Scholarships
Applications for 2025 Youth Scholarships are now open.
The Manukau Symphony Orchestra is delighted to offer youth scholarships each year. Youth players are an important part of the Manukau Symphony’s ‘special spirit’ and this opportunity allows our youth players to play alongside professional and community players of all ages and backgrounds.
As our first Scholarship award winner Loata Mahe, now Teacher of Music at Kings College, describes her experience: ‘A lot of my training was done with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra as a 10-year-old, where I got to play alongside some amazing musicians and also learn to relate to people of all different ages from all over the world. Respect is a two-way thing, and sometimes it’s as simple as unlearning what you think you know about a certain culture and just listening without judging.’ Read the full article here.
The scholarships offer
- Up to $750 towards instrumental tuition and/or associated costs
- Opportunity to play in at least two MSO concerts in 2025
- Mentoring by experienced and/or professional musicians at rehearsals
- MSO membership for one year
- A valuable ‘taste’ of orchestral playing alongside other musicians.
As Manukau’s orchestra, preferences are given to Manukau/South Auckland applicants. However, deserving applications from outside this region will also be considered.
The scholarships have been kindly sponsored by Phil and Helen Greenbank, Jean and Robin Bennett and the Stringed Instrument Company.
Applications close Sunday 20 October 2024
Read what some of our present and past Scholars have to say about what the scholarship means to them.
Francisca Carlos (Viola)
“It has been a privilege to receive scholarships which provide me with the opportunity to play alongside professional musicians. Playing in MSO enriches my orchestral experience and reinforces the techniques I learn at individual lessons. I have the chance to discover and immerse myself in playing repertoire that I don’t often get to elsewhere. I enjoy being part of a vibrant community where everyone shares the passion of music.”
Tamsin Tighe-Umbers (Viola)
“My scholarship helped me pay for my own Viola and for lessons. I have heaps of fun playing in the [MSO] orchestra and my mentor helps me a lot with the music.”
Callum Neilson (Cello)
“I’m so grateful for the Phil and Helen Greenbank Scholarship I received. Playing with MSO provides me with so many experiences that I couldn’t get elsewhere. I love learning new repertoire and playing alongside professional players.”
Oliver Spalter (Double Bass)
“My experience in the MSO has been priceless, and the practice of orchestral playing has led me to partake in many incredible opportunities.”
Robert Liu – Conducting
Dylan Wilcox – French Horn
Grace Shaw – Viola
Olivia Yang – Violin
Rupert Archer – Cello
Hayden Chiu – Violin
Celia Chan – Violin
Violet Lawrence Theodore – Violin
Ethan Zhang – Violin
Pui Hei Athena Shiu – Trombone/Conducting
Ryan Qiao – Violin
Keshika Naiker – Violin
Samantha Berrington – Cello
Robert Liu – Conducting
Rupert Archer – Cello
Tavite Tonga – Conducting and Trombone
Ryan Butcher – Cello
Hayden Chiu – Violin
Joshua Christophers – Viola
Celia Chan – Violin
Bomi (Franklin) Yuan – Violin
Violet Lawrence Theodore – Violin
Ethan Zhang – Violin
Evangeline Speedy – Cello
Raymond Wang – French Horn
Rupert Archer (cello) – sponsored by Phil and Helen Greenbank
Francisca Carlos (viola) – sponsored by Phil and Helen Greenbank
Callum Neilson (cello) – sponsored by Phil and Helen Greenbank
Oliver Spalter (double bass) – sponsored by the Stringed Intrument Company
Ryan Butcher (cello)
Francisca Carlos (viola)
Tamsin Tighe-Umbers (viola)
Oliver Spalter (double bass)
Francisca Carlos (viola)
Zoe McCalman (oboe)
Callum Nielsen (cello)
Adrian Sua (violin)
Tamsin Tighe-Umbers (viola)