Young musicians’ contest

Press, 6 November 1984, Page 20

Young musicians’ contest

PA Wellington The Auckland pianist, Read Gainsford, has won the 1984 Young Musicians Competition at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington. He won $12,000 cash and a return air-ticket to London after playing Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No 3. The second-placegetter and the winner of $3OOO was the Auckland flautist, Catherin Bowie, aged 15. The prizes were presented by the managing director of Landmark Properties, Mr Oliver Newland. Mr Gainsford, aged 22, a student at Auckland University, began his musical life as a brass band player and is a committed Salvationist. Two years ago he won the “Auckland Star” concerto competition and last year the national concerto competition. The Wellington clarinetist, John Robinson, aged 19, was placed third equal in. the competition with the Christchurch cellist, Christopher Kane, aged 21. The competition final was judged by Messrs John Matheson, Heath Lees, and Ashley Heenan. The young' musicians appeared with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra under the direction of the guest conductor, William Southgate. Landmark Properties gave $20,000 sponsorship to the competition.