SunLive – Young musicians play to become BOP’s rising star

An afternoon of beautiful music and exceptional talent this Sunday, will see seven young musicians perform with the Bay of Plenty’s community orchestra in Tauranga.

The popular Rising Stars Concerto Competition is back for 2025 at Tauranga Boys’ College Graham Young Youth Theatre from 3.30pm on July 27.

The biennial Rising Stars concerto competitions had been a popular part of BOP Symphonia’s  repertoire since 2009, and had given many secondary school-level students from around the region a rare opportunity to perform with a live orchestra, said guest conductor McElwee.

“The recent introduction of a composition class has led to some exciting new talent being recognised; and many [past entrants] continue to support the orchestra now and then.”

This year’s finalists are dedicated musicians – and often top in their chosen sport too, McElwee said. “They are active in music groups at their schools and many play in the Youth Philharmonic Tauranga and other local ensembles.”

Bethlehem College student, Year 7 Jasper Zhang will perform a double violin concerto by Vivaldi at the concert. Photos / Supplied

Bethlehem College Year 7 student Jasper Zhang will perform a double violin concerto by Vivaldi with fellow Bethlehem College student, Year 9 Elisha Tie.

Papamoa College’s Rima Azuma, who is passionate about piano, will play a movement from Grieg’s ‘Piano Concerto’.

Bethlehem College Year 7 student Esha Xu plays many instruments but had chosen to perform the first movement of Mozart’s ‘Piano Concerto No.23’ in A Major.

Year 12 student Heejae Choi, also Bethlehem College, plays several instruments but had chosen to perform the ‘Oboe Concerto’ in C Major by Haydn.

Tauranga Boys’ College Year 13 student Hugo Broad will perform a movement from F. Strauss’ ‘Horn Concerto, Op.8’.

Bethlehem College student Zekai (David) Jiang will perform the second movement from Rachmaninov’s ‘Piano Concerto No.2’.

Plus, 2023’s Rising Star Enoch Tie, who won this year’s composition entry, will perform Gabriel Faure’s ‘Fantaisie’ for flute and orchestra.

BOP Symphonia’s Rising Stars concert is this Sunday, July 27, at 3.30pm at Tauranga Boys’ College, Graham Young Youth Theatre. Tickets are $25 per adult and $15 per child/student plus booking fees at: www.eventfinda.co.nz. Door sales will be limited.

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