Gosford High School flautist Emma Deed has claimed the top prize at the 2026 Pearl Beach Senior Scholarship Concert, impressing the adjudicator and audience alike at what was a landmark evening for Central Coast music. Pianist Mathias Way took second place and flautist Caitlin Swadel third at the concert’s 21st anniversary, a milestone that underscored just how deeply embedded this event has become in the region’s cultural life.
Emma also took home the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Russell Grove in memory of Frances Grove, making her the standout performer of the day. Violinist Minjy Lee was recognised with the Rising Star Award, sponsored by Ashley Fraser.
The seven senior finalists — Caitlin Swadel, Emma Deed, Grace Moura Atkins, Mathias Way, Mitchell Frith, Minjy Lee, and Nicholas Chong — were drawn from the Central Coast Conservatorium’s most talented students. Last year’s winner, Anya Sandeman, returned as a guest performer, giving audiences a taste of where the scholarship can take a young musician.
2026 Pearl Beach Senior Scholarship Concert performers
The concert was held on Saturday 23 May at Pearl Beach Memorial Hall and has been jointly sponsored by the Pearl Beach Progress Association and the Irvine Family since its founding in May 2005. Central Coast Conservatorium Acting Artistic Director and CEO 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 also featured the Pearl Beach Junior Showcase — introduced in 2013 and now a beloved fixture of the program — with 9 junior students performing solo instrumental and vocal pieces. The Junior concert included performances by Irvine Family Piano Scholarship winner Mathias Way alongside Junior Rising Star Scholarship recipients Rose Atkins (voice), Johannah Sandeman (violin), and Josephine Challinor (violin).
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, Violin (sponsored by Justice David Davies)
- Peoples Choice Award – $500: Emma Deed (sponsored by Russell Grove in memory of Frances Grove)
- Rising Star Award – $500: Minjy Lee, Violin (sponsored by Ashley Fraser)
The 21st anniversary of the Pearl Beach Scholarship Concert was a resounding success, celebrating both the achievements of young musicians and the community support that continues to inspire the next generation of talent on the Central Coast.
