Outstanding Canada West achievements for local performers
SUBMITTED
Three local performers represented Team Saskatchewan in the Canada West Performing Arts Festival held in Victoria, B.C., from July 25th to 27th. Only the top performers from each participating province are invited to compete in the prestigious final of the music festival competition.
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During this competition, Willem Hoogstad was awarded top honours and claimed the much sought-after first place and $1,000.00 prize money in the Intermediate under 17 Speech class. Steyn Hoogstad was announced as the runner-up in the Senior Speech class for competitors 22 years and under.
Willem delivered a strong 20-minute program, and the adjudicator, Sydney Sengotta, praised his performance's "great moments of truth" and his narrating skills, which "lure the audience." "I feel Willem has an unfair advantage," Sengotta said. His voice has such power, such skill, softness, strength, and intellect."
Willem was also invited to deliver his Mark Antony Shakespeare monologue at the distinguished gala performance of the festival, where he was the only Saskatchewan representative. His delivery was very well received by the audience. Sengotta remarked that the emotional power of his ending "made his hair stand on end."
Steyn's 25-minute program was judged to be "very captivating" with "a level of sincerity that felt honest and real".
Liné Linde represented Saskatchewan in the under-13 classes of Classical Voice, Musical Theatre, and Spoken Word. She received great feedback and learned a lot.
Steyn and Willem would like to thank Unity Music Festival and Macklin's Arts Council for their generous financial support. Liné wishes to thank Prairie Sunset Music Festival and Macklin's Arts Council for their support. The three competitors would also like to thank their teacher, Stacy Berg-Lloyd from Provost, for her dedication, creativity, and the sharing of her passion for the performing arts.