Awards, portraits unveiled at Classics Return

Ewen Lodewikus recieved the RYO $1000 Music Bursary Award from conductor Jack Jones.

Rockhampton Youth Orchestra’s “The Classics Return Concert last Saturday, 19 November, was well attended and a great success.

The concert program also included CQ Strings, Unisong Choir and guest artists Isaac Graham and Mary Steer who presented a dynamic program of music which was warmly enjoyed and appreciated by the patrons.

During the concert I was very pleased on behalf of the committee to announce the Inaugural RYO $1000 Music Bursary Award which was awarded to Ewen Lodewikus who received a plaque and $1000 award towards his music development. The award was presented by RYO conductor Jack Jones.

The Committee also decided to present the Inaugural RYO Incoraggiamento $200 Award to Willem Wigginton. Willem received a plaque and $200 award towards his music development by committee member and music director/conductor of Unisong Choir, Janet Stevenson.

The Rockhampton Youth Orchestra Committee are very pleased to announce these awards will be presented annually to further encourage the musicianship and musical development of our young musicians.

During the year committee member Robyn Everitt discussed with Ivan how we could honor the faithful and passionate commitment and service Janet Stevenson and Mary Steer have given to Rockhampton Youth Orchestra and Unisong Choir.

Artist Elena Churilova was commissioned to paint portraits of Janet and Mary and P’nE Art and Framing, framed the portraits. Enena has fond memories of Janet and Mary from her time in Rockhampton and when her son was a member of the Rockhampton Youth Orchestra and has expressed her delight in being commissioned to paint their portraits.

During the Classics Return Concert it was my great privilege to ask Janet and Mary to come centre stage with the added special surprise of Elena being in the audience and joining with Robyn Everitt them for unveiling the portraits.

The portraits are magnificent and will be hung in the RYO Room along with the portraits of Helene Jones and Jean Boyce who Elena has previously painted to honor their commitment and service to the Rockhampton Youth Orchestra.

We look forward to providing exciting musical programs and enjoyment to our supporters and audiences in 2023.