A first-year student at the New Zealand School of Music has been selected as one of three finalists at the 5th Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians.
Following a video audition, 18-year-old Benjamin Carter was the only competitor selected from Australasia in his age category (17-23 years) for this prestigious competition. He had only recently returned from competing in another piano competition in Jinjiang, which Benjamin described as a ‘fantastic experience.’
‘I was very close to being selected for the final, and it showed me which aspects of my performance needed work for the next competition,’ says Benjamin.
The Zhuhai competition is focused on Mozart’s music. Each competitor must prepare two sonatas, a set of variations, a concerto, and an additional work, all by Mozart, along with several other pieces by different composers.
As a finalist in this competition, Benjamin now has the opportunity to play with the Salzburg Chamber Soloists. For Benjamin, this is already a dream come true.
Benjamin’s achievement also strikes the right note for New Zealand Chinese Language Week, 17-23 September.
‘I’ve recently started learning Mandarin,’ says Benjamin. ‘I would love to be able to speak the language one day!’
Benjamin’s trip to China was generously paid for by the Deane Endowment Trust.
