Auckland violinist Diane Huh has won first place at the 2018/2019 National Concerto Competition held in Christchurch over the weekend.
Diane Huh Photo: Gisborne International Music Competition
The National Concerto Competition is an annual musical competition for young people aged 25 years and under. This is the 52nd competition and 2018/2019 is for Instrumental competitors.
Huh won $10,000 for her performance of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D Minor. She also secured the People’s Choice Prize. She has previously performed with Korimako Trio, 2017 Winners of the Pettman/ROSL ARTS Chamber Music Scholarship.
Reviewer Patrick Shepherd says of the winning performance: " Huh's sound projected well, even when pitted against the full orchestra, and, throughout, Huh appeared at one with the music. The first-movement cadenza was a tour de force of technique and passion, a neat contrast with the calmness and searching quality she brought to the slow movement. The third-movement was joyous, but also saves plenty of the toughest tricks until last. Huh had plenty in reserve and maintained her focus and energy right to the wire. She was a worthy winner."
The National Concerto Competition competition was held at the Aurora Centre at Burnside High School and all the finalists were accompanied by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Kay.
Christchurch flutist Isabella Gregory placed second with her performance of Ibert’s Flute Concerto, while Hamilton cellist Hyein Kim came third with Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme and won the Junior Jury Prize.
