Dubbo Eisteddfod 2021: Larissa Elder, Latai Day win first places

Dr Logan is the strings and piano adjudicator at this year's eisteddfod.

The eisteddfod started on Friday at the Macquarie Conservatorium with the instrumental program.

Eisteddfod president Barbara Redgrave was excited to celebrate the anniversary of the competition which showcases the work of students from across the region.

"It certainly is [exciting] after missing last year and everyone is enthusiastic which is great," she said.

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The talent of St John's College shone through with the school taking out both the primary and senior schools string categories on Friday.

On Sunday, it was Dubbo pianists Larissa Elder and Latai Day who were hearing the applause.

Larissa was awarded first place for the piano solo, 10 years only.

It's one of many categories she has taken part in during the eisteddfod, across both piano and violin, including the piano solo junior championship.

The youngster admitted she was nervous before taking to the stage, but Dr Logan was full of praise for her performance.

"I don't know what I enjoy about [playing piano] but I do enjoy it," Larissa said.

Pinpointing her favourite piece to play required some thinking, but Larissa eventually settled on Woodland Sketch.

For Latai - who has been playing piano for about five years - this is the first time she has put her skills to the test at the eisteddfod.

In addition to her first on Sunday in the graded piano solo first grade, she also received a second and a highly commended.

Latai said it was the different sounds that the piano could make, from the light sounds to the heavy, that made her enjoy playing it so much.

The instrumental program will resume on June 5 with the woodwind, brass, bands and guitar sections. It will be adjudicated by Bruce Hellmers.

Meanwhile the dance program will start on June 5 at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre. It will begin with the group performances, adjudicated by Janessa Dufty.

The dance program will run until June 15.

The vocal and choral program, adjudicated by William Moxey, will be held on June 9 and 10 at the DRTCC.

On June 16 the speech and drama program will begin. The school groups and solo performances on the first day will be held at the DRTCC, while the following days will be at the Wesley Community Centre. It will be adjudicated by Pamela Cassidy.

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