Sunday 27 July, 3.30pm, at Tauranga Boys’ College Graham Young Youth Theatre
Conductor: William McElwee
Seven young musicians performed with BOPS in the 2025 Rising Stars Concerto Competition. This competition for 12-18 year old classical instrumental musicians from the Bay of Plenty has taken place every 2 years since 2009 and has secured a special place in the calendars of the Bay’s classical music lovers, young musicians, and their teachers. The contestants relish the opportunity to perform solo with a live orchestra – as well as the chance to be acclaimed as winner of the “Rising Star” title.
This year’s winner was pianist Esha Xu and the special jury prize was awarded to French horn player Hugo Broad. Winner of the composition competition was Enoch Tie with his work Transcending Zeniths.
The contestants’ performances took place before the discerning ears and eyes of three highly respected New Zealand musicians, our judges – APO contrabassoonist Sam Brough, acclaimed pianist Stephen de Pledge, and brilliant young conductor Vincent Hardaker.
Programme
- Elisha Tie & Jasper Zhang – Vivaldi Double Violin Concerto in A minor – whole work
- Esha Xu – Mozart Piano Concerto in A Major – 1st movement
- Heejae Choi – Haydn Oboe Concerto in C major – 1st movement
- Hugo Broad – F. Strauss Horn Concerto op. 8 – 2nd & 3rd movements
- Rima Azuma – Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor – 2nd movement
- Zekai Jiang – Rachmaninov Piano Concerto no. 2 – 2nd movement
In addition, Enoch Tie, Rising Star 2023, performed the Faure Fantasy for flute and orchestra. His winning composition, Transcending Zeniths for orchestra, was also be performed.
Download the programme booklet here.
Sponsor
