Zenith Chae wins National Performers Competition
Cellist Zenith Chae is the winner of the 2006 Telecom National Performers Competition. In the Auckland Town Hall last
night, 15 year old Chae and the four other finalists each performed the first movement of one of three prescribed
Concertos, accompanied by the St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra conducted by Tecwyn Evans. Two highly commended prizes were
also awarded to Ryan Cha (clarinet) and David Choi (violin).
Chae was thrilled with her win:
“I really enjoyed the whole process of rehearsals and competition as music is different every time.”
Chae was introduced to the cello at the age of five. Now, the Hillsborough teenager, who is in Year 11 at St Cuthbert's,
can't imagine life without it.
“The cello has a unique attraction; it sings without words. You feel like you are the actual instrument, producing the
music out of yourself, not from another object.”
Chae’s prize for winning the Telecom National Performers Competition includes $500 cash, a Telecom mobile to the value
of $599 and an engagement to perform solo in concert with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in 2007.
As principal sponsor of the competition, Telecom’s Head of Group Brand and Sponsorship Peter Parussini said Telecom was
excited to be playing a part in providing an opportunity for these extraordinarily talented musicians to reach their
goals.
“Congratulations to Zenith Chae on an outstanding winning performance. You and the other four finalists all share a love
and commitment to music that I’m sure will endure throughout your lives and will entertain and inspire many other New
Zealanders.”
The aim of the Telecom National Performers Competition, which is managed by the APO, is to provide gifted young
orchestral musicians with the platform to present their talent to the public so they can gain experience and public
recognition – both vital for their developing careers.
Competitors were judged on technical ability, musicianship, stage presence and their ability to perform solo with the
APO in concert. The Competition judges were Antony Ernst (APO Artistic Administrator), Peter Walls (NZSO CEO), Eric
Hollis (Head of the University of Auckland School of Music), and Mikhail Tablis (Institute of Registered Music
Teachers).
ENDS