growth of our hard working participants, their music simply would not have such a wonderful platform to be heard.
‘‘The arts undoubtedly enrich our lives.
‘‘And I believe each and every one of our children deserves a stage to share their time, their talent and their beautiful song.
Ms Tu, who is managing director and owner of city-based real estate company Black Diamondz, will make the presentation to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners of the Open Piano Championship.
She said the Instrumental Eisteddfod finale will be a treat for all who attend.
"The standard for this year’s Eisteddfod has been the greatest we’ve seen yet, a wonderful testimony to the hard work and dedication of both the students and their teachers alike,’’ Ms Tu said.
‘‘It is my absolute joy to hear the talent that comes from our stage and each note reminds me how important it is that each of us support organisations within our communities like STGIE."
Convener of the Eiesteddfod, Kathryn Phillips, who has 50 years plus experience in teaching piano and violin in the St George area, said piano adjudicators for the championship would Mark McGee, Patrick Wong and James Muir.
“We believe that participants should have exposure to the very best in music tuition and education,” she said.
- The Piano Championship begins at 4.45pm on Sunday at the Kogarah School of Arts, Queens Avenue, Kogarah.