Musical prodigies win prestigious scholarships to further their passion

Maxine Wilson, a 16-year-old pianist, and Abby May, an 18-year-old singer, guitarist and songwriter, were the main prize recipients at the prestigious event held on Sunday, November 24.

Batemans Bay High School student Maxine won the $1000 Senior Classical prize.

Abby, from Dalmeny, received two awards, totalling $2000, namely Senior Contemporary and the David Harding Tertiary Scholarship.

Twelve finalists, aged 10 to 18, performed for a delighted audience who filled the St Bernard's Church in Batehaven before the winners were announced and the awards presented.

The students of music could not have been happier.

"It was a wonderful space to perform in, with great acoustics," said Abby.

"It was so nice seeing all the people who were there to support young musicians like us."

Abby, who had earlier in the day performed in Bermagui, will go on to study music next year, but has a busy schedule of folk festival performances to fill in her summer.

Maxine was pleased to receive the prize money as motivation to keep playing and practising.

It would also help cover the cost of lessons, given there are three musicians in her family.

Meanwhile, Tura Beach's Henry Thapa also wowed the audience with his performance.

He arrived late because he was performing in Bermagui the same day, then proceeded to play a complicated piece - Muzio Clementi's Sonatina Op. 36 No. 4, 1st Movement - without sheet music.

The 10-year-old won the Junior Classical scholarship.

There was a collegial vibe in the room as players stepped up for their performances and many of the young musicians commented they enjoyed watching each other perform and grow in confidence.

The St Cecilia Scholarship was started by Maria de Rocco almost 30 years ago.

It was designed to provide performance opportunities as well as funds for lessons and development.

It is open to young musicians from Eurobodalla, Bega and Shoalhaven Shires.

The program has continued with the help of donors who each year contribute to the pool of prize money.

The committee was grateful to the Moruya CWA, Batemans Bay Rotary, South Coast Music Society, Eurobodalla Shire Council and a number of individual donors for their generosity in supporting young musicians.

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, a pianist and violinist, congratulated the students on their hard work and encouraged the finalists to continue to develop their musical skills.

St Cecilia president Jess Ferguson, herself a past winner, was grateful for all the support and for the students' dedication.

She encouraged them all to apply again in 2025 and to continue sharing their talents with the community.

Senior Classical

Senior Contemporary

Junior Classical

Junior Contemporary