23/08/2026
2026 IRMTNZ Performance Festival
(21-23 August 2026)
– A Celebration of Performance!
The 2026 IRMTNZ Performance Festival finally came to an end last night with the Gala Concert, after numerous age-group classes and performances beginning on Friday evening.
We are very proud to have 35 Dorayme musicians participating in this year’s festival!
I would like to share something the adjudicator, Tom McGrath, said to every class. I think it captures the true meaning of a Performance Festival beautifully:
“This is a festival that celebrates your performances. Everyone gets a medal — some will get Bronze, some Silver, and those outstanding performances will receive Gold. But please don’t take it too seriously whether you receive a Gold or a Bronze, because that is not the most important part. The most important part is your performance. The medal is there to encourage you and to be a souvenir.”
What a wonderful reminder!
A Performance Festival is not about winning. It is about participating, having the courage to perform, and celebrating the music that you have worked so hard to prepare.
Every musician who walked onto that stage had already achieved something special. You prepared, you waited for your turn, you managed your nerves, you performed in front of an adjudicator and an audience — and most importantly, you shared your music.
And over the weekend, something even more precious happened. Our musicians cheered for one another, encouraged their friends, celebrated each other’s successes and made new friendships.
That is the real spirit of a Performance Festival — not competing against one another, but growing together as musicians and celebrating each other’s performances.
So, whether you received a Bronze, Silver or Gold medal, I hope you will look back on this festival with pride and remember the experience, the courage, the friendships and the joy of performing.
Well done, Dorayme musicians!
We are incredibly proud of every one of you. You have all contributed to making this festival a wonderful and memorable experience.