A local eisteddfod which has helped thrust many Bundaberg Region performers into the national and international spotlight is about to kick off its 2019 season.
According to committee member Lynne Metz, the event had been staged in the region for over 78 years.
“It is a regional competition that has over 1500 performers in solo, small group and large group items that compete in both music and speech and drama,” she said.
“The Eisteddfod Committee is run purely by volunteers.”
Performers aged between five to 18 years old will take to the stage when the competition kicks off from April to May at The Playhouse Theatre.
Ms Metz said the 15-day event was an opportunity for the public to see the region's talented youth on stage performing dramatics, singing and playing musical instruments.
“These children gain confidence, self-respect and experience,” she said.
“Three different adjudicators will assess those who participate rewarding them with feedback and prize money.”
Performer success
Ms Metz said over the almost eight decades the eisteddfod had been running, many previous performers had risen from the local stage to make a name for themselves both nationally and internationally.
“Liam O’Malley performs with the West Australian Orchestra and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra as a flautist,” she said.
“Alex Morris plays clarinet with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Jack McGovern 2018 Qld Matilda Award recipient for his portrayal of multiple characters in the play The Owl and the Pussycat.”
Ms Metz said big-name performers that once participated in the eisteddfod also continued to wow audiences in Bundaberg.
“Sue Ellen Cusack-Greensill, Jessica Savage (nee Modelo) and Natalie Sweetapple are wonderful professional singers who perform locally, nationally and internationally,” she said.
“We are very fortunate to have them back in the region currently.”
Ms Metz said the eisteddfod was not only a positive for all involved, but also put the spotlight on the community.
“We aim to help our town of Bundaberg thrive,” she said.
“What better way than to provide an opportunity for our children to participate in events that will show their talents and develop their skills and confidence through public performance and competition.”
Event details
The Eisteddfod is split into categories and will culminate in a gala concert on the evening of Friday, 10 May, from 7 pm at the Bundaberg Playhouse Theatre, Steffensen St.
Tickets to the gala concert cost $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Adjudicators
Marisa Lee Naismith
Marisa has been a performer in the music industry for over 45 years performing predominantly in pop and rock styles. She is a singing teacher and voice researcher.
Her teaching specialisation is across all contemporary commercial music styles.
Presently, she is employed as a Voice and Stagecraft Teacher in the Bachelor of Popular Music Program at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, singing teacher at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School and teach privately on a per needs basis with professional and semi professional singers.
Marisa is passionate about passing her wealth of industry experience onto emerging
performing artists.
June Finney
June Finney holds a dip. D.a. (n.i.d.a.), a.s.d.a. And was awarded an honorary F.S.D.A. By A.M.E.B. In 2016.
She conducts a private speech and drama studio in Brisbane, working with adults and children in the areas of creative interpretation and development of speech and communication skills.
June is principal examiner in speech and drama in Queensland for the Australian music examinations board.
She is vice-president of the Communication, Speech and Performance Teachers Inc., Queensland.
June has adjudicated eisteddfods and drama festivals throughout Queensland and New South Wales and has extensive experience as actor and director, as well as conducting workshops in developing speech, communication and performance skills.
