Past Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust Scholarships
Sunday 7th April 2024 – “Fools and Angels”
–A journey through time discovering musical and dramatic moments of the intrepid, the cautious and the downright crazy” featuring recent CVMFT scholarship winners, a local South Auckland Junior choir and a surprise special guest!
For further information, contact the Chairperson CVMFT (Gina Sanders) at enquiries@cvmft.org or 09 2928047
Emma Jones (Soprano) completed her Bachelor of Music in 2023 as a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar at the University of Waikato. She has successfully competed in many vocal competitions throughout New Zealand, including at PACANZ and the Nicholas Tarling Aria competition. Emma holds diplomas in ATCL Singing, Music Theory, Musicology and Composition and has received Blues Awards for Music for three consecutive years. Alongside her tertiary studies, she studies piano and is a current New Zealand Youth Choir member who tours nationally and internationally.
Myka Susanto is a young harpist based in Auckland. She is a skilled harpist who embarked on her musical journey at the age of 7. Her dedication to the harp has propelled her into various competitions and events, where she has left an indelible mark. She’s played in weddings, art galleries and more. In 2023, Myka achieved the runner-up position at the New Zealand Harp Fest, showcasing her remarkable talent. Her pinnacle moment came with a first-place gold at the RAVE Harpers International Chamber Competition 2023 Singapore, solidifying her status as a standout harpist. Myka’s musical prowess is a result of mentorship from luminaries like Yi Jin and Heidi Awuy from Indonesia, shaping her into the captivating harpist she is today.
Nicole Wong is an avid pianist who started her musical journey at the age of 5 and is currently working towards her LRSM after completing her Dip ABRSM in 2022. Alongside solo performance, she is also passionate about collaborative piano, playing with chamber groups, bands, choirs, and soloists at school. Nicole believes that music is a unique mode of communication that transcends conventions, connecting people in extraordinary ways. Thus, she was inspired to found ‘Music Through Generations’, a student-led non-profit organisation that fosters meaningful inter-generational relationships by enabling young musicians to curate and perform in concerts for senior citizens. In her free time, Nicole enjoys playing the piano and cello, mathematics, debating, and community service.
The CAMA Youth Choir was founded in early 2022 as an open and welcoming artistic group for young people seeking inclusivity and friendship. While fundamentally a musical group, the participants spend time exploring drama, general knowledge, communication skills, movement & dance and other creative/artistic talents. The group meets weekly at St Andrew’s on Monday afternoons and has both an educational and social focus. Within the group is the advanced CAMA Ensemble – made up six talented young singers – Kākahu Coughlan, Ariane Cordeiro, Gianna Cordeiro, Maria Gow, Aura Sanders and Ariana van Ballegooy. In various combinations they have won several awards in The Vocal Groups’ section at the South Auckland Performing Arts Festival, including the highest score of all 22 entries across all categories and ages. These girls are aged between 11 and 17, and all pursuing studies in music and voice. They enjoy performing a mixture of classical to modern and speak and sing several languages.
Jamie Zhang was born in China in 2015 and is a Year 4 student at ACG Strathallan. She loves music and is currently learning erhu, piano, cello and voice.
She hopes to showcase traditional musical instruments from China on the New Zealand stage, which is also part of spreading international culture.
Just 8 years old, Hailey Guo was born and raised in her Auckland,and is currently in Year 5 at ACG Strathallan School. A remarkable young pianist, she has already had a number of international successes, winning first place in the France VIVACE International Piano Competition, the Singapore International Young Pianist Competition and the 12th Hong Kong International Piano Invitation Competition. She was awarded 2nd place in the Pacific Rim International Musical Festival and the Prokofiev international music competition. Hayley gained a Distinction for ABRSM Performance Grade 8 and is now preparing for a ABRSM Diploma and has plans to pursue a career as a solo pianist.
Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust Scholarships 2023
In keeping with one of its primary goals, CVMFT is holding a Music Study Scholarships’ Festival on Sunday 15 October 2023 at St Andrew’s Clevedon Presbyterian Church – 3 Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Clevedon, 2582.
There will be two sections, Voice and Instrumental/Piano, with three age groups in each:
Junior 8-12 yrs; Intermediate 13-17 yrs; Senior 18 yrs and over.
Internationally-acclaimed university lecturer, Conductor, Baroque specialist and music director
Dr Rachael Griffiths-Hughes will adjudicate all sections. Please refer to her Biography.
For further information, contact the Chairperson CVMFT (Gina Sanders) at enquiries@cvmft.org or 09 2928047
CVMFT is very grateful to the generous sponsorship of Lindsay & Fred Hellaby and Margaret Williams, and for all its regular supporters who have made this event possible.
In addition to the scholarships mentioned above, there are other awards, by generous local residents. Further details will appear here in due course.
Some donors wish to remain anonymous.
Sunday 15th October 2023
Scholarships Day
Scholarships: 12.30 – 8.30pm: A Piano, Voice and Instrumental Competition Festival across 3 age-groups, open to the public.
For further information, contact the Chairperson CVMFT (Gina Sanders) at enquiries@cvmft.org or 09 2928047
Sunday 15th October 2023
Scholarships Day
Scholarships: 12.30 – 8.30pm: A Piano, Voice and Instrumental Competition Festival across 3 age-groups, open to the public.
For further information, contact the Chairperson CVMFT (Gina Sanders) at enquiries@cvmft.org or 09 2928047
2022: Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust Scholarships
CVMFT Trustees are pleased to have been able to develop and expand the activities of the Trust (in spite of the challenges of this year). It has been able to support a variety of artistic projects with an equal emphasis on emerging and established talent, primarily in the Franklin District, but also beyond to the wider Auckland area. Several study scholarships and hardship grants have been awarded, and the concerts have been well received. The Board* is determined to continue to provide local and national New Zealand artists with the opportunity to perform and to share their talents with local audiences.
The Board is excited to announce that the CVMFT Music Study Scholarships’ Festival Competition will take place on Saturday 5 November 2022 at Clevedon Presbyterian. These awards will focus on local talent that is need of assistance to reach “the next level”. There will be three sections, Piano, Voice, Instrumental, with three age groups in each: Junior 12yrs and under; Intermediate 13 – 17 yrs; Senior 18 and over.
Internationally acclaimed collaborative pianist, vocal coach, répétiteur, concert curator, music director and piano teacher, Lindy Tennent-Brown will adjudicate all sections. While all Auckland-based residents may apply, preference will be given to residents of South and East Auckland, and students of teachers in these areas. CVMFT is very grateful to the generous sponsorship of Lindsay & Fred Hellaby and Margaret Williams. For all inquiries and entry forms, please refer to the Rules and Information and submit an application here.
Special Applications for an Assistance Grant from the CVMFT can be made using the form below.
In addition to the scholarship mentioned above, there are other awards, by generous local residents. Further details will appear here in due course.
Some donors wish to remain anonymous.
2022: Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust Scholarships Winners
CVMFT Trustees are pleased to announce the following winners of the above Scholarships.
Here are the proud winners and Trustees in the photos below:
Faamanu, Melissa, Charlotte, Angela
2019: NZ National Singing School Sacred Solo Award
The CVMFT has funded the NZ National Singing School Sacred Solo Award.
In 2019 this was awarded to Libby Montgomery.
Here she is with CVMFT Trustee, Kay Shacklock.
About the CVMFT NZ National Singing School Sacred Solo Award.
At the Gala concert of the 2019 NZ Singing School in Napier, the inaugural CVMFT award for Sacred Solo was given. With the support of the Directors (Judy Bellingham, Rachel Fuller and Catrin Johnson), I chose Libby Montgomery. She was surprised and honoured.
As per discussions, the award focuses on the performance of an oratorio/sacred song at the Sunday service in Napier Cathedral (6th January), the 3rd day of the 11-day school. Classical stream singing students are asked to audition for this opportunity on the first day of the school. This year, 7 students were chosen. All were very fine singers, with much to commend them. The field performed well but I felt that Libby had a slight edge, presenting a song called “Charity” by Stephen Glover. It was heartfelt and she sang to everyone with poise and warmth, an uncluttered and honest performance. Although not the most advanced singer of the 7, everyone agreed that Libby’s performance made the most direct impact on the audience and the panel.
Trusteee Kay Shacklock
Libby Montgomery was born in Wellington but now lives in Auckland. Libby sang eagerly as a child, and this lead her to join her first school choir at the age of 8.
Singing lessons commenced at 10, and soon became a favoured activity. Choral singing became one of her greatest passions, soon followed by an awakening of her solo voice after becoming a student of Dr Morag Atchison at 15.
Not long after, Libby made the decision to pursue solo performance and began to study to fulfil her desire to pursue a career in music.
She is currently a member of Auckland Youth Choir and Auckland Chamber Choir, and has thoroughly enjoyed many wonderful performance opportunities and experiences with these groups. Now in her second year of a Bachelor of Music: Classical performance at the University of Auckland.
She is delighted to receive the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust award for Sacred Solo at the 2019 New Zealand National Singing School.
Mia began cello lessons with Sarah McDowall in 2014, with her younger sister Mele starting the violin a short while after.
Both girls quickly flew through the lower exam grades with excellent results, and are now working towards Grade 7 and 5 respectively.
Mia (14) has performed at an ABRSM High Scorer’s Concert, passed her Grade 5 Theory, her Trinity Intermediate Performer’s Certificate and is now a senior member of the Majors ’n’ Minors Orchestra.
Mele is just 11 years old, and confidently leads the orchestra. She passed Grade 4 Violin with a High Distinction in 2018.
The girls enjoy playing in public and contribute hugely to their church community with their music.
