| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
Canterbury University music students Jun Bouterey-Ishido and Tony Lin have taken top honours in New Zealand’s premier competition for pianists.
Jun, who is studying towards a BMus(Hons), won the 2008 National Piano Competition held in Kerikeri 4-6 July while Tony, in his third year of a BMus, was placed second.
Jun and Tony were two of four finalists selected from an initial group of 17 competitors from around the world.
Jun played a selection from Schubert, Brahms and Ravel during his 45-minute performance in the grand final and was awarded the Richard Farrell first prize and $10,000 in prize money. For coming second Tony received the James Wallace ArtsTrust Prize of $5000.
Jun, while critical of his performance, said he was satisfied “on the whole” and very happy with his win.
“It’s not that I’m surprised but I was not really expecting anything.”
Adjudicator Ian Munro, a composer and pianist from Australia, said Jun “plays like he’s been on this planet for 50 years”.
“He’s got a bit to learn technically but musically there doesn’t seem to be any hang-up between his brain and his fingers.”
Contestants in competition showcase their skills over three days of live performances. They are expected to prepare a full recital programme and present it from memory in a concert setting.
For further information please contact:
Stacey Doornenbal
Communications Officer
University of Canterbury
Ph (03) 364 2987 ext 3809
stacey.doornenbal@canterbury.ac.nz