Mission pianist Paul Williamson claimed first prize at the recent National Music Festival in Kelowna, and is now headed to Manitoba to continue his studies.
Williamson, 18, won $1,500 for his win, which came only after making it through selection processes at the Chilliwack Music and Dance Festival and at Performing Arts BC.
Williamson began music lessons with Laura Webster of Music Language Studios. At the age of nine, he began studying with Dr. Betty Suderman. For the last three summers he has attended Morningside Music Bridge, an international music program for gifted teenagers.
Williamson, an Abbotsford Christian School grad, was one of 53 students from across Canada competing in eight different disciplines at the National Music Festival.
Williams also plays the cello, and was an accompanist with the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra for seven years. He is attending the University of Manitoba this fall on a full scholarships.