CXC English A exam: Past paper type summary writing question 10

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. The reason for this press conference is to announce that our country's only representative at the World Singing Championship in Austria has been awarded the first prize.

That sounds great. That sounds great. Can I get some information on our contestant?

Suzy: 

Well, his name is Everand Seenath and he comes from Tobago. He is, of course, a member of the Humming bird Chorale.

Is this the first time that he has entered?

It's the first time that anybody from this country has entered. This is a tremendous achievement for the country and for Everand. We should all be very proud of his achievement.

Do you mean that he beat people like Pavarotti and Placido Domingo?

Oh no, no! This is a contest for amateurs only. But many of the world famous operatic performers owe their success to winning this competition.

Why did you decide to enter Everand in the first place?

Well, as you may know, he won the local Music Festival award for the most outstanding performer two years ago and the comments of the adjudicator were very encouraging. After that we arranged for him to take voice training with one of our local instructors, Miss Noble. And it was she who suggested that he should enter the World Competition.

First reporter: 

And you went ahead and did so.

Suzy: 

Well, it was not as easy as that. When we looked at the cost involved we were quite staggered. Everand himself felt that it was only a nice dream which would never come true.

Third reporter: 

How did you eventually manage it?

Suzy: 

As you probably know Everand is very popular in the country. He sings at all kinds of fund raising concerts and he is in great demand at weddings etc. When some of his admirers heard that we were looking for financial support to send him to the competition in Austria, they contacted a number of business firms, and they responded very willingly.

First reporter: 

Can you give us the names of these sponsors?

Suzy: 

I'd really love to. I think that they should be publicly thanked. And Everand would very much like to acknowledge their support publicly, but they have requested anonymity and we must respect their wishes.

Third reporter: 

Well, where does Everand go from here? Is he going to leave us to go abroad?

Suzy: 

I can't say just yet. He has been offered a contract with a small operatic company in Germany and a number of other people have requested that he audition for them but Everand has not decided anything as yet. He is quite overwhelmed by his success and wants time to think about his future.

Second reporter: 

You mentioned the expense. Can you tell us how much it cost?

Suzy: 

I'd rather not give the exact figures, but we
had to get airfares to Austria for two, we had to send his accompanist as well, hotel accommodations in Austria and costumes for his performance. In these contests you have to look good as well as sing well. And there were a number of other incidentals as well.

First reporter:  :

What song did he sing at the competition?

Suzy: 

"What songs" would be more accurate. Each contestant had to give a mini-recital of between 15 and 20 minutes. Emile selected songs from the musical "Porgy and Bess" and "La Traviata" and "Aida" by Verdi.

Third reporter: 

Okay, Miss Cameron. I think we have enough to write our story. This is great news indeed.