Justin Hodges strikes winning trio note
24 Jun 2021
College violinist Justin Hodges has added another impressive string to his bow as a member of the best overall group at the New Zealand Chamber Music Contest Canterbury section.
The Barbarians – featuring Justin, along with a brother-and-sister pianist and cellist from St Andrew’s College – has won the UC Music Trophy at The Piano in Christchurch.
Justin says the judges have described the performance as “almost perfect”, with the trio playing Arno Babajanian’s Piano Trio in F Sharp Minor: II. Andante, III. Allegro Vivace.
“It’s always fun to play music and show the audience what you can do,” Justin says. “It was a tough competition, with many really good musicians.
“However, we managed to impress the audience and adapt the judges’ initial comments to improve the final performance and deliver a great piece.
“Our trio made the semifinals of the same contest when I was in Year 9, so we aim to make the national final this time in Year 13.”
Justin says his teachers have encouraged his return to the major competition stage, with a career in chamber music ahead in tandem with a music-focused degree.
First up, the multi-talented trio will perform in the South Island final this weekend.
