There were many stories to emerge from Wollongong Eisteddfod's return on Saturday with the senior vocals section at the Wesley Church.
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A year after the eisteddfod did not proceed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 event was impacted by COVID again with Jacqueline Dark stepping in as adjudicator when Dr Jonathon Welch was unable to travel from Melbourne.
But nothing was going to stop Xia Lian Wilson, 17, from enjoying her first performance in the open section.
Ms Wilson has competed since she was six but this was her first time against the adults.
"I started in 2009 in speech and drama and piano sections when my teacher Anette McCann encouraged me to enter," she said.
"I ended up doing quite well through my many years of training with her and used all the experience I gained from the eisteddfod to refine my skills and become a better performer.
"That really helped me when I started entering the singing sections around 2015. By that time I felt more comfortable on stage."
Ms Wilson still admitted to being a little nervous on Saturday.
"But it was a wonderful experience to listen to and learn from the older competitors and take on feedback from the adjudicator," she said.
"Everyone was lovely. Especially Nicole Mealey. Before I went up on stage she was telling me to relax and have a lovely time. And that made me feel really comfortable."
Ms Wilson sang a piece by Katie Abbott called Indoor Yachting.
Her family were among those present for the performance.
When she showed an early interest in singing her parents enrolled her in singing classes while she was still in kindergarten.
"I am grateful for all their support over the years," she said.
Ms Wilson also acknowledged her singing teacher Jennifer Turnbull.
The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) Year 12 student is now planning the next steps in her career.
"I would love to be a music theatre performer or get a contract with Opera Australia. That would be the dream," she said.
"I am applying for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Fingers crossed those auditions go well."
Ms Wilson has just completed a run as Johanna in Sweeney Todd with the Arcadians Theatre Company and is going to Sydney to have coaching as a Bell Shakespeare Company scholarship recipient in July.
On Monday she will perform her music theatre and costume solo and has entered all six of her HSC pieces .
"I thought the eisteddfod would be a great opportunity to refine my skill and technique and get other people's feedback," she said.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
