Before leaving Australia for the US in 1965, he was soloist with the ABC orchestras of Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart as a result of winning the ABC concerto competition.
He is Professor Emeritus of violin and chamber orchestra at the University of Wyoming, and he has also taught previously at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and Peabody Preparatory in Baltimore. Some of Professor Hanly’s former violin students include William Preucil, former Concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra; Andres Cardenes, former Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony; Michelle Makarski, 1989 winner of the Carnegie Hall International Competition for Violinists; Miho Hashizume (1991 National Winner of the MTNA Wurlitzer Collegiate Artist Competition) who is now a member of the Cleveland Orchestra, and Akemi Takayama who is Concertmaster of the Roanoke Symphony and Professor of Violin at Shenandoah University.
Hanly’s former teachers include Josef Gingold, Ivan Galamian, and Dorothy Delay.
Professor Hanly has appeared as a soloist and in chamber music numerous times throughout the US, Europe, Latin America, and Australia. As a member of the Western Arts Trio for sixteen years, he was extremely active particularly in contemporary music and was involved in commissioning, giving first performances, and recording five albums for Laurel Record of Los Angeles. For the US State Department, he has performed embassy concerts in Poland, Spain, Colombia, Panama, and Guatemala. The New York Times has called his performances “strong and assured, full of zest and vitality.”
Hanly has served as concertmaster of the Indiana University Philharmonic in Bloomington, as guest concertmaster of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and as concertmaster in Anchorage for the Alaska Summer Festival Orchestra, Robert Shaw, Music Director. In a lighter vein, he made concert tours of the U.S. with Henry Mancini and Andy Williams. He now lives in Colorado, sharing his time between the high desert community of Grand Junction and the Rocky Mountain town of Dillon.
Miller, Vicki, The Sixties, (West Australian Newspapers Limited).p.13
Concerto and Vocal / Instrumental and Vocal Competition / Young Performers Awards – A.B.C.
The ABC Young Performers Awards (historically known as the ABC Instrument and Vocal competitions) is Australia’s oldest and most prestigious classical music competition for young musicians, running continuously or through periodic revivals since 1944.
The competition evolved through several administrative eras and titles:
Year / Period
Competition Name
Managing Body / Notes
1944
State-based competitions
Founded by the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) with state symphony orchestras.
1949
Commonwealth Final introduced
State winners competed nationally for the first time.
1950–1967
ABC Concerto and Vocal Competition
Expanded format launching early career soloists like Max Olding (1952) and Roger Woodward (1964).
1968–1986
ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition
Standardized into four distinct categories by 1978: String, Vocal, Keyboard, and Other Instrumental.
1987–1996
ABC Young Performers Awards
State finals converted into category finals (1986); rebranded to emphasize holistic young artist development.
1997–2004
Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards
Management moved to Symphony Australia following the devolution of the ABC’s Concerts Division.
2001–2015
Vocal category transition
The vocal section shifted to the Music & Opera Singers Trust (MOST®), while instrumental categories remained under Symphony Australia / ABC.
2016–2022
ABC Young Performers Awards (administered by MOST®)
MOST® assumed full administration with the ABC remaining as media and broadcast partner.
2026–Present
ABC Young Performers Awards (returned to ABC)
Returned to full stewardship under ABC Classic to mark its 50th-anniversary celebrations, featuring finalists performing live with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Format and Structure
Eligibility: Open to young classical instrumentalists and singers (traditionally under 30, and currently aged 31 and under).
Stages: Progresses through multiple rigorous rounds including video/live auditions, state or regional heats, semi-finals, and a grand final with a major Australian symphony orchestra.
Categories: Split across Keyboard, Strings, Instrumental (woodwind/brass/percussion), and Vocal.
Notable Past Winners and Finalists
Over more than 80 years, the competition has helped launch the international and national careers of many prominent Australian musicians:
Max Olding (Piano, 1952)
Donald Westlake (Clarinet, 1953)
Donald Thornton (Piano, 1954)
Charmian Gadd (Violin, 1962)
Roger Woodward (Piano, 1964)
Nathan Waks (Cello, 1968)
Diana Doherty (Oboe, 1985)
Ian Munro (Piano / Composition)
Simone Tedeschi (Piano)
Liwei Qin / Li Wei (Cello, 1993)
Claire Edwardes (Percussion, 1999)
Amy Dickson (Saxophone, 2004)
Lloyd Van’t Hoff (Clarinet, 2015)
Emily Sun (Violin, 2018)
Eliza Shephard (Flute, 2022)
2026 Grand Finalists: Beatrice Colombis (Violin), Charlotte Miles (Cello), and Dillon Chan (Piano)
Australian Broadcasting Commission’s Concerto and Vocal Competition.
Finalists: Miss Betty North. Miss Nancy Barnden, Miss Betty Wright, Miss Norecn Edwards, and Miss Stephanie James.
Tuesday, April 23, in the Capitol Theatre, the Australian Broadcasting Commission conducted a Concerto and Vocal Concert at which were heard the above dualists in the recent competitions.
The Perth Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Ernest J. Roberts, opened with an overture, “The Marriage of Figaro,” by Mozart. Miss Betty North played “Konzertstuck in F Minor for Piano and Orchestra,” by Weber. This item was followed by Recit. and Aria, ” Dove Sono,” from ” The Marriage of Figaro,” by Mozart, rendered by soprano Miss Nancy Barnden.
Miss Betty Wright then played the first movement of ” Concerto in A Minor, Op., 16, for Piano and Orchestra.” by Grieg, which completed the first half of the
programme. After the Interval, Miss Noreen Edwards played a Concerto No. 1 in G Minor for Violin and Orchestra, first and second movements by Max Bruch. This artist, although quite young and immature, so far as orchestral associations are concerned, displayed a solidity and sympathy which makes her future musical career assured.
Miss Ray Williams, soprano, then sang “Il Est Deux, Il Est Bon” (from “Herodiade”), and the programme was brought to a close with an item from Miss Stephanie James, Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra” by Franck. Of all the contestants this young lady was outstanding. She has the brilliance and poise of the accomplished artist and a promising musical future is. undoubtedly in store for her.
Music lovers throughout the Stale are appreciative of the Concerto and Vocal programmes provided by the A.B.C., which are a boon to country listeners and which provide aspiring young artists with the opportunity of displaying their talent before a public audience.
Westralian Worker (Perth, WA : 1900 – 1951), Friday 2 May 1947, page 2
1950
VOICE AND CONCERTO – Semi-Finalists In A.B.C. Contest
The West Australian semi-finalists in the concerto and vocal competitions conducted by the Australian Broadcasting Commission were announced yesterday. They are Molly McGurk, Bernise Demorest. Pamela Kott and Ina Micale (pianists), Elise Longwill and Pamela Flower (sopranos) and Jack Harrison (clarinet). They will appear at the orchestral concert to be conducted by Sir Bernard Heinze on May 25 at the Capitol Theatre, at which the two State finalists will be selected. The final will be adjudicated by Dr. A. E. Floyd, Mr. L. Kennedy and the Assistant-Director of Music of the A.B.C. (Mr. H. Cannon). Mr. Cannon said yesterday that the number of entries in Western Australia in proportion to population had been the largest in the Commonwealth. This year there had been 69 entries for the competition, the majority having come from the metropolitan area. Prizes, he said, were being given to both the instrumentalist and vocalist finalist in the State and Commonwealth finals. The aim of the competition was to give young artists an opportunity to appear with an orchestra under an experienced conductor. Mr. Cannon added that the competition had impressed many overseas conductors, mainly because of the experience gained by young artists. and several conductors had said that it was a unique competition in this respect.
The West Australian Thursday 4 May 1950 page 7
Jack Harrison
VOICE AND CONCERTO
Semi-Finalists In A.B.C. Contest
The West Australian semi-finalists in the concerto and vocal competitions conducted by the Australian Broadcasting Commission were announced on Wednesday. They are Molly McGurk, Bernise Demorest, Pamela Kott and Ina Micale (pianists), Elise Longwill and Pamela Flower (sopranos) and Jack Harrison (clarinet). They will appear at the orchestral concert to be conducted by Sir Bernard Heinze on May 25 at the Capitol Theatre, at which the two State finalists will be selected. The final will be adjudicated by Dr. A. E. Floyd, Mr. L. Kennedy and the Assist ant-Director of Music of the A.B.C. (Mr. H. Cannon).
Mr. Cannon said on Wednesday that the number of entries in Western Australia in proportion to population had been the largest in the Commonwealth. This year there had been 69 entries for the competition, the majority having come from the metropolitan area. Prizes, he said, were being given to both the instrumentalist and vocalist finalist in the State and Commonwealth finals. The aim of the competition was to give young artists an opportunity to appear with an orchestra under an experienced conductor. Mr. Cannon added that the competition had impressed many overseas conductors, mainly because of the experience gained by young artists, and several conductors had said that it was a unique competition in this respect.
The West Australian Friday 5 May 1950 page 5
Local Finalists Meet Conductor
State finalists in the ABC vocal and concerto competition, who will play at next Thursday’s youth concert, met their conductor, Sir Bernard Heinze, yesterday morning.
Left to right: Molly McGurk (piano), Ina Micale (piano), Pamela Kott (piano), Pamela Flower (soprano), Jack Harrison (clarinet), Elise Longwill (soprano). Bernice Demorest (piano), and Sir Bernard.
Sunday Times Sunday 21 May 1950 page 21
Tomorrow at 8pm Capitol Theatre – 2nd YOUTH CONCERT
State Finalists in the Concerto and Vocal Competition.
PERTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Conductor: Sir Bernard Heinze
Soloists: Molly McGurk, Bernice Demorest. Pamela Kott. Ina Micale (pianists); Elise Longwlll. Pamela Flower (sopranos); Jack Harrison (clarinet).
Prices: 2/1 to Youth up to 25 years 6/1 and 4/1 to adults. Plan at Nicholsons. Direction: Australian Broadcasting Commission.
The West Australian Wednesday 24 May 1950 page 35
Instrumental and Vocal
PERTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Conductor: Sir Bernard Heinze
Soloists: Molly McGurk. Bernice Demorest, Pamela Kott. Ina Micale (pianists). Elise Longwill. Pamela Flower. (sopranos). Jack Harrison (clarinet).
Prices: 2/1 to Youth up to 25 years, 6/1 and 4/1 to adults. Plan at Nicholsons until 4.30. Patrons are requested to be seated by 7.50 as the concert will commence at 8 sharp and there will be no admittance during an item.
Direction: AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING COMMISSION
The West Australian Perth, Friday May 26 1950 page 14
Last night at the Capitol Theatre an audience which completely filled the auditorium attended the second of the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s series of youth concerts. Actually, the occasion, more than any other previous concert of the kind, fulfilled the purpose, for the young solo performers were those chosen in the West Australian concerto and vocal competition. There were seven of them, four pianists, one clarinettist (the only male to qualify) and two vocalists. Considerable interest was added by the fact that the concert was the final test to decide the choice of one instrumentalist and one singer to compete against two representatives of each State in Sydney at a later date.
HIGH PRAISE
The adjudicators were the Director of Music for the A.B.C. (Mr. W. G. James) and Dr. Edgar Bainton (former Director of the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music), Their decision, which was announced at the end of the concert, bestowed the honours on Miss Elise Longwell, soprano, whose singing of the aria, “Salce, Salce,” the Willow Song from Verdi’s opera,”Otello,” was a fine performance, and on Miss Molly McGurk, who received high praise for her playing of Liszt’s TodtcnTanz (Dance of Death). The adjudicators were so impressed also with Jack Harrison, who played the clarinet Concertino (Weber) that they announced their intention of strongly recommending his inclusion as a finalist.
The others who appeared were Miss Pamela Kott (first movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, in G Major); Miss Bernice Demorest (first movement of Moszkowski’s Piano Concerto in E Major); Miss Ina Micale (first movement of Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor); and Miss Pamela Flower (Jewel Song from Gounod’s opera “Faust”). A high standard was maintained by all the young musicians, and Dr. Bainton described the adjudicators’ task in arriving at their verdict as “exciting.” The orchestra, under the direction of Sir Bernard Heinze. Gave excellent cooperation to the soloists.
Saturday May 27 1950 page 11
1951
ABC CONTEST FINALISTS IN WA CHOSEN
THE eight WA finalists in the ABC Annual Concerto and Vocal competition were selected today. They are Sheila Hines (piano) ; Ian Conochie (baritone) ; Barbara Smith (viola) ; Molly McGurk (piano) ; Ina Micale (piano) ; Jack Harrison (clarinet) ; Valerie Wynne (soprano); Bernice Demorest (piano). They will all appear with the WA Symphony Orchestra in the Capitol Theatre on Thursday. A State finalist from each of the vocal and the instrumental sections will be selected.
These two winners will be eligible for the Australia-wide competition, which will be held in Sydney on July 7. The winner of this competition will be booked for a tour of Australia under the ABC.
THE WORLD OF MUSIC – State Finalists In. A.B.C. Competition
Seven young West Australians were chosen yesterday to appear at the Capitol Theatre on Thursday night as the State finalists in the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s concerto and vocal competitions. They are Miss Sheila Hines (pianist), Miss Barbara Smith (violist), Miss Molly McGurk (pianist), Miss Ina Micale (pianist), Miss Valerie Wynne (soprano), Miss Berniece Demorest (pianist), Mr. Jack Harrison (clarinettist), and Mr. Ian Conochie (baritone). They will all appear with the W.A. Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Mr. Rudolf Pekarek. The judges at the concert will be Dr. A. E. Floyd and Messrs. Lauri Kennedy, H. Cannon and Pekarek. From these finalists they will select one artist from the vocal section and one instrumentalist These will have the chance of appearing with other State finalists in Sydney on July 7 when the Australian winner of each section will be announced. The winners will then tour Australia under the direction of the commission.
The West Australian Saturday 28 April 1951 page 4
Bookings also open for CONCERTO & VOCAL FINALS. Featuring: SHEILA IINES, IAN CONOCHIE, BARBARA SMITH, MOLLY McGURK, INA MICALE, JACK HARRISON, VALERIE WYNNE, BERNIECE DEMOREST, With W.A. Symphony Orchestra conducted by RUDOLF PEKAREK. Capitol Theatre Next Thursday. PRICES: 4/-, 6/-, plus booking fee. Direction A.B.C.
The West Australian Monday 30 April 1951 page 21
ABC CONTEST 3rd MAY 1951 – WINNERS IN MUSIC A.B.C.’s Vocal And Concerto Finals – (By “Fidelio.”)
Finalists in the A.B.C.’s concerto and vocal contest for this State played and sang before the judges and a big audience at the Capitol Theatre last night. Sheila Hines, pianist, and Valerie Wynne, soprano, were placed first in the respective sections. Jack Harrison, clarinettist, was specially commended. Of the eight contestants heard with the W.A. Symphony Orchestra four were pianists. There were only two singers, and the remaining instrumentalists were a violist and a clarinettist. Miss Hines played a Mendelssohn con certo, Miss Wynne sang “Elsa’s Dream” (Wagner), Mr. Harrison played two movements of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. The judges were Dr. A. E. Floyd, Mr. Lauri Kennedy, Mr. Herbert Cannon (the A.B.C.’s Assistant Director of Music) and Mr. Rudolf Pekarek, conductor of the Perth orchestra. Four of the contestants had been among the finalists in previous years, one (Ina Micale, pianist) three times, two (Molly McGurk and Berniece Demorest, pianists) twice, and Mr. Harrison once; but last night’s winners were appearing for the first time in that role. The ages of the contestants ranged from 19 to 26. Whether one or both of the winners will go to the Eastern States, there to compete with winners in other State contests in the Commonwealth, finals, has still to be decided.
The West Australian Friday 4 May 1951 page 4
ABC CONTEST FINALISTS IN WA CHOSEN
The eight WA finalists in the ABC Annual Concerto and Vocal competition were selected today. They are Sheila Hines (piano); Ian Conochie (baritone) ; Barbara Smith (viola) ; Molly McGurk (piano) ; Ina Micale (piano) ; Jack Harrison (clarinet) ; Valerie Wynne (soprano); Bernice Demorest (piano). They will all appear with the WA Symphony Orchestra in the Capitol Theatre on Thursday. A State finalist from each of the vocal and the instrumental sections will be selected. These two winners will be eligible for the Australia-wide competition, which will be held in Sydney on July 7. The winner of this competition will be booked for a tour of Australia under the ABC.
The Daily News Friday 27 April 1951 page 6
WINNERS IN MUSIC – A.B.C.’s Vocal And Concerto Finals (By “Fidelio.”)
Finalists in the A.B.C.’s concerto and vocal contest for this State played and sang before the judges and a big audience at the Capitol Theatre last night. Sheila Hines, pianist, and Valerie Wynne, soprano, were placed first in the respective sections. Jack Harrison, clarinettist, was specially commended. Of the eight contestants heard with the W.A. Symphony Orchestra four were pianists. There were only two singers, and the remaining instrumentalists were a violist and a clarinettist. Miss Hines played a Mendelssohn concerto, Miss Wynne sang “Elsa’s Dream” (Wagner), Mr. Harrison played two movements of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. The judges were Dr. A. E. Floyd, Mr. Lauri Kennedy, Mr. Herbert Cannon (the A.B.C.’s Assistant Director of Music) and Mr. Rudolf Pekarek, conductor of the Perth orchestra. Four of the contestants had been among the finalists in previous years, one (Ina Micale, pianist) three times, two (Molly McGurk and Berniece Demorest, pianists) twice, and Mr. Harrison once; but last night’s winners were appearing for the first time in that role. The ages of the contestants ranged from 19 to 26. Whether one or both of the winners will go to the Eastern States, there to compete with winners in other State contests in the Commonwealth, finals, has still to be decided.
The West Australian Friday 4 May 1951 page 4
1953
1953 A.B.C.’s Concerto and Vocal Competition
Next Thursday evening the finals of the A.B.C.’s Concerto and Vocal Competition will take place at the Capitol. The contestants, with their chosen items, are as follows: Donald Thornton, pianist (first movement of Tschaikowsky concerto); Molly McGurk, soprano (air from “Louise”); Brenda Cullity, violinist (first movement of Beethoven concerto); Laurie Devine, pianist (Franck’s “Symphonic Variations”); Patricia Wyatt, soprano (Meyerbeer aria); Jack Harrison, clarinettist (movements from Weber concerto). The adjudicators will be the A.B.C.’s Director of Music (Mr. W. G. James) and Mr. H. Portnoj.
The West Australian Saturday 2 May 1953 page 20
Finalists Will Be Selected The State finalists in the Concerto-Vocal Competition will be selected tomorrow when the State semi-finalists are called for re-audition. The finalists will appear with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra in the Concerto Vocal Concert to be held on May 7. The semi-finalists are: Pianists. Laurie May Devine, Donald William Thornton. Sheila Hines and Angela Travia: violinists, Brenda Cullity and Barbara Tyler; clarinet, Jack Harrison: sopranos, Patricia Wyatt, Lynette Howieson, Beth Banks and Molly McGurk, mezzo-soprano. Vella Timewell; baritone, John Little and bass-baritone, Douglas Glendinning. The West Australian Friday 10 April 1953 page 6
ABC FINALISTS ANNOUNCED For MAY 7 1953 THE Australian Broadcasting Commission today announced the State finalists in its 1953 concerto and vocal competition. The six finalists are: Sopranos; Patricia Wyatt and Mollie McGurk. Pianists: Laurie Devine and Donald Thornton. Violinist: Brenda Cullity, Clarinet: Jack Harrison. An ABC spokesman said that the finalists would be heard at a youth concert in the Capitol on May 7, with the State Symphony orchestra. They will compete in the Australian final in Melbourne in July. The Daily News Saturday 11 April 1953 page 3
1953 ABC I&V finals
ABC STATE FINALISTS State finalists in the ABC Concerto and Vocal competition for 1953 are: Sopranos: Molly McGurk, Patricia Wyatt. Pianists: Laurie Devine, Donald Thornton. Violinist: Brenda Cullity. Clarinet: Jack Harrison. They will take part in the finals on May 7 when they appear with the State Symphony orchestra in the Capitol. Sunday Times Sunday 12 April 1953 page 8
Music Under Fire – Youth Concert Reviewed
Pianist Donald Thornton, who was judged winner of the instrumental section, opened the concert with the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Piano concerto No. 1. Soprano Molly McGurk, winner of the vocal section, with a lovely poetic rendering of Charpenter’s “Depuis de Jour”. Jack Harrison opened the second half of the programme with the second and third movements of Weber’s Concerto in E Flat for clarinet and orchestra. He played with imperturbable technique and in places genuine artistry. I should like to hear him play a Mozart work, which might give scope for a more sensitive and musical approach than Weber. PEGASUS. The Pelican (UWA Guild Journal) – Jack Harrison’s scrapbook
Winners In Music Test Are Chosen (By “Fidelio.”)
Donald Thornton, a 20-year old science student at the University of Western Australia, won first place in the instrumental section of the A.B.C.’s concerto and vocal finals at the Capitol last night. It was his first appearance in these competitions. He played the opening movement of the Tschaikovsky No. 1 Piano Concerto and pleased the judges (and others) with his “musical approach” to a work which, as the A.B.C’s Director of Music (Mr. W. G. James) said, is so often “banged out from end to end.” In the vocal section, Molly McGurk, who sang the well-known soprano air from “Louise,” was named the winner, thereby achieving a feat probably without precedent here. For hitherto Miss McGurk has figured in the list of finalists – three times – as pianist. Her win last night, which was her first, comes at her first attempt as vocalist. The remaining contestants were Brenda Cullity, violinist (second time in these concerts); Laurel Devine, pianist, and Patricia Wyatt, soprano, both newcomers; and Jack Harrison, clarinettist, who for the third time had gained a place in the finals. High Standard The adjudication was in the hands of Mr. James, Mr. Henry Portnoj, and the W.A. Symphony Orchestra’s conductor, Mr. Pekarek. Mr. James introduced Mr. Portnoj as a musician from Vienna, now settled in Melbourne, and formerly closely associated with the Vienna State Opera. Mr. James said that the all-round standard was high, and he gave well deserved praise to Mr. Pekarek for his sympathetic help to the competitors by way of the orchestral ac-companying. Hitherto the “grand finalists” from the several States, chosen to appear in Sydney, have been selected from the State winners. Mr. James said this had been changed. From now on, the eight to appear in Sydney will be selected from the finalists in the States, that is, they will not necessarily be the winners in the States. So far this year, finalists have been heard only in W.A. After the Hobart adjudication, on June 6, when all State finals will have been completed, the choice of winners to go to Sydney will be made. As usual at these events, there was a very large audience last night.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Friday 8 May 1953, page 8
Jack Harrison was, again, highly commended, but didn’t win. He was always tremendously impressed that Molly McGurk had won on two occasions – once on piano then as a vocalist and enjoyed working with Molly in both roles during their careers. To make matters worse, clarinettist Don Westlake came into prominence in the 1953 to be the first wind player to win the ABC’s Instrumental and Vocal Competition.
1954
Scooped the Pool – W.A. MUSICIANS’ SUCCESS
Sydney, Aug. 17.—Two West Australian musicians who scooped the pool in the final round of the A.B.C. vocal and concerto competitions last night said that they did not want to win “We only wanted honourable mentions,” they said. The two—Donald Thornton, pianist, and Patricia Wyatt, soprano—are both 21 and for the next four years could have entered the A.B.C competition. “Now we have won it seems that we cannot enter any more,” Miss Wyatt said. “We can only go back-stage and wish competitors the best of luck.” Mr Thornton won the instrumental section. He played Rachmaninov’s “Paganini Rhapsody” with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Miss Wyatt, who sang the “Bell Song” from Delibes’ “Lakme,” won the vocal section. Nine young musicians took part in the final concert. The adjudicator was the noted European conductor, Walter Susskind, and the orchestra was conducted by Eugene Goosens.
Once again, the State finals of the Concerto and Vocal Competition on June 12 showed the strength of talent in young Western Australian musicians. The finalists were WA Symphony Orchestra violinist Robert Ingram, tenor Lloyd Masel, pianists Michael Bertram and Josephine McKimmie, sopranos Elayne Sibritt, Margot Robertson and Lynette Howieson and violinist Geoffrey Michaels.
Margot Robertson was the soloist when the West Australian Symphony Orchestra travelled south in March, returning in time to take part in the Shell Aria Contest held in Canberra. In the eisteddfod held in conjunction with the main contest, Margot won champion lady’s solo. In June 1959, Margot and pianist Alan Speer won their sections in the state finals of the Concerto and Vocal Competition.
An all star cast of leading Commonwealth and State artists will give a Concert in the York Town Hall on Saturday, 30th August. The occasion is the one hundred and sixth Anniversary of the York Methodist Church. Geoffrey Michaels, the fourteen year old violin prodigy, who last month, playing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, won the A.B.C’s Commonwealth Concerto Competition will be featured. Miss Patricia Connop who was last year’s winner and is at the present the star of the “Mikado” now playing at the Capitol Theatre, together with George Idle who plays opposite her in the same show, will be among vocalists. Miss Dianne Hosking, one of Perth’s leading actresses, will present speech items and John Dean and Bob Ingram, of the Perth Symphony Orchestra, will contribute instrumental items. Miss Margo Robertson, a West Australian finalist of Mobil Quest and Mr Ian Conochie, a leading base soloist in the “Messiah”, will also be vocalists. Duo-pianists of State fame who will perform are Josephine McKimmie and Michael Bartram; Wendy Prosser and Alan Speer. This is the finest line up of talent this State and York has enjoyed for such moderate charges. To make the evening a social success fitting for the occasion supper will be served the admission fee of six shillings will cover this. To obtain a good seat it is advisable to book at Efford’s Pharmacy, Beverley.
Beverley Times (WA : 1905 – 1977), Friday 22 August 1958, page 4
1961
Miller, Vicki, The Sixties, (West Australian Newspapers Limited), p.14
1962
In 1962, Lyn Tilsed won the instrumental section of the New South Wales Final of the ABC Concerto and Vocal Competition playing the flute, and in the following year, won both the Keyboard (flute)and Wind/Brass (flute) sections of the West Australian Finals.
1968
In 1968, Lyn Tilsed entered the ABC Concerto and Vocal Competition once more, winning the keyboard section of the WA Finals and was runner – up in the Commonwealth Finals playing the harpsichord, an instrument for which she developed a great love and interest.
1984
The West Australian Thursday May 17 1984
Cathie Travers
In 1984, Bruce Gillam was named a State Winner of the ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition, performing Nielsen’s Clarinet Concerto with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Elisa Wilson won the Vocal section and Cathie Travers the Piano.
Sir Bernard Heinze – signed program
Margot Robertson was the soloist when the West Australian Symphony Orchestra travelled south in March, returning in time to take part in the Shell Aria Contest held in Canberra. In the eisteddfod held in conjunction with the main contest, Margot won champion lady’s solo. In June 1959, Margot and pianist Alan Speer won their sections in the state finals of the Concerto and Vocal Competition.
