"It has been a
pleasure to see this event evolve during the past half-century, providing
students across south east Queensland opportunities to hone their skills,
achieve goals, and compete in a friendly environment, while receiving
constructive feedback from some of the most experienced adjudicators in
the country.
I remember as though it were
yesterday performing in this competition when it was The Ashgrove Talent
Quest. It meant a lot to me. Surprisingly, I recall performances by other
people as well: singers and string players, and even game contestants
willing to give impromptu speeches on unlikely topics provided on the
spot! I take pride in knowing how that imaginative suburban event has
evolved to benefit music makers in the choral and instrumental ensemble
sectors across a far wider area.
To those competing in this year¹s
season, I wish you all the best - enjoy the experience! And on behalf of
all who have been a part of Queensland Youth Music Awards over the years,
thank you for the opportunities this competition has provided, and
congratulations on your success!"
Piers Lane, a competitor and prize winner in QYMA's precursor, The Ashgrove Talent Quest, is proud to support the Queensland Youth Music Awards as its Patron.
Growing up in Brisbane, Piers was a student at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and attended Kelvin Grove State High School. He is now a world renown classical pianist, and is profiled on Queensland Symphony Orchestra's page:
"London-based Australian pianist Piers Lane
is one of the most inquisitive and engaging live performers of his
generation. In great demand as soloist
and collaborative artist, recent highlights include a performance of Busoni’s
mighty piano concerto at Carnegie Hall, premieres of Carl Vine’s second Piano
Concerto, written for him, with the Sydney Symphony and the London
Philharmonic, and a sold-out performance of Chopin’s complete Nocturnes at
Wigmore Hall."