Intemp

Sydney Eisteddfod Newsletter Summer 2014/2015

Applauding another great show Saluting our

principal
After the spectacular success of Sydney
Eisteddfod’s 80th Anniversary Year,
events, adjudicators admitted to being
impressed, flabbergasted or blown away by

sponsor
organisers of the 2014 Festival had a
hard act to follow. This year, there were
the overall high standard.
Sydney Eisteddfod gratefully thanks its
no banners waving from flagpoles in city For the past 26 years, Sydney Eisteddfod
generous sponsors for their support, the
streets, but although the brouhaha was has been acknowledging the support
volunteers who worked so tirelessly to
missing, the 2014 McDonald’s Sydney
bring the Festival to life, the adjudicators it receives from its principal sponsor
Eisteddfod will be long remembered for
who rewarded entrants with heaps of good McDonald’s with the phrase ‘thank you
the richness of talent that surged from its
advice and all those who contributed to McDonald’s.’ The arts play an important
stages. As usual, the major events attracted
the success of the season. For 81 years, role in the fabric of our society, so
the most promising young artists from all
the high standard of Sydney Eisteddfod by supporting Sydney Eisteddfod,
over Australia and New Zealand. This year,
new champions emerged in every category has always emanated from the talent that McDonald’s Australia is not only
and Sydney Eisteddfod takes pride in appears on its stages. The 2014 season nurturing Australia’s next generation of
reporting that standards in Contemporary was without doubt a vintage one, and its singers, dancers, actors and musicians,
Singing, Speech and Drama rose to new organisers extend heartfelt thanks to the but also contributing new wealth to the
heights. There were few, if any, sub-standard 35,000-plus entrants who made the Festival cultural capital of the nation. No words
performances and in the wake of most one of the best on record. could ever fully describe the extent of
its gratitude, so once again it pays tribute
to the big-heartedness of its principal
sponsor by saying ‘thank you, McDonald’s’
again and again.

Ballet Scholarship finalists with adjudicators

A thousand cheers for our great volunteers

Without the support of its small but dedicated volunteer army, Sydney Eisteddfod would not exist. Not everyone is prepared to devote
their free time to charitable causes, but Sydney Eisteddfod volunteers are all very special people. For approximately 16 weeks from June
to September, they work front-of-house or backstage in various capacities mounting 300-plus events in venues across Sydney. This year, as
Sydney Eisteddfod welcomed several new recruits, its forces have rarely been stronger or more efficient. From start to finish, each event
ran without a hitch and Sydney Eisteddfod extends a special thanks to all who assisted staging the Festival and look forward to working with
them again in 2015.
Top marks Our stars
While Sydney Eisteddfod is forever pointing out that competing on its stages is
essentially a learning experience, every winner deserves a good handclap. This year,
branch out in
13-year-old singer and actor Alex Chorley has emerged at the top of the medal tally
after winning three junior classical singing events and another two in the Speech and
Drama category. Close on his heels, Jonathan Chan and Daniel Ott, another two
the wake of
outstanding young classical singers, emerged with four wins to their credit. Not to
be outdone, the extraordinarily talented 12-year-old Joshua Han won the prestigious
the festival
Open Age Kawai Piano Award, along with three junior piano events, while Audrey
Sydney Eisteddfod delights in
Freeman, who is also a champion gymnast, scored four outstanding victories in
obtaining performance opportunities
various dance events.
for its champions and through its
In the solo instrumental category, flautist Brian Kim added three gold medals to his recommendations, two recent winners
growing trophy collections, while Nicholas Kennedy, Kenneth Tong, Lawrence Wei and stepped unexpectedly into the spotlight
Kimble Zhang did likewise in piano events. Budding junior thespians, Angus Davies during the pre-Christmas season.
and Edward Lawrence scored trifectas for Speech & Drama, while 11-year-old Saphia
In answer to a call from Lane Cove
Tamalemai topped the pops by winning three contemporary singing events. These
Mayor David Brooks-Horn, 16-year-
young artists are all outstandingly talented and Sydney Eisteddfod takes pride in
old singer and dancer Teagan Denham
applauding them all.
found herself entertaining guests at the
Mayoral Christmas Celebration. Wearing
a beautiful Versace dress, Teagan wowed
the crowd singing Gravity and a medley
of Christmas songs. Describing the
occasion as a night she will remember
forever, Teagan felt like a star and shone
like one too.
When Burwood Council said they were
looking for a male singer of primary
school age for their Carols in the Park,
Sydney Eisteddfod contacted 10-year-old
boy soprano Jack Andrew who excelled
in junior classical singing events at the
recent Festival. Jack had no qualms about
Joshua Han Saphia Tamalemai Alex Chorley appearing before a crowd of thousands
and enchanted his audience with the

A taste of fame purity of his voice.

Jack, who acts as well as sings, is now
appearing in a major role in the Griffin
The victories of Sydney Eisteddfod music, song and dance winners were reported
across the nation in a variety of magazines and newspapers. For the past 82 years, it Theatre’s production Kate Mulvany’s play
has served as a starting block for tomorrow’s stars, so the names of its champions are Masquerade at Sydney Opera House.
always worth noting.
Alex Chorley’s monumental success at the 2014 McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod made
headlines in the Northern District Times. Violinist Phoebe Gardner and pianist Joshua Han
claimed the top spot in different issues of the Rouse Hill Times and dancer Sarah Eddie
featured on the front page of the North Shore Times.
Kelsey Stokes, who won the Sydney Eisteddfod McDonald’s Ballet Scholarship in 2012
and is now dancing with The Australian Ballet, appeared nationwide in the teenage
magazine Dolly. Recent winners of the Sydney Eisteddfod NSW Drs Orchestra
Instrumental Scholarship Emily Sun (2011) and Anna Da Silva Chen (2013) gained
exposure in a major article published in Stringendo, while a story about 2012 winner,
classical guitarist Andrey Lebedev, who is fast gaining an international reputation,
appeared in Limelight. Jack Andrew

As usual, the Australian dance press lauded finalists in the 2014 Sydney Eisteddfod
McDonald’s Ballet Scholarships with rave reviews and pictures in print and online Teagan Denham

editions. Outright winner Kayla-Maree Tarantolo gained most attention, but the Central
Coast Express Advocate, in a major article, clearly enjoyed extolling the success of local
youth Daniel Russell who won the second scholarship.
Songbirds from Sydney Eisteddfod’s contemporary singing stages also attracted
attention with Rosemaree Dinaro, Alissa Del Vecchio, Hannah Mitchell, Taylah Albert
and Kayla Piscopo shining among the newsmakers.
Saluting our 2014 winners Sydney
In 2014, the overall standard in every category of
the McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod program was so Eisteddfod
celebrates
high, the winners of every major event have reason
to take pride in their achievements.
Sydney Eisteddfod McDonald’s Operatic Aria has
always been the crowning event in the annual
program and the 2014 winner Lucinda-Mirikata
its stars
Deacon is a veteran of the competition. Back
in 2007, Lucinda-Mirikata sang her way into the Sydney Eisteddfod takes pride in your
final round and impressed the critics with her Commotion School of Performing Arts achievements and will always be happy
youthful promise. Last year, she returned to its stages with a newly matured voice and not only to celebrate your success. In 2014, three
claimed the top prize, but scored a double by adding a victory in the Opera & Arts Support former champions scored monumental
Group Vocal Scholarship to her laurels. In both events, Lucinda-Mirikata finished ahead of the victories. Anja Nissen took top honours
extraordinarily talented Tabatha McFadyen and Sydney Eisteddfod applauds both singers and in The Voice, vocalist Marlisa Punzalan
thanks them for making the finals of these prestigious events so exciting. triumphed in the X-Factor and violinist
Sydney Eisteddfod McDonald’s Ballet Scholarships showcase the cream of the nation’s dancing Grace Clifford won the 2014 ABC Young
talent and last year the final featured its most impressive line-up ever. The standard was so Performer of the Year Award. These are
even, the eight finalists were all worthy of the prize. According to adjudicator Rani Luther, the all outstanding successes, and Sydney
panel finally made its judgment by looking for ‘that extra sparkle’ and after selecting Kayla- Eisteddfod is genuinely interested in your
Maree Tarantolo as the outright winner, awarded the second scholarship to former Billy Elliot progress, so if you want to inspire others
star Daniel Russell. by telling them about your latest success,
Sydney Eisteddfod will gladly spread your
Other major winners include the ever-graceful Naomi Sano who won the prestigious Sydney
message. All past and present entrants are
Eisteddfod Robert & Elizabeth Albert Junior Classical Ballet Scholarship and is now heading
part of the Sydney Eisteddfod family, so if
for Switzerland to compete in the world’s most prestigious ballet competition, the Prix de
you have been chosen to play the lead in
Lausanne. Darwin-born Ayesha Gough, a newcomer to Sydney Eisteddfod, scored a brilliant
your school musical or are making your
victory in the Sydney Eisteddfod Allison-Henderson Piano Scholarship. She impressed
debut at Covent Garden, share your news.
adjudicators with her fine technique and expressive playing. Wendy Kong rose triumphant
from a pool of varied talents in the Sydney Eisteddfod NSW Drs Orchestra Instrumental
Scholarship and the four talented members of Petrichor Sax won the Sydney Eisteddfod
Musica Viva Chamber Music Award.
In smaller, but equally important finals, soprano Sarah Wang triumphed in the Sydney
Eisteddfod Joan Sutherland Memorial Vocal Scholarship (21-25 years), while tenor Jonathan
Chan took top honours in the scholarship for singers in the 17-20 age group. Songbirds Susan
Rose and Gemma Nha claimed the senior and junior Sydney Eisteddfod Singer of The Year
titles and budding thespians Alex Pan and Etsegenet Herschmann won the senior and junior
actor’s championships.
Sydney Eisteddfod also applauds the six splendid choirs that, after finishing first and second
in the three final rounds of The John Lamble Foundation Australasian Choral Championships,
progressed into the Australian Choral Grand Prix. In this, Fort Street High School Chamber
Choir emerged as the winner, ahead of the Sydney Conservatorium Chamber Choir, while the
Shine Chorus finished in third place.
Lastly, bouquets galore for the 19 dance groups that appeared in the 2014 Sydney Eisteddfod
McDonald’s Dance
of Champions. In this
spectacular dance-off, the Marlisa Punzalan
team from Commotion
School of Performing
Arts claimed the Jury
Vote, while students from
the Caper School of
Performing Arts won the
People’s Choice Award.
The major 2014 winners
were all outstanding
and amid a chorus of
bravos and bravas, Sydney
Eisteddfod wishes them
every success.
Grace Clifford
Tabatha McFadyen & Lucinda-Mirikata Deacon Susan Rose & Gemma Nha
Photo gallery 2014
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1. Lania Atkins 8. Ayesha Gough 15. Aaron Matheson

2. Anika Bhatia 9. Daniel Shao 16. Sydney Eisteddfod Joan Sutherland Memorial
3. Leichhardt Public School Big Band 10. Arisa Sano Vocal Scholarship (21-25 years) Finalists
4. Gemma Nha 11. Elyssa Chaaya 17. Emerson Garcia
5. Estegenet Herschmann 12. Tom Simmond 18. Kenneth Tong
6. Natalie Ng 13. Olivia Karantzounis 19. Fort Street High School Chamber Choir
7. Annabel Heslop 14. Lily Higson-Spence 20. Madison Whitely
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21. Petrichor Sax 28. Holly Sears 35. Wendy Kong

22. Elizabeth Woodcock 29. Alex Chorley 36. Sydney Eisteddfod Joan Sutherland Memorial
23. Damian Lawrence 30. Molly Stewart Vocal Scholarship (17-20 years) Finalists &
24. Alex Pan 31. Larissa Anthony sponsor.
25. Conor Hingerty 32. Sydney Conservatorium Choir 37. James Ioelu
26. Emily Bray 33. Reddam House Year 1 Choir 38. Lucinda-Mirikata Deacon
27. Monte Saxophone Quartet 34. Airi Fujisaki
Striking the right chord with Sydney
Yamaha Music Australia Eisteddfod
Sydney Eisteddfod extends a special thank you to its latest Corporate Sponsor, Yamaha
Music Australia and is proud to announce their support of its Instrumental Groups welcomes
its first
category. Like Sydney Eisteddfod, YMA nurtures and encourages young Australians from
all walks of life in the pursuit of musical excellence within the performing arts. Sydney
Eisteddfod is honoured to be associated with this very well known and highly respected
organisation and looks forward to forging a relationship for years to come.
Life Member
Following 13 years as Vice-Regal Patron,
Professor The Honourable Dame Marie

Kawai continues its support Bashir AD CVO has graciously accepted

the appointment as First Life Member of

for aspiring pianist Sydney Eisteddfod.

As Governor of New South Wales,

For over 25 years, Kawai has been a valued supporter of Sydney Eisteddfod and, like
Sydney Eisteddfod, is committed to promoting musical excellence. Over the years Kawai she honoured Sydney Eisteddfod with
has provided state of the art pianos for performances and, in 2013, to celebrate the 80th her presence on many occasions, none
anniversary of Sydney Eisteddfod, generously donated a baby grand piano to help raise
money for the Sydney Eisteddfod’s Scholarship Fund. Its support however appears most more so than during Sydney Eisteddfod’s
publicly through its sponsorship of the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod Kawai Piano Award 75th and 80th Anniversaries, when
that has served as a platform for well over 1,000 budding pianists and helped foster the she hosted Vice Regal receptions in
beginning of many successful careers.
celebration of these landmark years.
Sydney Eisteddfod is happy to announce that in 2015 Kawai will once again be Sydney
Eisteddfod’s principal piano supplier. Dame Marie studied violin and recalls
having had many happy experiences of
performing in various violin sections of
the Sydney Eisteddfod.

Sydney Eisteddfod is proud to

announce new Vice-Regal Patrons
His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of New
South Wales, and Mrs Linda Hurley have agreed to accept the invitation to become joint
Patrons of Sydney Eisteddfod. By granting Vice-Regal Patronage to Sydney Eisteddfod, His
Excellency will be the 12th Governor to afford this honour. Sydney Eisteddfod is privileged to
also welcome Mrs Linda Hurley to this position. Mrs Hurley has a keen interest in the Arts,
especially music and has herself been a long-term member of the St Andrew’s Presbyterian
Church choir in Canberra

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of New South Wales, and Mrs Linda Hurley Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO
Sydney Eisteddfod invites Sydney Eisteddfod
you to dream, perform, launches brand
achieve and inspire. new whiz-bang
Sydney Eisteddfod’s vast community encompasses individuals in many
different stages of their careers, from the humble beginnings of a dream
website for its
that through practice, persistence and performance, leads to achieving great
goals, and in turn, inspiring the dream in others. Sydney Eisteddfod invites 2015 Festival
its participants, sponsors, supporters, volunteers, adjudicators and Friends to
dream, perform, achieve and inspire. Sydney Eisteddfod is pleased to reveal its newly
designed website in 2015, please feel free to take a

dream.
“Engagement in performing arts can
perform.
“The Sydney Eisteddfod is and always
peek! The responsive design means that the website
is now easier to use from your smart phone or tablet
so all of the information that you need about Sydney
be a lifelong aspiration. will be the start of something big, Eisteddfod events, venues and results as well as all of the
It starts with a dream. no matter your result, the notion of latest news about Sydney Eisteddfod’s performers and
entering is enough to boost your alumni, is right at your fingertips when you need it most!
Sydney Eisteddfod gives our youth It also has improved search capabilities so that you can
confidence on many levels.”
this start.” find what you’re looking for quickly.
Oscar Han, winner of the 2013
Dr Cathy Fraser, NSW Doctors On the new website you will still be able to register as
Sydney Eisteddfod Alf & Pearl Pollard
Orchestra an entrant, book tickets to Principal Events, and much
Memorial Awards for Performance
Excellence. more. However some information may be located in a
slightly different place so please go online and explore
the website or take the website tour.
www.sydneyeisteddfod.com.au

Sydney Eisteddfod
extends a very
achieve. special thank you
“Entering Sydney Eisteddfod has
opened so many doors for me –
inspire.
“I am constantly sharing my
to its 2015 venue
I can’t recommend it highly enough!”
Alex Chorley, winner of 5 gold
experiences with the younger
generation of singers, to give them partners
medals in the 2014 Sydney the same inspiration I felt at their
Eisteddfod stage of development. To never Sydney Eisteddfod will be returning to some of its
give up. I stand before them as an favourite venues as well as being welcomed to a
example that dreams can come true number of exciting new venues, to host its calendar
if we are inspired to make them a of events in 2015. Welcoming Sydney Eisteddfod
reality.” participants back to their stages for another year of
Natalie Aroyan, finalist in the 2011 inspirational performances are: APGS; Cranbrook;
Sydney Eisteddfod McDonald’s Fine Music 102.5; Petersham RSL; Sydney
Operatic Aria. Conservatorium of Music; Sydney Opera House; Shore
School; The Concourse, Chatswood; The Dance Spot;
University of NSW. The Festival will also expand to
include an additional 5 venues: AIM Sydney,
99 on York, Northside Baptist Church, Ascham and
Sydney Town Hall.
Sydney Eisteddfod would like to thank each of its venue
partners as, without their wonderful support from
these fantastic venues, Sydney Eisteddfod would not
be able to showcase its festival with the performance
professionalism for which it has become known.
Testimonials Save the date!
Key dates for the 2015 McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod
We do other eisteddfods, but this is the Friends of Sydney Eisteddfod priority ticket orders available until 27 February
best. Here, the standard is always high, the Earlybird discounted entry fees are available until Sunday 8 March
adjudicators are always well qualifed, the McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod 2015 commences in May
judging is fair, the kids are well supervised and DATE VENUE EVENT

as the events run like clockwork, we Mums Sunday 24 May The Concourse Concert Hall, NSW Drs Orchestra Fundraising Concert
Chatswood
can enjoy catching up on all the latest gossip. Sunday 19 July The Concourse Concert Hall, Sydney Eisteddfod McDonald’s Operatic Aria
Chatswood
- M
 other of a McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod Sunday 2 August Concert Hall, Sydney Eisteddfod McDonald’s Ballet
performer Sydney Opera House Scholarships & Open Jazz Dance Group Finals
Friday 21 August Sydney Conservatorium Sydney Eisteddfod NSW Drs Orchestra
of Music Instrumental Scholarship Final

The Sydney Eisteddfod has taught me to Sunday 23 August Sydney Opera House Sydney Eisteddfod Dance Day
at Opera House
become more confident and what I need to do Friday 28 August Sydney Conservatorium Sydney Eisteddfod Allison/Henderson Piano
to improve on my performances. of Music Scholarship Final
Sunday 30 August Sydney Town Hall Australian Choral Grand prix
- Junior contemporary singer Sunday 13 September Science Theatre, Sydney Eisteddfod McDonald’s Dance of
UNSW Champions
Sunday 20 September John Painter Hall, Sydney Eisteddfod Musica Viva Chamber
Ever since I won my first gold medal, the AIM Sydney Music Award Final

Sydney Eisteddfod has been really supportive

Tuesday 22 September Petersham RSL Club Sydney Eisteddfod Senior Singer of the Year &
Junior Singer of the Year Finals
of everything I’ve done and given me many Tuesday 6 October
Lane Cove-Mowbray Sydney Eisteddfod Alf & Pearl Pollard
opportunities to perform all around Sydney. Anglican Church Memorial Instrumental Awards for
Performance Excellence
- Actor (13 years) Bookings: Sydney Eisteddfod 02 9261 8366 or online www.sydneyeisteddfod.com.au

This is one competition where whether you

win or lose, the whole experience is valuable
2015 McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod
and you get constructive criticism from expert Syllabus moves to online format
adjudicators as well. In 2015 Sydney Eisteddfod will not be producing a print syllabus so if you would like to
- Classical Singer make an offline enquiry please call the Sydney Eisteddfod office on 02 9261 8366.

This Eisteddfod was her very very first and Enter online by 8 March
out of five entries, she received 3x First to take advantage of earlybird discounted entry fees.
Places (two were up against 15years and
under) and one 2nd Place. She will always www.sydneyeisteddfod.com.au
remember and honour Sydney Eisteddfod for
being the very first to embrace her talent.
- Proud grandparent of a talented
11 year old Sydney Eisteddfod
Level 12, St Martins Tower,
On behalf of our daughter and family, I would 31 Market Street Sydney, NSW 2000
like to take this opportunity to give Sydney Sydney Eisteddfod publishes InTempo for the information of members, Friends of
Eisteddfod many thanks for an absolutely Sydney Eisteddfod and supporters. Letters and contributions are welcome. Please show
amazing and memorable first time Eisteddfod your support by becoming a Friend or by giving a Tax Deductable Donation. If you
would like to receive InTempo emails with regular updates throughout the McDonald’s
experience ever, for our little girl and for our Sydney Eisteddfod Festival, please subscribe via www.sydneyeisteddfod.com.au
family… McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod is sponsored by: McDonald’s
- Mother of a young contemporary singer InTempo was printed by Gopher Graphics ®
®

Photos by Sydney Eisteddfod’s official photographer WinkiPoP Media