“ACTcent 2012” is the inaugural concert for outstanding performance and composition by Year 12 students from the Australian Capital Territory. 

It is planned to be held annually from now on to help inspire music students across Canberra and as a celebration of their talent.

The project needs community support to be a success so just for its inaugural year, entry will be via gold coin donation at the door.

Music students will get to perform on a professional stage and the general public will have a chance to see and hear the exceptional high quality of music education in the ACT in both government and non-government schools.

“ACTcent” follows the model set by Victoria’s “Top Acts” and New South Wales’s “Encore Concert,” where the top music students from these states are invited to perform in an annual concert. This is the first time that the ACT has offered a similar opportunity for musicians.

The 18 chosen acts, consisting of ensembles, solo performances and compositions, were blind-selected by a panel at the ANU to create a program that best highlights talent across a range of musical styles.

Head of the ANU School of Music Peter Tregear said he hoped the event would become a regular fixture on the ACT arts calendar.

“ACTcent 2012,” at Llewellyn Hall. 7pm December 8. entry via gold coin donation at the door.