From the time the first 2014 singer took to the stage, until the finale some two hours later, it was a feast of versatility and virtuosity.

Former St Joseph's Regional College student Clare Walsh was first cab off the rank with her jazzy version of L.O.V.E.

Although she showed a few nerves to start it was smooth sailing from then until the last note.

Her performance also showcased the school's jazz ensemble which was excellent.

Next, Otto Fallson-Ree, formerly of Taree High School, showed some slick skills on the drums. He was followed by some superb acoustic strumming by Michael Lay who attended Melville High School, Kempsey.

The recorder made a comeback with Ashlee McCallum of Great Lakes College delivering baroque music beautifully.

Graduate Sarah Morris of MacKillop Senior College gave an ethereal rendition of Matt Corby's Into the Flame accompanied by Jack Titterington.

Chloe Nott demonstrated her prowess on the banjo which already has earned her the title of instrumentalist of the year at the 2014 Capital Country Music National Talent Quest.

Pianist James Jeffs of Coffs Harbour was followed by Sarah Debenham's salsa stylings.

The St Clare's High School graduate enjoyed performing and was supported by Katelyn Reid vocally and some talented musicians.

Another guitar guru came in the form of Sam Lynch of Bishop Druitt College, Coffs Harbour.

His rendition of Michael Jackson's Billy Jean on acoustic guitar was very different and engaging.

Songbird Markala Johnson gave a powerful performance of A Change is Gonna Come.

The former Great Lakes College student was very comfortable on stage.

In a first for Bravissimo Lachlan King of Carinya Christian School, Tamworth pounded on the timpani drums and used hand clapping and foot tapping with great gusto.

Another Bishop Druitt College graduate, Ben Jones, gave a terrific rendition of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, unfazed by a baby crying out or having to adjust his microphone.

Elana Leske showed the versatility of the treble recorder with her performance of Music for a Bird.

A 2014 graduate of Armidale High School, Elana has already graced stages at festivals in the UK and France.

Jordan Hanimair has a big future ahead of him if his rendition of Lonely Boy is any indication.

The talented lap guitar player and vocalist, formerly of Port Macquarie High School, is a polished performer.

Three musicians followed Jordan pianist Ashley Jones of Taree Christian College, Ella Scholes on violin and Rhiannon Edwards on clarinet, both from St Paul's High School Kempsey.

It was a juxtaposition of styles from classical to Klezmer.

Armidale High School graduate Georgia Smith gave a performance which made it obvious why she was invited to be part of Bravissimo.

Her vocals were sweet and true and her guitar work impressive.

The final two performers were showmen indeed.

Kymren Boelling-McDougall of St Clare's High School made the saxophone sing as he belted out Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.

No wonder his HSC Music 1 mark was 98.

Equally high achiever Josh Needs scored 97 and his electric guitar playing was electrifying.

He has oodles of talent and a great stage presence which he has already begun to hone through performances at Sydney Opera House and in Nashville.

Keep an eye out for all of these young achievers in the future.

vickii.byram@fairfaxmedia.com.au