Honored to Judge at Whyteleafe Excellence Awards 2024
- Anagi Gunasekera
- Jun 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 27
I was truly honoured to be invited as a judge for the Whyteleafe Excellence Awards 2024 — Instrumental Round Finals for Piano, Violin, Flute, Saxophone, Ukulele, and Keyboard about a year ago. It was an absolute privilege to witness the incredible musical talent of so many young performers and to be part of this beautiful community that celebrates music in its purest form.
What I love most about Whyteleafe Performing Arts Academy is their genuine dedication to nurturing well-rounded musical growth. They don’t just teach notes and technique — they cultivate a vibrant space where collaboration, ensemble playing, and sharing ideas help young musicians blossom and inspire each other every step of the way. It’s truly about learning, connecting, and growing together — and you can feel that passion and warmth in everything they do.
One thing very close to my heart is supporting junior musicians, because I know firsthand how much the right encouragement and guidance can mean. Many incredible teachers, mentors, and fellow musicians inspired and shaped my own journey, and it brings me so much joy to pass that kindness forward. Whether I’m teaching, performing, or simply sharing stories, I always hope to remind young artists that every note they play has the power to connect hearts, build friendships, and create communities that uplift one another.
Piano and violin, especially, has taught me the beauty of collaboration — from playing in ensembles to accompanying others, it’s an instrument that naturally brings people together. That spirit of teamwork and shared expression is something I cherish deeply and strive to nurture in the young musicians I meet.
I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the chance to share my music and thoughts with everyone at Whyteleafe. And just a tiny correction — in the video intro it says I was the youngest in Sri Lanka to achieve my ATCL at 14, but I was actually one of the youngest to do so at 13. 😊
Thank you to Whyteleafe Performing Arts Academy for creating such a supportive and inspiring space where young musicians can dream big, learn from one another, and shine bright. Keep playing, keep sharing, and keep believing in the magic of music! ✨🎶💖
Here’s a little glimpse into the stunning video they made of my speech and performance from that special day — I hope it brings a smile to your heart!
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