Saultites deliver exceptional performances at Ontario Music Festival

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE MUSIC FESTIVAL

************************
Gabrielle Turgeon placed first in the recent Ontario Music Festivals Association’s Provincial Finals in the RCM Grade 9 Voice category. The 16-year-old singer out performed 23 other competitors in her class to garner the title.

This was the second year that she placed first. Gabrielle’s exceptional talent was also recognized in the 2016 Sault Ste. Marie Music Festival, as the winner of the coveted Shield Competition, not for her singing but as a violinist.

Two other performers from Sault Ste. Marie also received Honourable Mention for their exceptional performances: 14-year-old Joshua Hales-Leppanen in Grade 8 Guitar, as well as 9-year-old Brian Li in Grade 7 Violin.

Over 800 young musicians from across Ontario performed in the week-long finals in Peterborough.

To participate as a provincial competitor, a student must be recommended by an adjudicator from a local Music Festival to compete on the Provincial stage.

The Sault Ste. Marie Festival was held during the last two weeks in April and 30 performers in voice, piano, strings, guitar and winds were recommended to the Provincial Finals.

Other Provincial Finalists who participated in the seven day event were Alejandro Izquierdo, Brittany Noonan, Ryan Mauro, Cassandra McCauley, Evan Williams, Tomas Pochtaruk, Colton Oliverio, as well as the Korah Korahsters Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Denine Williams.

************************