Last week, after four days of the Young Performer Awards semi-finals, 80 individual performers and groups from four categories (Classical Music, Contemporary Music, Dance and Drama) were whittled down to 17 finalists, with another five receiving Adjudicators' Commendations.
"Giving these young future performers an opportunity to experience the magic of the performing arts is one of the most fulfilling aims of the NEA," said Dr Francois van den Berg, CEO of the NEA. "I thank the participants, teachers, parents, adjudicators and the NEA team for the passion and commitment they demonstrated during the selection process. Selecting the finalists from such a large group of talented individuals was a mammoth task."
The following received special commendations from the adjudicators:
The total prize money is R50 000, which is awarded to different winners in different genres with R10 000 (sponsored by Artslink.co.za - an internet-based wire service for South African arts, culture and entertainment news and reviews) being awarded to the best overall performer.
Bookings for the NEA Young Performer Award 2012 is at Computicket.
Prospective candidates for the Eisteddfod have been granted a final extension for faxed, hard copy or emailed entries (without late entry charges) until 31 May; email entries can be submitted online until 11 June, 2012.
For further information regarding entries, go to www.eisteddfod.co.za or contact the NEA Office: +27 (0)11 886 6005, fax: +27 (0)11 787 3534, email az.oc.dofddetsie@ofni.
