Four Central Coast Conservatorium of music students have raised $1000 to help give disadvantaged children access to music education by putting on a fundraising concert at Robert Knox Hall in Gosford.

Flautists Elana Sydenham and Emma Deed organised the Spring Sounds concert together with fellow Central Coast Youth Orchestra players Xavier Cardozo (bassoon) and Krys Cox (cello). They were accompanied by associate artist Noah Peres.

Together the performers raised $1000 for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation. “Our teacher, Rosalie Bourne, suggested it and I thought it was the perfect chance to challenge myself. I also liked the idea of showing people how great music is,” said Elana.

Emma said the event was also a great opportunity to see how a concert comes together behind the scenes. “It is also a great way of just getting to perform with my friends for a worthwhile cause,” said Emma.

As part of the concert, Emma and Elana performed their award-winning flute duet Maya, by Ian Clarke, accompanied by Noah on piano. Their performance of Maya won the pair the 2023 Youth In Performing Arts Callaghan Family Scholarship earlier this year. This enabled the pair to attend and participate in the 2023 Australian Flute Festival in Sydney and they have also played together for the Lyrical Flute International Championships. 

Central Coast Conservatorium of Music CEO, Dr Lisa Barnes, congratulated the students on a great initiative. “Through this student-led concert, the students managed to raise $1000 for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation. Congratulations to all involved on a lovely afternoon.”