Grace Neal, a student at Berean Academy, was selected for the 2018 High School Honors Performance Series at Sydney Opera House, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.

She performed with her clarinet July 21 with the Honors Band Ensemble. Participation in one of the two honors ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.

Earlier this year, Grace auditioned for the honors performance series and was accepted after a review by the honors selection board.

Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of talent, dedication, and achievements as demonstrated in her application and audition recording.

Grace joined other performers from 43 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Qatar, and South Korea for a special performance for the Honors Performance at Sydney Opera House.

“Being selected to the honors performance series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Nancy Richardson, program director. “We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 250 of the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at Sydney Opera House is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians never forget.”

Grace, a Cedar Point resident, has studied music for eight years and is a member of the Berean Academy Band and many ensemble groups. She has also played in the District and State Band for the past two years.

“Performing at the Sydney Opera House with students from around the world was an experience I will never forget, Grace said. “Before I was accepted for this honor, I could not imagine traveling to Australia, let alone having the opportunity to study and play at the world-renown Opera House.”