Winners of the 2015 Dr. Frances Gray Music Performance Competition

The UPEI Music Department's "Dr. Frances Gray Music Performance Competition Finals" were recently held at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall. The six music students chosen from the preliminary round to perform in the finals were: Rebecca Apps, soprano; Jillian Clow, mezzo soprano; Leah Inman, piano; Lucas MacPhail, alto saxophone; Kailey Norris, clarinet; and Hannah Rollwage, mezzo soprano.

After an exciting evening of performances, the judges' decision was announced by Dr. Karem Simon, coordinator of the 2015 competition and Dr. Andrew Zinck, Department Chair. Soprano Rebecca Apps was named the winner, while pianist Leah Inman came in second place and saxophonist Lucas MacPhail in third.

Originally from St. Catharine's, Ontario, Rebecca Apps is currently in her final year of the Bachelor of Music program at UPEI, majoring in voice under the tutelage of Professor Sung Ha Shin-Bouey. She holds a Diploma in Musical Theatre Performance from St. Lawrence College (2010).

Rebecca has been a featured soloist with the UPEI Concert Choir, the UPEI Chamber Ensemble, the UPEI Jazz Ensemble, the Kirk of St. James Senior Choir, and the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble. Rebecca's master-class experience has allowed her to work with some of Canada's top classical musicians. Her hard work and dedication to the craft have led her to numerous competitive opportunities, including the CFMTA National Voice Competition (2013), the Atlantic Young Artist Tour Competition (2014) and the UPEI Music Performance Competition.

Congratulations to all finalists and winners!