Basoonist Gillian Hansen wins WA Youth Orchestra scholarship

9/8/98

A young bassoonist has been chosen as this year's winner of the Western Australian Youth Orchestra Senior Instrumental scholarship.

Arts Minister Peter Foss made the announcement at the Mercedes Benz 'Fusion' concert, featuring the youth orchestras of WA and Mannheim, Germany.

The 1998 winner is Gillian Hansen. Gillian has been a WAYO member for four years and travelled with the Australian Youth Orchestra to China in February this year. She is one of only two Australians selected to play with the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra.

"The scholarship is part of a Government initiative to support our most talented young performers," Mr Foss said.

"I congratulate Gillian on her success and wish her well in her plans to pursue further studies in Europe."

The Minister also welcomed the Mannheim Youth Orchestra on its second visit to Perth and commented on the value of music as an international language.

"These young people are not here to compete against one another, as in a sports or academic competition, but to work together with an intensity that is often unique to the arts," he said.

"In a world where international understanding is of increasing importance, we cannot afford to overlook the unifying properties of the arts.

"I would also like to congratulate the WA German Business Association for its work in co-ordinating a combined sponsorship of the 'Fusion' concert by leading German companies based in WA.

"It is a great encouragement to see such sponsorship partnerships taking place in support of the arts in Western Australia."

Media contact: Chris Morris 9321 2222