FIVE days out from the 58th Hamilton Eisteddfod, the organising committee is ready to welcome an influx of competitors, their families, and followers to the Greater Hamilton region.

The annual event returns in a reduced capacity after a two-year COVID-19 forced hiatus, with musicians set to take centre stage at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre from Tuesday, June 7.

“After two years without our much-loved competition, we are pleased to confirm that the 58th annual Hamilton Eisteddfod will go ahead this year, but with a condensed program,” president, Leeanne Barber said.

“While we are delighted that we can proceed, a drop in entry numbers has meant that the event will occur over a reduced number of days this year.

“We are grateful for the support and positive responses we have received. Despite lower numbers, some of our competition sections have filled and we know there is enthusiasm for a return of performing arts events this year.”

Internationally acclaimed pianist and chamber musician, Dr Kenji Fujimara, will adjudicate this year’s music section in a coup for the organising committee.

The multi-award-winning composer has performed throughout Australasia, USA, Romania, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

“Kenji joined the International Academy of Musical Arts in 2018 and is now their executive director,” Ms Barber said.

The Hamilton Eisteddfod proudly welcomes back official accompanist, Dean Sky Lucas, in 2022.

Mr Lucas was the open music scholar at Guildford Grammar School in Perth, where he trained on organ and piano.

In 2018, Mr Lucas was the music director for Gertrude Opera’s inaugural Yarra Valley Opera Festival, preparing and performing the Australian premier of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Elixir of Love, Cosi fan Tutte and The Tale of 2 Divas, to critical acclaim.

One of Australia’s most celebrated dance adjudicators, Brian Nolan, will join Dr Fujimara in the line-up of esteemed judges at this year’s competition.

A former member of the Australian Ballet Company, Mr Nolan toured Australia and performed with Dame Margot Fonteyn in The Merry Widow.

He has worked at both Channel Nine and the ABC Channel 2 Ballet, performing in a wide range of shows.

He is the director of the Brian Nolan Academy of Dance, which celebrates 40 years next year.

Hamilton’s own Louise Le Nay will offer her expertise to the speech and drama entrants, wrapping up the two-week event on the morning of Monday, June 20.

Ms Le Nay began her working life as an actor, recognised for her role as ‘Sandy’, the Top Dog on Prisoner.

She is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art and has worked as a writer and script editor on many TV shows, including Neighbours, Blue Heelers and MDA.

The organising committee is excited to welcome such an esteemed panel of adjudicators to the 58th event, thanking the contribution of the Greater Hamilton community.

“We thank our donors, sponsors and advertisers for their commitment to the event,” Ms Barber said.

Ms Barber said the return of the event is emphasised by the addition of a second Australian Ballet Summer School Scholarship.

“This year, on top of the scholarship awarded to the student with the most potential to pursue a classical ballet career from the 13 Years & Over dance section, a second scholarship of equal value will be offered to the best 12 Year & Under performer,” she said.

“These scholarships add to the incredible awards, including cash prizes and trophies, once again donated by local businesses and supporters.

“The two-week competition will attract hundreds of competitors and their families and supporters to the Greater Hamilton area, and we enjoy the effect this has on the local economy.”

The dates are listed below:

Music competition: Tuesday, June 7 – Friday, June 10.

Dance: Monday, June 15 – Sunday, June 19.

Speech & Drama – Monday, June 20.

For more information, please visit hamiltoneisteddfod.org.au.