AYO announces scholarship winners 

15 December 2009

The Australian Youth Orchestra is delighted to announce our Scholarship winners for 2010, made possible by the generous support of the Colonial Foundation Trust and Accenture Australia Foundation.

The scholarships were introduced for the first time in 2009 for outstanding musicians selected for the Australian Youth Orchestra. They help young musicians to pursue their dreams, by providing funds to assist with the purchase and/or maintenance of instruments, further training and travel for study or auditions.

Amidst stiff competition, the scholarships, each worth $10,000 in cash, have been awarded to Brigid Coleridge (violin), Lachlan O’Donnell (violin) and Tara Houghton (viola).

Brigid Coleridge is a 22 year old violinist currently studying at the University of Melbourne under the tuition of Mark Mogilevski. Brigid has been a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra since 2007, including the AYO’s 2007 international tour to Europe. In 2009 she became Concertmaster of the AYO, a position she holds again in 2010. Brigid intends to use the scholarship funds to assist with AYO fees, complete a study tour to Europe and pay for private lessons.

22 year old Lachlan O’Donnell has just graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Music (Advanced Performance) and in 2010, will be relocating to Melbourne to study at the Australian National Academy of Music. Lachlan has participated in a number of AYO programs since 2006 and in 2010 will be Principal Second Violin of the Australian Youth Orchestra. Lachlan will use the scholarship funds to pay for his AYO fees and to help with the purchase of a new bow.

Tara Houghton is a 23 year old violist from Queensland currently studying in Melbourne and in 2010 will be Associate Principal Viola of the Australian Youth Orchestra. The 2010 AYO International Tour will be Tara’s first overseas trip, and she plans to use some of the scholarship funds to finance participation fees. The rest of the scholarship will be used on the purchasing of a new case for her viola, as well as helping to finance a new bow. Tara has participated in AYO programs since 2007.

For more information on how you can assist with supporting the Australian Youth Orchestra, contact Alan Watt, AYO Development Manager on 02 9276 2103 or email alanwatt@ayo.com.au.

For more information on Scholarships in 2011, stay tuned to Newsbeat and ayo.com.au.