Gertrude Carey 2006 Report for MN

The 11^th Gertrude Carey Memorial Awards for Pianists took place on a fine Spring day in mid-October.  The intimate setting of the Eileen Joyce Studio allowed parents and friends excellent visual and aural appreciation of the 16 performances.

Among the Junior (under 16) participants was a young boy of only 9 years of age.  The morning passed in a whirl of breath-taking performances from 6 talented pianists, culminating in the presentation of first prize to Hsern Ern Tan and second prize to Anna Buckeridge.

Following a short break for lunch the competition resumed in the afternoon with the Senior (under 21) section.  Due to the large number of entrants and the intensity of the performances, the afternoon divided naturally into two parts, with a brief interlude halfway through the programme.  Expectation was high by the end of the day, with the two adjudicators (RSMC Past Presidents Dawn Baldwin and Irma Lewis) facing an extremely difficult task in selecting the winners.  After much deliberation, first prize was awarded to Alexander Sunman while second prize went to Tsu Tham Tommy Seah.

Our sincere thanks go to all those who entered the competition this year, as well as to our adjudicators.  Saturday 14^th October was a special day for the Royal Schools Music Club, being the 80^th Birthday.  We are extremely grateful to Dawn and Irma for carrying out their adjudication duties with such grace and professionalism, especially as a long and busy day was followed by the evening's 80^th Anniversary High Tea.