Queenstown masterclass tunes up violinists

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VIRTUOSO SCHOOL: Young violinists Kristine Clair-Galano, 8 (front), Bunty Cook, 14 (left) and Lydia Harris, 18, arrived in Queenstown yesterday to be part of the 2010 Queenstown Violin Summer School.

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The chance to perform in front of 100,000 people in Christchurch is a big opportunity that awaits one member of the Queenstown Violin Summer School programme.

Yesterday, talented young violinists from throughout New Zealand and the world arrived in Queenstown to take part in the programme specifically focused on improving the solo performance of violinists.

Australian Bunty Cook , 14, said the opportunity to play in front of such a large crowd was exciting, but daunting.

"It's a great opportunity, but it would be really scary as well. I get nervous easily, and when I get nervous I break out in the giggles. I'm in my second year of the programme, and last year's experience really helped me with my nerves, especially during performance," she said.

The student chosen to perform at the ASB Classical Sparks Christchurch concert on February 5 would be chosen by tutors through a process of live auditions and public performance.

Programme artistic director Kevin Lefohn said the chance for young performers to learn from a lineup of renowned teachers and tutors was important to shape their talent and future careers.

Lydia Harris, 18, of Christchurch, who is also attending the programme for the second time, said the chance to learn from the tutors was something she would savor. "People like Feng Ning (who won the 2005 Michael Hill International Violin Competition and is a renowned international performer) can really show you the potential of a playing career.

He also shows you that it's not something that just happens. It is something you really have to work for and want and put hours and hours of practice into," she said.

The 26 students aged from eight to 25 were selected by audition and would be immersed in daily lessons, masterclasses and concert performances.

Students are in attendance from New Zealand, Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, while tutors included New Zealand Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppanen, Feng Ning and Graz University of Austria Professor Yair Kless.

QVSS casual, masterclass and showcase concerts will be open to the public in Queenstown until January 22.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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