Central Leader

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.

 ??  ?? String theory: Cellist Davina Shum is heading to London to train and perform with the highly regarded Southbank Sinfonia.
String theory: Cellist Davina Shum is heading to London to train and perform with the highly regarded Southbank Sinfonia.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from New Zealand