All festival candidates are to be congratulated for their efforts and fine achievements over the week. Those who chose to compete for the particular trophies and scholarships were required to achieve high marks in special designated classes in order to enter the Friday night program. The awards themselves represent the support of St. Thomas community members wishing to encourage musicianship. The following are the winners:
The vocal award is the Rose Bowl and Scholarship donated in memory of Frank Sanders, the Founding President of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas. It was won by Karlee Dowell with her fine presentation of 'Children Will Listen' from ' Into the Woods'.
The silver tray, presented for piano performance, is in memory of John and Norienne Macdonald. John Macdonald was also a charter member of the club. The silver tray was awarded to William Alexander for his skilful rendition 'Sposalizio', by Franz Liszt.
The Stephanie Leung Memorial Scholarship and Trophy is in memory of a fine young musician who was also an enthusiastic competitor in the Festival. This was established by her parents Stephen and Pamela Leung. It was won by Brendan Alexander who delighted the audience with Claude Debussy's 'Clair de Lune'.
The Tom Cunniffe Scholarship honours the former Director of Education and is donated by the Thames Valley District School Board. It was won by Joanne Chun for Mozart's 'Andante in C Major', played beautifully on her flute.
The Durkee Alumnus Award is donated by Donald Durkee to encourage the progression of musicians once they have achieved the festival recognition through the senior trophies. This was won by Vanessa-An Tran who provided a beautiful alto saxophone solo 'Alla Gitana' by Paul Dukas. In addition, she played 'Island Spell' a piano number by John Ireland, in recognition of her status as a silver tray alumna.
The vocal award is the Rose Bowl and Scholarship donated in memory of Frank Sanders, the Founding President of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas. It was won by Karlee Dowell with her fine presentation of 'Children Will Listen' from ' Into the Woods'.
The silver tray, presented for piano performance, is in memory of John and Norienne Macdonald. John Macdonald was also a charter member of the club. The silver tray was awarded to William Alexander for his skilful rendition 'Sposalizio', by Franz Liszt.
The Stephanie Leung Memorial Scholarship and Trophy is in memory of a fine young musician who was also an enthusiastic competitor in the Festival. This was established by her parents Stephen and Pamela Leung. It was won by Brendan Alexander who delighted the audience with Claude Debussy's 'Clair de Lune'.
The Tom Cunniffe Scholarship honours the former Director of Education and is donated by the Thames Valley District School Board. It was won by Joanne Chun for Mozart's 'Andante in C Major', played beautifully on her flute.
The Durkee Alumnus Award is donated by Donald Durkee to encourage the progression of musicians once they have achieved the festival recognition through the senior trophies. This was won by Vanessa-An Tran who provided a beautiful alto saxophone solo 'Alla Gitana' by Paul Dukas. In addition, she played 'Island Spell' a piano number by John Ireland, in recognition of her status as a silver tray alumna.

Joanne Chun, flute, Tom Cunniffe Scholarship (London); Karlee Dowell, vocal, Rose Bowl (St. Thomas); William Alexander piano, Silver Tray (London); Brendan Alexander, piano, Stephanie Leung Memorial Scholarship Trophy (London); Vanessa-An Tran, Silver Tray Alumna and Durkee Alumnus Award, saxophone (London); Trudy Kanellis, representing the St. Thomas Rotary Club Foundation
The Annual St. Thomas Rotary Music Festival ended Friday evening, February 27, 2015 with the competitions for the major trophies and awards. This is always a climactic ending for the candidates who excelled and who often plan to further their music careers. It also provides a most rewarding evening for the audience who delight in such professional performances. Another opportunity to enjoy fine local talent takes place with the Keynotes Concert on April 10th. |
The year’s music festival culminates with the Keynotes Concert of performers from the different classes in vocal, piano and instrumental music. This will take place Friday, April 10, 2015 at the Salvation Army, Elm St, 7pm. All festival activities are free of charge with free will offerings if desired.
Article & Photos courtesy of Rotary Music Festival
Article & Photos courtesy of Rotary Music Festival