The Pearl Beach Scholarship Concert returned for its 21st year on Saturday, bringing together some of the Central Coast’s most accomplished young musicians for an afternoon of performance, celebration and community support.
Gosford High School Flautist, Emma Deed was awarded first place in the 2026 Pearl Beach Senior Scholarship, impressing adjudicator and audience alike with her performance. Pianist Mathias Way received second place, while Flautist Caitlin Swadel was awarded third.
Emma’s success extended beyond the major scholarship prize, with her performance also earning the People’s Choice Award. The Rising Star Award was presented to violinist Minjy Lee.
Now entering its third decade, the Pearl Beach Scholarship Concert continues to provide a respected public platform for emerging young musicians and remains a valued tradition within the Central Coast arts community.
Supported by the Pearl Beach Progress Association and the Irvine Family, the scholarship concert recognises excellence in performance while offering students valuable experience sharing their work with live audiences and professional adjudicators.
This year’s Senior Scholarship finalists (Caitlin Swadel, Emma Deed, Grace Moura Atkins, Mathias Way, Mitchell Frith, Minjy Lee, and Nicholas Chong) showcased the depth of talent emerging across the region. Audience members also welcomed back 2025 scholarship winner Anya Sandeman as a guest performer, offering an inspiring glimpse of the opportunities the scholarship program can help create.
2026 Pearl Beach Senior Scholarship Concert performers
Acting Artistic Director and CEO of the Central Coast Conservatorium, Carl Schmidt, paid tribute to all involved, offering warm congratulations to the performers and acknowledging the community support that makes the event possible.
“Congratulations to all our performers and their teachers on a phenomenal concert. The standard of musicianship, confidence and preparation on display was exceptional and is a testament to their commitment, hard work and support from family and friends.”
The event once again featured the much-loved Junior Showcase, highlighting the strength of developing musical talent across the Central Coast. The showcase provides younger musicians with an opportunity to perform and gain valuable stage experience before a supportive audience.
The ten junior students performing solo instrumental and vocal works included Rising Star Scholarship recipients Rose Atkins (voice), Johannah Sandeman (violin), and Josephine Challinor (violin). Irvine Family Piano Scholarship winner Mathias Way also provided a sensational guest performance.
2026 Pearl Beach Junior Showcase performers
2026 Pearl Beach Senior Scholarship Recipients
- 1st Place – $2000 Pearl Beach Scholarship: Emma Deed, Flute (sponsored by the Fussell Family Foundation).
- 2nd Place – $1000 Pearl Beach Scholarship: Mathias Way, Piano (sponsored by Julian Knights Family).
- 3rd Place – $750 Pearl Beach Scholarship: Caitlin Swadel, Flute (sponsored by Justice David Davies).
- People’s Choice Award – $500: Emma Deed, Flute (sponsored by Russell Grove in memory of Frances Grove).
- Rising Star Award – $500: Minjy Lee, Violin (sponsored by Ashley Fraser).
The Pearl Beach Scholarship concerts continue to celebrate not only musical excellence, but also the vital role community support plays in nurturing and inspiring young artists.
