Applications NOW OPEN for the prestigious 2024 Theodore Kuchar Scholarship
Calling young North Queensland music students – applications are NOW open for the prestigious Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s 2024 Theodore Kuchar Scholarship for Excellence in Music.
Delivered in partnership with the Townsville City Council, the Scholarship awards a Year 10 student with $4,000, to be used to pay for instrumental tuition and/or professional development, and is $2,000 per year for two years, paid during Years 11 and 12.
Initiated in 1990 in honour of Theodore Kuchar, founding Artistic Director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM), the Scholarship aims to support young emerging artists in the local community by increasing opportunities for creative growth and skill development at an advanced level.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON MONDAY OCTOBER 14! APPLY HERE
Last year’s Scholarship winner was 15 year-old Townsville-Gurambilbarra violinist Do Young Park from The Cathedral School, who dreamt of performing at Carnegie Hall and is now well on his way to a career in music thanks to his win.
Back to Do Young – he had already played the violin for 10 years, after picking up his brother’s, and being encouraged by his parents to study, practice and perform. “I love it,” said the young musician. “I’d love to one day play at Carnegie Hall in New York; it’s where’s all the famous violinists perform.”
He said the musician he most admired was none other than fellow Queenslander, the global superstar violinist Ray Chen! “His playing is incredible. I’ve watched him on YouTube for hours and hours, and would love to one day emulate his playing, and how he plays certain passages. His personality and the way he is on social media is all amazing.”
He said the Scholarship was a great opportunity to further his tuition, but to also learn other instruments! “I’ve been picking up different instruments. I am playing the Bassoon (because no-one was playing one at school), and want to play more, I love the feeling of a new instrument to learn. I am also learning the guitar.”
He said after he finishes as The Cathedral School, he’s looking to further study music, at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music of Griffith University.
AFCM Executive Director Ricardo Peach commented, “The Theodore Kuchar Scholarship is a very important part of the AFCM’s overall education and capacity development program.”
“Through this scholarship, and initiatives such as the AFCM International Masterclasses and AFCM Outreach programs, we are able to support young and emerging musicians and help them develop career pathways. We are very grateful for Townsville City Council’s continued support of this important initiative.”
AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC 2025: 25 July to 2 August
AFCM principal partners include Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, and Townsville City Council. AFCM is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar.
