While competing at the New Zealand Community Trust Music Contest on 5-6 August, Matthew Chanwai (Year 11) played the cello in the trio, Menotti. Made up of pianist Audrey Guo (Westlake Girls’ High School) and second cellist Junghwan Choi (Rangitoto High School), Menotti received the prestigious June Clifford Silver Award. With over 300 groups to compete against, the trio performed ‘Suite for Two Cellos’ and ‘Piano’ by Gian Carlo Menotti.
In honour of Mrs June Clifford, Chair of Chamber Music New Zealand, the Silver Award is presented to six of the national semi-finalist groups, each receiving a $500 cash prize. The competition has been a long process, beginning in June where the group first played at the Auckland district preliminary rounds. Earning a place at the Auckland District Finals, the trio progressed further and were awarded a spot in the Northern
Regional Finals before competing at nationals.
