Another string to Legg’s bow

A UNIVERSITY of Tasmania cellist says she can’t wait to bring what she learns in the United Kingdom back to the state after being awarded a prestigious music scholarship.

Alexandra Legg was yesterday announced as the 2019 recipient of the D & MV (Dawson and Margaret) McDonald Scholarship, valued at up to $20,000.

After three rounds of auditions, Legg, 21, of Snug, was named the scholarship’s 11th recipient.

Legg departs for London in January, and plans to attend classes at the Royal College of Music and concerts presented by the London Symphony and London Philharmonic orchestras.

“It’s absolutely such an honour, I’m genuinely thankful for this opportunity,” Legg said.

“I think it’s going to be a wonderful learning experience. I can’t wait to bring what I’ve learnt overseas back to Tasmania.”

Legg, who has played cello for about 15 years, is in her last semester of a bachelor of music. She plans to study honours next year.

She will spend 10 weeks studying in London.

“It’s going to be a short trip, it’s going to be an intense amount of learning, I think,” she said. “It’s going to open up so many more doors and connections to people over there, which will just open up possibilities for my future career.”

Established in 2008, the scholarship supports Conservatorium of Music violin, viola or cello students to work with master musicians in the UK.

The late Dawson and Margaret McDonald taught art at RMIT in Melbourne. Margaret’s mother, Stella Honey, played violin with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in its early years, encouraging the pair to assist emerging talent.