GEORGE NEWS - The auditions of the 41st annual Young Musicians Competition presented by the George Music Society took place at the George Arts Theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday, 5 and 6 May.

Two highly skilled musicians, acclaimed pianist John Theodore, and Mel Botes, celebrated for his exceptional guitar skills, vocals and compelling song writing, had the very difficult task of adjudicating almost 80 entries from some of the best young musicians from all over the Garden Route.

Beautiful vocals, instruments such as flutes, saxophones, drums, piano, electric guitar, violins and cellos, and even a euphonium, were presented. 

There were performances by exceptional duos, trios and ensembles, making the adjudicators’ task even more complicated.

Despite the storms making it very difficult for some of the participants to attend the proceedings, the teachers and parents quickly rallied together and produced videos of the participants, which were presented to the adjudicators in the course of the next couple of days.

As the schools were closed on the Wednesday, many people braved the weather to spend the day at the theatre, proving again that the people of George will support one another as much as possible.

The Young Musicians Competition’s gala concert will take place at the Arts Theatre at 18:30 on Friday 5 June. The best of the best are invited back to perform in a spectacular concert, open to the public. During this final showcase, the junior and senior cash prizes and trophies are formally awarded.

The mission of this George Music Society project is to bring young people with similar interests together and to help these musicians build confidence to be able to perform in front of an audience.

The George Music Society depends on local support. The society needs sponsorships from the community to be able to keep on presenting high-quality performances, as well as the Young Musicians Competition, to the public of George.

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