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The Champion of the World in Instrumental Junior: Craig Fernandes

A resident of Dubai - United Arab Emirates, from Goa was declared as a World Champion in the Junior instrumental category at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), held at the Long Beach Convention Centre in California, USA, from June 28 to July 6.

In an Olympic-style competition, participants from 75 registered countries presented their diverse talents, ranging from singing, dancing, and acting to instrumental performances, modelling, and various other artistic expressions. The 27th annual WCOPA displayed a rich tapestry of human creativity.
 
Craig Fernandes became UAE’s first International WCOPA Junior instrumentalist champion of the world. Craig, a 13-year-old student of Gems Winchester School, Dubai – UAE, represented Team UAE for the competition along with 20 delegates to be among 1000-plus WCOPA participants from countries such as the USA, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, France, and Belgium as well as African, Asian, American, and Eastern European nations.
 
Craig Fernandes transformed into a live wire when he took to the stage, leaving the judges and audiences stunned with his dynamo performance on Trumpet for the instrumental category. Craig raised the tempo and set a new standard for his fellow competitors.

But Craig’s success didn’t stop there. His performance earned him the coveted title of overall Division Champion in Jazz, apart from the World Champion for overall Junior Instrumental.
 
Craig impressed the judges with his mastery of trumpet performance, stage presence, and interactions with the audience.
 
“I’m feeling extremely proud to be the Champion of the World in Instrumental. All the hard work has been paid off. This journey was amazing; it was a great experience and, of course, a lot of learning and fun,” Craig said after the event.

Craig adds, “Meeting people from all around the world, seeing their performances, and showcasing their culture was a great learning and a treat to watch. There were so many fantastic talents.”
 
“Craig’s victory was a testament to his passion, perseverance, and talent. His teachers, who supported him every step of the way, were ecstatic and proud of his achievements,” stated his delighted mother.
 
Craig’s involvement with prestigious organisations like the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra and the International Trumpet Guild (ITG) highlights his dedication to his craft. He has performed at numerous events across the UAE, which have showcased his musical talents and ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.