Horsham performer Sienna Walsgott took out two titles at last week’s annual Wimmera Music Eisteddfod – she was again named most promising vocal student and joint winner of the Alex Rathgeber vocal championship, for the second year.

Shanae Thomas shared the Alex Rathgeber vocal championship title.

William Meyer was awarded the most promising piano student, and the Ann Adler memorial piano winner was Joseph Shepherd. 

Eisteddfod secretary Georgia Thomas said the two-day event was well-supported.

“We had more than 300 people attend across the two venues, which is more than last year,” she said.

“There was a high calibre of talent, and a lot of first-time performers across the different ages. We had adults participating for the first time, and the feedback is they’re looking forward to competing again, that they felt comfortable and supported in the environment we had.”

This year’s competition saw the introduction of a Taylor Swift section, which was well-supported and well-received. 

“We’re looking forward to next year, we can’t wait to develop the event and see what we can offer and make it even bigger.”

Mrs Thomas said adjudicators travelled from Melbourne and Gippsland region for the competition.

“We were really happy with their professionalism with the competitors, their critiques were of a high standard,” she said.

Hundreds of performers entered across 45 sections in piano, vocal, instrumental, and choir and ensemble. 

– Bronwyn Hastings

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