The search is underway for Townsville’s next recipient of a $4,000 scholarship to help them to work towards a career as a professional musician.
The Theodore Kuchar Scholarship, offered as a joint initiative by the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) and the Townsville City Council, is open to all local students entering Year 11 in 2020. The scholarship, named in recognition of the AFCM’s founding Artistic Director, Theodore Kuchar, offers the winning applicant $4,000 payable over two years in Year 11 and Year 12.
Council’s Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said Townsville was the Arts and cultural capital of Northern Australia and Council was committed to supporting young aspiring musicians from the region.
“This scholarship helps contribute to the development of musical talent in Townsville by providing financial assistance for the successful applicant,” Cr Doyle said.
“We’re pleased to be able to work together with AFCM to develop the talent of young musicians in our region.”
AFCM Executive Director Gavin Findlay highlighted the importance of scholarships for emerging talent.
“As a regional centre, it’s important that we encourage and assist those who may be considering music as a career.
“It is important that we offer the next generation of musicians opportunities to learn and develop their skills and travel costs can quickly mount up.
“We have some exceptional talent across the region and it’s a joy to be able to assist them,” said Mr. Findlay.
Several past and present winners of the scholarship featured in the Barrier Reef Orchestra, who I’ll be joining on stage at its Let’s Dance concert at the Civic Theatre on Saturday 26 October.
Applications for the 2019 Theodore Kuchar Scholarship close Thursday, 10 October 2019. For more information and to apply, click here.
