Young musicians shine in competition
Music Niagara announces winners of inaugural Young Musicians of Niagara Competition
Three young performers have been recognized for their talents by Music Niagara. The finals of the inaugural Young Musicians of Niagara Competition were held on Friday, June 29 at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Three young performers were selected as finalists, in recognition of the quality of their submissions, with one from the senior competition, ages 15 to 18, and two for the junior competition, up to 14 years of age.
Terrence Wu of St. Catharines, 15, was winner in the senior competition, while 11-year-old pianist Axell Panganiban of Niagara Falls won the junior competition. Seven-year-old Ellie Khutornaya was also recognized in the junior competition, highly commended by the judges.
Axell Panganian, 11, Terrence Wu, 15 and Ellie Khutornaya, 7.
Diane Hemmings/Courtesy
In front of a crowd of about 60, each young musician played four pieces from memory, and the judges’ panel, headed by Atis Bankas, were very complimentary of their performances. The performance also included a recital by two of the judges, Music Niagara founder Atis Bankas and Victoria Kogan.
The competition was supported by grants from Niagara Region’s Investment in Culture program, the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake and private donations. Music Niagara plans to hold this competition again next year.
Source: niagarathisweek.com
