Philharmonia Orchestra has re-launched its fellowship programme, thanks to new financial backing from Help Musicians UK. Philharmonia was one of 20 organisations to receive funds from the charity as part of its new National Grants Programme.
The grant will support Philharmonia’s MMSF Instrumental Fellowship programme, which helps young instrumentalists to become professional musicians. In total, Help Musicians UK has distributed GBP1.7m (€2m) in funds, with GBP86,895 going to Philharmonia.
“This will enable us to significantly increase our offer to young orchestral musicians at the very start of their careers, and to put in place a training scheme that will encompass a broad spectrum of opportunities, so that young musicians can hone their skills and develop their understanding of what it means to be a 21st century orchestral musician,” commented Philharmonia education director Alexandra Brierley.
Over two years participants will benefit from mentoring and advice from Philharmonia musicians; paid dates with the Orchestra working with some of the world’s top conductors; paid project work with the orchestra’s education department to learn from expert workshop leaders and animateurs; and recital opportunities. They will also take part in a masterclass programme.
Originally launched in 1968 as the Martin Musical Scholarship Fund, past beneficiaries include Alison Balsom, Natalie Clein, Alina Ibragimova, Tasmin Little, Jennifer Pike, Michael Collins, Steven Isserlis, Freddy Kempf and Laurence Power.