Samuel (17) is awarded music scholarship in US
A young Hacketstown man will soon commence his third level education in the US after being awarded a full college scholarship valued at $48,000.
Samuel Allan- Chapkovski (17) has been studying the violin since the tender age of four and has attended masterclasses with tutors all over the world including his mother Alexandra’s native city of Moscow and in London.
His family have supported his musical calling since early childhood when he first showed an interest in the instrument - first taking him to lessons in Ashford.
Samuel who was born in Newtownmountkennedy was also home-schooled throughout his childhood to faciliate regular travel overseas to competitions and lessons.
He received confirmation in recent weeks that he was awarded the scholarship to complete a diploma in Temple Univer- sity, Philadelphia.
During the past seven years particularly, Samuel has participated in many prestigious international competitions and most recently won 1st Prize in the ‘Remember Enescu’ competition in Sinaia, Romania.
His commitment has now paid off and it will be quite a busy few weeks for Samuel as he prepares to start college and performs in the international Mozart Festival in Salzburg this weekend, Sunday, August 13.
Samuel was invited to perform in the event in the birthplace of Mozart in recent months having applied for active participation.
He will join some of the best classical musicians from all over the world.
Those who would like to see Samuel perform on home turf before he jets off to Philadelphia will be able to do so on August 27 when he gives a concert in Moore Hall, Monasterevin at 7 p.m.