High achieving talent on show

Some of Wanganui's talented young musicians take the stage on Saturday in the High Achievers' Showcase Recital.
Starting at 8pm in the Royal Wanganui Opera House, the annual concert is promoted by the Wanganui branch of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers. This is the fifth recital since the High Achievers' concerts were initiated. Spokesperson Ingrid Culliford said the event was one of the musical highlights of the year for the students, teachers and the general public alike.
"All the students are studying in the higher grades of their chosen instruments. Some have already attained a performance diploma or have just sat or are working towards that goal." The programme for this year's recital offers a range of items from piano and instrumental solos to musical theatre items plus a repeat performance of the colourful trio for flute, alto saxophone and piano performed by the winning group in this year's Schools Chamber Music regional contest.
"Wanganui has a reputation for its cultural heritage and can boast a long line of musicians who have succeeded both nationally and internationally, Dame Gillian Weir, Ross Pople and Linden Loader to name but a few," Ms Culliford said.
"The High Achiever's concerts have been a wonderful stepping stone for many of our other young artists who have gone on to further music study and a future in the performing arts.
"Some of our past high flyers to watch out for include Shannon Tweedie, Philippa Walden, Mirina Leonti, Marino Marriner, Andrew Christiansen, Pascal Harris, and Abigail Livesay, and many of Saturday night's performers will be following in their footsteps."
Tickets for the concert are available from the opera house.