Sunday 21 July, 9:00 -11:00 am
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Boundary Road, Ooralea

Local piano, strings and wind students will perform in masterclasses with some of Australia’s finest classical musicians – violinist Jonny Ng, pianist Brett Sturdy, trumpeter Timothy Francis and double bassist Marian Heckenberg. 

• 9:00 – 11:00am – Upper Strings Masterclass – violin and viola players - facilitated by Jonny Ng (Principal 2nd Violin and Education Manager, Camerata)
• 9:00 – 11:00am – Lower Strings Masterclass – cello and double bass - facilitated by Marian Heckenberg (Principal Double Bassist, Camerata)
• 9:00 – 11:00am – Brass and Wind Masterclass – facilitated by Timothy Francis
• 9:00 – 11:00am - Piano Masterclass - facilitated by Brett Sturdy

Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship: APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

The Mackay Chamber Music Festival, together with the family of the late Anne Thompson, is proud to announce this inaugural scholarship. 

A proud and passionate local educator, Anne Thompson lived a life dedicated to music, and passed on this love of music to countless students over many years, as well as through her piano playing in numerous community groups and church settings. 

The scholarship is intended to both honour the memory of Anne Thompson, her love of music and life-long learning, as well as provide opportunities and encouragement for a young, local piano student. 

Valued at over $500, the successful scholarship recipient will receive:

·      2 tickets to each concert of the 2024 Mackay Chamber Music Festival 

·      Access to observe and participate in the 2024 MCMF Piano Masterclasses 

·      A private lesson with renowned pianist and educator, Angela Turner

·      1 x $200 voucher for Mackay Music, kindly donated by Mackay Music

·      A certificate, presented at the opening concert of the 2024 MCMF 

Criteria and information: 

o   Open to Mackay-based piano students of ages 10-18, as of August 1, 2024

o   Applicants to submit: 

§  A short written statement addressing what they love about playing music, what music means to them, and the importance of life-long learning, and how this scholarship would help them with their musical development. No more than one page in length, in PDF format.

§  Alongside this statement, applicants should submit a short audio-visual recording (up to 5 minutes) of themselves performing an own-choice piece, which best demonstrates their musicality and playing ability. This need not be a professional quality recording – the use of an iPhone or equivalent device will suffice. 

§  The video recording should be uploaded to YouTube or equivalent, with the video settings as “unlisted” – this ensures the video is not for public consumption, but only those with the link can view it. 

§  Please forward a link to the video, the PDF written statement, plus contact details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Conditions:

o   The written statement and recording will be judged by a panel of MCMF musicians, including Artistic Director Glenn Christensen. 

o   Applicants’ performances and written statements will be judged and reviewed based on elements such as musicality, understanding of style, performance potential and a clear love of music.

o   The panel’s decision is final, and no discussion will be entered into. 

o   Applications open on May 1, 2024, and close on June 15, 2024 with the scholarship recipient being announced by the 5^th July, 2024 via email. 

o   A presentation will take place in the opening concert of the 2024 MCMF.