Euphoniumist, Linda Filimoehala 

Auckland University Music student and Brass band talent Linda Filimoehala will compete as a finalist at the 7^th Annual Graduation Gala Concerto Competition at the Auckland Town Hall on May 9.

The Tongan-born 21 year old from Mount Albert is one of three finalists who were selected out of Auckland Unversity’s School of Music to compete at the University’s Graduation Concerto.

Linda is a third year at the School of Music, studying for a Bachelor of Music majoring in Classical Performance.

Linda’s chosen instrument is the Euphonium (Brass instrument) and will compete against a violinist and pianist. The top performer will receive a cash prize of $5,000. The musicians will be accompanied by the University of Auckland Symphony Orchestra. She will be performing the “Euphonium Concerto” by Joseph Horovitz.

The head of the School of Music, Associate Professor Allan Bradley said, “The Graduation Concerto Competition provides a unique opportunity for the school of music to present three of its most talented classical performance students to a large and enthusiastic audience in a venue steeped in tradition. Our three finalists have worked exceptionally hard to reach this point and their success will serve as an inspiration to others”.

Linda has won many competitions throughout Auckland and has participated in many brass bands, such as the Auckland City Youth and Senior Band and the Smiths Locksmiths Manukau City Brass Band. Linda helps other bands in the Tongan Community, such as Kuna Youth, Harmony Koula, the Konistitutone and Dominion Methodist Band. She also performs in a family band called the Central Auckland Brass Band.