Cellist off to train in London
A young cellist is looking forward to immersing herself in the London music scene thanks to a scholarship allowing her to study and perform in the British capital.
Talented instrumentalist Davina Shum is winging her way to the UK this week after receiving the Elman Poole Music Scholarship for 2013.
The annual award is funded by Dr Elman Poole for an up-andcoming musicians to train with the renowned Southbank Sinfonia orchestra in London.
‘‘I hope to inspire and be inspired by other like-minded musicians in the orchestra,’’ Ms Shum says.
‘‘Working in such a close intimate group will develop me musically because of the intensity and frequency of new repertoire from all different genres.
‘‘In a way, we will be ‘thrown’ into the profession, which is such a valuable and practical learning she says.
Ms Shum was educated at Diocesan School for Girls in Epsom and after graduating in 2004 she went on to obtain a bachelor of music from the University of Auckland.
Most recently she studied at Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music where she was awarded her master of music degree in 2011.
Throughout her education she has played in orchestras in both New Zealand and Australia.
Ms Shum says playing with the reputable Southbank Sinfonia will be greatly beneficial to her musical career.
The orchestra of young professionals has been described by The Times as ‘‘a dashing ensemble who play with exhilarating fizz’’.
It is Britain’s leading
experience,’’ orchestral academy and is known for providing a spring-board for young players.
‘‘I have the chance to perform in London, across the UK and Europe,’’ Ms Shum says.
‘‘The opportunities presented will open so many doors for me musically, educationally and professionally.’’
The Elman Poole Music Scholarship was established in 2007 by Dr Poole to enable young musicians to gain experience abroad and contribute to the development of music in New Zealand.