Council scholarship recognises outstanding musician

Date: Thursday, 5th November 2009

A young violinist is this year’s winner of the Theodore Kuchar Scholarship for excellence in orchestral music.

Fiona Hu, a Year 10 student from Townsville Grammar School, will receive the $4000 scholarship from Cr Tony Parsons today.

The orchestral scholarship honours the founding artistic director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Theodore Kuchar, and aims to increase the recipient’s skills and creative development at an advanced level.

Cr Parsons said Townsville City Council was proud to be the longest-standing supporter of the Australia Festival of Chamber Music.

“Theodore Kuchar had an incredible vision for a chamber music festival in Australia and chose Townsville as the ideal location. The council worked with Theodore in the early days and that support has continued over the past 19 years,” Cr Parson said.

“As a way of acknowledging his significant contribution to the cultural life of Townsville and his commitment to music education, we thought it fitting that a scholarship be created in his name to support emerging orchestral musicians.

“Over the past two years, our recipients have served us well. Last year’s winner, seventh-grade cellist Aleisha Strom has received weekly tuition, taken part in the Sydney International Music Festival, and attended a rehearsal of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

“Meanwhile, the previous winner, Margot Doherty, has taken part in a master class, performed at the Australian Vocal and Concerto Competition and led the symphony orchestra at the Sunwater and Stanwell Winter Music School. She received an A+ on her eighth-grade music exam.

“Our latest recipient, Fiona Hu, is an outstanding musician. She displays strong musicianship and talent, and has confidence and maturity beyond her years. Her passion for music and her cultural heritage is obvious when she performs. We look forward to observing her progress with the Theordore Kuchar Scholarship.”