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It’s not every day you get awarded NSW Secondary Ku-ring-gai Concerto Competition of the Year. But for CCGS student, Sebastien Hibbard, who is just 16, this talented musician's dream is now very real.

After a gruelling number of stages, against some of the finest young musicians in the State, Sebastian was awarded the highly coveted Outstanding Performance winner as well as the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra Players’ award. 

The NSW Secondary Schools Concerto Competition is a prestigious classical music competition for secondary school students in NSW and the ACT. Since 1984, the annual competition has been an important part of the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert calendar and gives young musicians invaluable performance opportunities. Capped at 100 entrants even reaching the final six is truly an achievement. To win the final is incredible!

Talent and effort rewarded

Sebastien played two movements from Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto. Music Teacher, Robyn Crowley said, “Amongst a field of highly accomplished musicians, Sebastien’s light shone brighter and his considerable efforts (and talent) were justly rewarded.” 

Director of Performing Arts, Lee Fleming attended the evening. “It was an honour watching this gifted young man last night. He is, as always, very humble about this but this is a special moment for Sebastien, his family and Music at CCGS,” said Mr Fleming.

Sebastien’s list of accolades does not end there. Last year he won the Symphony Central Coast Concerto competition, has been chosen as Principal cellist for the CCGS Symphony Orchestra, Central Coast Youth Orchestra, HICES Music Festival and recent guest Principal of the NSW Youth Orchestra. 

Sebastien’s mother Irene Hibbard said, “It has been a long journey of hard work and full commitment from Sebastien but it was all worth it in the end! Sebastien will be given the rare opportunity to play another full concerto as a guest soloist of the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra."

A first for CCGS Jazz!

In June we also celebrated a first for CCGS when Year 10 student, Louis Sturm, won the Youth in Performing Arts (YIPA)/ Central Coast League Club Jazz scholarship. 

The Jazz League has provided support for the YIPA Scholarship for 15 years and this year they were delighted to award Louis with the honour.

Musical wins at Sydney Eisteddfod

CCGS instrumental ensembles also had outstanding results this year, bringing home wins from the much anticipated Sydney Eisteddfod. 

The events, held at the Concourse Concert Hall in Chatswood, are adjudicated by professional musicians and have become a real highlight of the entire Eisteddfod Performing Arts Festival.

Each ensemble competes against similar groups from schools around Sydney, including many prestigious private schools and selective high schools. Our CCGS ensembles gained the following accolades:

• 1st Place for Symphony Orchestra – The Wenkjart Foundation Intermediate Youth Orchestra 
• 2nd Place for Stage Band – Secondary School Intermediate Stage Band
• Highly Commended for Senior String Ensemble – Secondary School Intermediate String Ensemble.
• Highly Commended for Senior Concert Band – Secondary School Intermediate Concert Band.

Chris Hunt, Director of Instrumental Music said, “It’s such a worthwhile experience just to participate and perform in another high quality venue. Our students have worked very hard for these outstanding results and they are truly well deserved. They have all been excellent ambassadors for the school, continuing to build the CCGS profile amongst the musical and broader community.”

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