Young Aucklanders led the way in modern dance and classical music in what organisers described as a "captivating" display of youth talent at the Young Performer of the Year competition in Wellington.
Auckland violinist Simone Roggen, aged 18, won the orchestral instrument section, with an "electrifying" excerpt from Bizet's Carmen.
The youngest
winner was 15-year-old Aucklander Renee Schuda, who won the modern dance section with a jazz dance performed in stiletto-heeled shoes.
"There were leaps, the whole deal, it was just a blowaway," said John Gandy, vice-president of the Performing Arts Competitions Association of New Zealand.
Highland and National Dancing was won by Nabila Piper, 17, of Marlborough.
Daniel Musgrove, 17, of Blenheim, won the speech and drama section, with a monologue on death and dying.
Cultural Affairs Minister Marie Hasler presented the trophies.
Mr Gandy said performances in the finals, held at the State Opera House, captivated the attention of the audience so that "you could have heard a pin drop." - NZPA
