MAKE A NOTE OF PRESTIGIOUS EVENT

PERFORMERS are hoping to hit the high notes when they compete in the Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition this weekend.

The Townsville event, now in its 35th year, brings together some of the nation’s best vocalists and instrumentalists, who will compete for a spot in the finals.

Local singer Bronwyn Douglass will be among the performers hoping to impress.

Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition director Carol Dall’Osto said performers were coming from across the state, with two also flying up from Sydney. There is also a woman travelling from Moscow.

“It is unique to have a competition like this in a regional centre,” Ms Dall’Osto said.

“People come from

all over. We also haveh accompanists coming up from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.”

Ms Dall’Osto said many finalists and winners often went on to compete in the ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards.

“We finish up with two concerts where the three finalists from each of the vocals and instrumental open categories perform,” she said.

“The standard is so high ... Performers enjoy being able to perform and be critiqued.”

School ensembles will also take to the stage. Ms Dall’Osto said the event was often a launching pad for careers in music.

The competition will be held at the Townsville Civic Theatre and starts today.

The Open Finals Vocal Concert will be held on Sunday from 2pm and the Open Finals Instrumental Concert will be held on Tuesday at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost between $ 15 for a child/ school student and $ 30 for an adult.