Musicians vie for prize money in Rotorua

Saxophonist Luke Wallbridge (left) with judge Ludwig Treviranus at Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre Banquet Room after winning $1000 at this event last year. Photo/Supplied

The Rotorua Branch of LearnMusic NZ is holding its annual Senior Music Scholarship at Rydges Hotel on Saturday August 25.

This is the 31st year the event has run.

However, it is the first time the venue will be Rydges Hotel in Fenton St.

There will be 12 contestants vying for more than $2000 in prize money, with a first prize of $1000.

There are 11 pianists and one violinist competing all day and at a formal evening concert.

The adjudicator is James Tennant, a renowned cellist and professor from Waikato University.

There are nine prizes up for grabs after a gruelling day of 20-minute programmes, and an evening concert when all 12 contestants perform an item from their programme.

James will then choose six finalists to perform a second time.

The daytime trials are free to the public and run from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
The evening concert costs $15 a ticket and begins at 7.30pm.