For more than 40 years passionate community members, eager to see arts and culture grow locally, have formed a committee and dedicated their time to the annual Bundaberg Eisteddfod.
The Bundaberg Eisteddfod provides an opportunity for performers to share talent, gain confidence and receive constructive feedback while celebrating their strengths.
This year Bundaberg Eisteddfod is sure to be outstanding with more than 600 entries in the vocal, speech and drama, instrumental and music categories.
Bundaberg Eisteddfod sponsorship coordinators Suellen Cusack-Greensill and Hannah Jacobs are busy ensuring the long-standing legacy of the week-long competition continues.
“Learning an instrument, music, or speech and drama creates connection, it teaches the individual discipline,” Suellen said.
“By working in ensembles, orchestras, and in groups, it encourages teamwork and people skills.
“It encourages a human to emote and to be able to interact, communicate, and express themselves well with others.
“It also instills self-worth and self-esteem with individuals, allows participants to gain confidence.”
New eisteddfod committee ready to revitalise event
This year Bundaberg Eisteddfod has a new committee made up of life members along with fresh faces ready to bring the stage to life and revitalise the event.
“2022 sees the rebranding of Bundaberg Eisteddfod with the new committee working hard to revitalise the event to inspire the next generation of local performers and musicians,” Hannah said.
“We have a brand-new committee for 2022, full of talented local people who are passionate about the arts and culture within our community.
“Our aim is to bring the Bundaberg Eisteddfod to life, revitalise the event, and inspire the next generation of performers in our region.”
Original Bundaberg Eisteddfod members continue legacy
Original members Robyn Edgar and Alison O'Malley have played an integral part in the committee since its inception in 1975.
As a vocal teacher, classroom music teacher and conductor of the Bundaberg Youth Choir, Robyn said she had seen many students take to the stage, and she was pleased she had been able to help guide many to successful careers as both professional musicians and music teachers.
Alison has also had a connection with the Bundaberg Eisteddfod since moving to the region in 1976.
“At that time, the eisteddfod catered for both adult and junior performers, so I competed in vocal and piano sections,” Alison said.
“I formed the Bundaberg State High School choir who competed in the choral sections for some years.
“I have loved playing for the music students of Bundaberg over the years, whether young beginners, or advanced musicians, vocalists, string, woodwind or brass players.
“The Eisteddfod has, importantly, offered students wonderful performance opportunities, and ensured they received useful feedback from the adjudicators.
“I feel it is also has a social function, where the young people make friendships with like-minded students from different schools.”
The adjudicators for 2022 Bundaberg Eisteddfod include Kate Schirmer for vocal, Dr Fletcher Mitchell for instrumental and Kyle Walmsley for speech and drama.
Bundaberg Eisteddfod will run from Friday, 29 April to Friday, 6 May, with a gala evening on Saturday, 7 May.
For more information visit the website.
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