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Ten young guitarists from The University of Western Australia's School of Music Guitar Ensemble won the highest praise at a competition adjudicated by one of the world's most acclaimed classical guitarists.

Aged from 18 to 22, the musicians received an ‘Outstanding' award at the 22nd Western Australian International Guitar Ensemble Festival.

They are Engineering/Science student Sahan Amaratunge (19) of Willetton, and School of Music students Don Candy (18) of South Perth, Nathan Clarke (22) of Darch, Kate Ellis (20) of Wellard, Katy Hadfield (18) of Kingsley, Kate Hulbert (18) of Myaree, Brittany Seward (20) of Joondalup, Patrick Vu (20) of Booragoon, Christine Yeong (18) of Thornlie and Chris Young (18) from Kardinya.

The students are taught by School of Music sessional staff member John Casey, who received an Honorary Doctorate from UWA in 2006 for his achievements in Western Australia in the field of classical guitar.

Karin Schaupp, a notable German-born Australian classical guitarist and actor, was the Festival's adjudicator.

Her comments included: "A wonderful performance; beautifully controlled tone, colours and dynamics; excellent posture, rhythmic accuracy, phrasing, ensemble and presentation."

Ms Schaupp completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music at the University of Queensland.  She is a member of Saffire, also known as the Australian Guitar Quartet.

She has performed and recorded with the recorder player Genevieve Lacey and acted and played the guitar in a one-woman show, Lotte's Gift , written for her by playwright David Williamson and based on her own life and that of her musical family.

Media references

Danielle Loiseau (Acting Project Officer, UWA School of Music)  (+61 8)  6488 3994
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716