THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD The Australian National Eisteddfod Society Inc. ABN 32 452 693 087 PO Box 94, Civic Square, ACT 2608 Ph: 6249 7421 – email info@nationaleisteddfod.org.au

MEDIA RELEASE

Inaugural Contemporary Music Division a Success

Thursday August 3rd marked the inaugural Contemporary Music Division of the Australian National Eisteddfod.

Young composers and performers from the Canberra and New South Wales regions competed in sections aimed at promoting the growth and development of contemporary musical culture in the community. An appreciative audience enjoyed high quality performances that ranged from a composition about the perplexities of shopping (by local composer Fiona Fraser) to smooth jazz vocals.
The flagship event of the evening, the Dom Harvey Contemporary Australian Brass Solo, was a testament to the high standard of brass playing in Canberra.

Highlights of the evening included:

1. Dom Harvey Contemporary Australian Brass Solo: Winner Katrina Szetey (French Horn)
2. Open Contemporary Classical Solo Performance: Winner Cheri Preston (Soprano Voice)
3. Years 11 and 12 Contemporary Jazz Solo Performance: Winner Natalie Magee (Voice)

Following the success of this year’s event, next year’s Contemporary Music Division is set to be held in October 2007.

	Katrina Szetey - winner of the Dom Harvey Contemporary Australian Brass Solo
Natalie Magee - winner of the Years 11 and 12 Open Contemporary Jazz Solo

Other Eisteddfod sections in 2006:

Patron – His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC (Retd)
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

Vice-Patron – Professor Larry Sitsky AM
Distinguished Fellow in Composition, Australian National University