Melbourne pianist Michael de Huy won the Leila Watson Memorial Championship last Friday.
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The championship closes out the music section of the Bendigo Competitions Society’s annual eisteddfod.
It sees the best musicians and performers from all areas perform together in a showcase.
Violinist Matthew Lim finished second while Bendigo pianist Lily Begg and flautist Sarah Lim tied for third.
It was an exciting result for Matthew and Sarah Lim, who are siblings from Warrnambool.
The Penny Goonan Encouragement Award was awarded to classical vocalist Erik Sing.
Bendigo Youth Choir founder Valerie Broad, City of Greater Bendigo councillor Rod Fyffe OAM and and Props Theatre director Alise Amarant adjudicated the evening.
Another highlight from the night was Bendigo’s Cooper Bennett, who was the the first bass guitar player to appear at the annual championship.
Mrs Broad encouraged the people of Bendigo to “get behind” the Eisteddfod to ensure that our young performers continue to have the opportunity to develop their talents.
“We need a platform where these young people can perform and if the Bendigo Competitions is not here there is nowhere to perform,” she said.
“I can say without hesitation if it had not been for the Bendigo Competitions I would not be where I am today,” she said.
“There was no-one, no-where, in my time for me to stand up against other people and compare what I was doing and how I was doing it, or to compare myself against what I was capable of doing.
“I thank the competitions from the bottom of my heart for everything that they’ve done for me and everything they’ve allowed me to do.
“Having said that, I’m begging you to ask your friends to spread the word. Please, please, please help the Bendigo competitions help these young people go where they want to go.”
The dance section of the Bendigo Competitions Society’s annual eisteddfod goes from June 30 to July 14 with a showcase on July 8 at The Capital Theatre.
For more details go to www.bendigocomps.org.au