In 2025 the Specialist Music Programme launched a new initiative, a concerto competition. All students in the Burnside programme entered this event and the study of their chosen work framed the SMP year. Westburn SMP students were also invited to enter; a junior competition was held for these younger students.
A series of heats and semi-final stages were held during terms 1 and 2, all of which were adjudicated by guest musicians, culminating in the final which was held in the concert hall of The Piano at which a number of special awards and cash prizes were awarded.
This competition proved to be a powerful motivator for students and certainly helped to raise the standard of solo performance within the student body. As well as the performance element, students undertook a year-long research task, investigating the art of solo performance through performer studies, comparing performances, and attending recitals/concerts. A series of special masterclasses focusing on the concerto works were held alongside the regular pattern of classes within SMP.
Having proved to be a huge success, the SMP Concerto Competition will continue to run every two years, the next event being 2027.
Award Winners from 2025 Concerto Competition:
First Place and the Neville Baird Cup for Excellence in Piano Performance – Michael Khor (Piano)
Second Place – Luca Cable (Trumpet)
Third Place – Hatsumi Yuge (Violin)
Audience Choice Award – Hatsumi Yuge
Junior Winner – Natsune Yuge (Cello)
From Dr. Patrick Shepherd…
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to everyone involved following the successful
conclusion of the inaugural SMP Concerto Competition Final, held on Wednesday evening, 3rd
September, at The Piano, Armagh Street. It proved to be a highly enjoyable and impressive
evening of music and I for one was left amazed that one school could produce such a wealth –
and standard – of talent that could be celebrated in this way. In every way it was a recognition and
celebration of the SMP and the marvellous work that happens within the programme, so an
enormous thank you to the sixty-three students who took part in the first round through to the ten
finalists.
The was the first time this competition has run, marking a significant milestone for our programme
in showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of our students. The ten finalists—selected
through rigorous heats and semi-final rounds—delivered outstanding performances across a
diverse range of instruments, including piano, flute, trumpet, clarinet, percussion, cello, and violin.
With everybody delivering a potential winning performance on the night, the task of choosing the
top three fell to our expert adjudication panel of Professor Peter Adams and Dr Heleen du Plessis
from the University of Otago’s Music Department. They provided expert evaluation and
commentary, awarding certificates and prizes to the performers as well as sharing some insights
with the performers and audience.
Michael Khor took first prize with an intense account of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no.3 in C
minor. Michael also received the Neville Baird Award for Excellence in Piano Performance.
Trumpeter Luca Cable opened the evening’s concert with a spirited performance of Arutunian’s
Trumpet Concerto and was awarded second prize. Hatsumi Yuge came third, with a beautifully
crafted account of the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto no.3 in G. Hatsumi also received
the People’s Choice Award.
We were also delighted to feature a performance by the winner of the Junior Concerto
Competition, Natsune Yuge, one of the SMP students at Westburn School students.
The evening was a resounding success—both musically and in spirit—and we are deeply grateful
to all who attended and supported this initiative. My thanks go to our performers, their tutors and
accompanists, our judges on the night and during the various heats, the dedicated music staff at
Waimairi-iri Burnside High School and Westburn Te Kura o Hereora, and all those who supported
the event with either their time, expertise, or sponsorship. SMP also acknowledges The Piano for
not only hosting the event but also providing generous financial support through the Next
Generation initiative.
It was a truly memorable celebration of musical achievement, and we look forward to building on
this momentum in future years.”