Musical talents recognised with scholarship win

A young Townsville violinist has been named this year’s winner of the Theodore Kuchar Scholarship for excellence in music.

Pimlico High School Year 10 student Elena James will receive $4000 over two years from the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and Townsville City Council.

The orchestral scholarship honours the founding artistic director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Theodore Kuchar, and provides financial support to young emerging musicians to assist with costs for tuition and professional development.

Elena, who is currently part of the Barrier Reef Orchestra and Pimlico’s Orpheus Chamber Strings ensemble, is a highly valued member of Pimlico’s Instrumental Music Program.

The school’s String Teacher and Instrumental Music Co-ordinator Heidi Newell describes her as dedicated and enthusiastic.

“Elena is a highly regarded musician in the Townsville community, having performed in many concerts including a solo concert at St James Cathedral, the Pimlico Symphony Orchestra Annual Benefit Concerts, String Quartet and the Barrier Reef Orchestra,” Ms Newell said.

“She is a dedicated and hardworking student who will make a positive and valuable contribution to the community.”

Townsville City Council’s Community and Cultural Development Committee chair Cr Colleen Doyle congratulated Elena on her selection.

“Council is pleased to be able to work together with the Australian Festival of Chamber Music to offer talented young musicians like Elena the opportunity to further their musical careers through this scholarship,” Cr Doyle said.

“Elena has already achieved a great deal in the world of music and we expect to hear great things from this young lady in the years to come.”