Beaulieu Preparatory School siblings Connor and Sienna Liu have struck a high note on the national classical music stage, with both securing second place in their respective age categories at the annual Victoria K Bennett Music Competition.

Connor (13), a Grade 7 learner and pianist, and his 12-year-old sister, Sienna, a Grade 6 learner and flautist, competed in the national competition from July 22 to August 29, putting their dedication and musical ability to the test against young soloists from across the country.

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The national competition is open to soloists aged between eight and 25 and is contested over three demanding rounds. Competitors are required to perform repertoire from different musical periods, testing their technical ability, preparation, endurance, and mental focus. Both siblings progressed to the final after earning diplomas in the first round.

For Connor and Sienna, the achievement is the result of a disciplined approach to music, with the siblings maintaining a daily practice routine and increasing their preparation before performances and competitions.

The siblings will now turn their attention to the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, one of South Africa’s prominent classical music competitions, which will take place in Stellenbosch from September 22 to 26.

This will be the third consecutive year that Connor and Sienna have qualified and been selected as Gauteng representatives for the competition. The competition spans four rounds, with each round requiring a different repertoire programme and presenting the young musicians with increasingly demanding challenges.

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The siblings said they were excited and happy to have progressed to the finals and proud that their persistence and hard work had translated into results. Their goal is to perform confidently and consistently throughout the competition, with hopes of reaching the final.

Connor began learning piano at the age of six, while Sienna started at five. Their parents said the siblings’ musical journey began at home, where they were inspired by their mother, Anna Chen, a classical musician, pianist, and teacher.

Sienna later took up the flute at the age of seven and is currently taught by acclaimed flautist and educator Malané Hofmeyer-Burger.

Chen said the family has always encouraged the children to set goals and understand the value of perseverance. “Setting goals, no matter how big or small, every year and giving our best to achieve them has been something we’ve always tried to instil in our family. We hope for them to learn the meaning of hard work, persistence and the rewards that come with it,” she said.

Chen said the family’s support extends beyond music, with the parents making an effort to be involved in the children’s school, sporting and musical activities. She also thanked the educators and mentors who have contributed to the siblings’ development.

“Special thanks to Sienna’s flute teacher for her dedication and guidance, the many music educators and accompanists who have offered guidance and advice throughout the years, and their teachers at Beaulieu Preparatory who have taught, supported and helped shape them into the well-rounded children that they are today.”

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