Opera Australia has announced the inaugural Patricia H. Reid Orchestral Fellowships to support the professional development of emerging musicians.

The 12-month fellowships offer early career string players (first and second violins, viola and cello) a bursary and the chance to work closely with experienced musicians in mentoring sessions, as well as participate in performance activities.

Jun Yi Ma playing his violin

Applicants must be aged 18 by 1 January 2022, and be Australian or New Zealand citizens or an Australian permanent resident.

“These fellowships will be an invaluable opportunity for emerging players to gain valuable experience and, for many of them, a chance to experience the challenges that are unique to playing opera and ballet works,” said Opera Australia’s Concertmaster and Orchestra Director, Jun Yi Ma.

OA Artistic Director, Lyndon Terracini, agreed, saying: “We are very excited about this program, it’s very important for the development of operatic orchestral players.”

The fellowships were made available through the generosity of the Patricia H. Reid Endowment.

Patricia H. Reid loved music and was an admirer of many orchestral groups. She had a particular regard and affection for artists and musicians who not only strived for perfection within their own performance...