The Patricia H. Reid Orchestral Fellowships
For outstanding early career string musicians performing in opera and ballet
Generously supported by the Patricia H. Reid Endowment since established in 2022, the Patricia H. Reid Orchestral Fellowships provide exceptional career development opportunities for outstanding string players in Australia.
Patricia H. Reid Fellows join the Opera Australia Orchestra in a twelve-month programme of mainstage opera and ballet with Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House. In rehearsal and performance, these emerging orchestral instrumentalists develop and refine the skills required to perform at a professional level and build knowledge of repertoire and performance practice in this specialised field.
Additionally, Patricia H. Reid Fellows receive mentoring from experienced members of the Opera Australia Orchestra and development in audition technique, performance preparation, chamber music and sustainable careers over the course of the year.
This program is open to early career string musicians who are Australian or New Zealand citizens, or Australian permanent residents. Fellows are required to be resident in Sydney on a full-time basis and available for the 12-month schedule of performance activity in its entirety (from December to December inclusive).
Applications open in June each year and will be advertised here. Annual auditions take place in Sydney in September.
"I couldn't think of a better way to be introduced to the world of professional music than the Patricia H. Reid Fellowship with the Opera Australia Orchestra. Playing opera taught me how to really listen, play in time and play with others. And my mentors were so supportive throughout the whole process, whether it be learning the music on my instrument, or the finer details of playing in the violin section. I'd really encourage any young aspiring orchestral musician to apply for this wonderful program!"
— Dominic Azzi, Tutti Violin and 2022 Patricia H. Reid Fellow
"Working in opera and ballet requires a unique set of skills and experience. The Patricia H. Reid Fellowship is such a rare and invaluable opportunity to gain so much practical experience with Australia’s busiest opera and ballet orchestra. This program is essential to be able to hand the artforms onto future generations and keep opera and ballet thriving into the future. I am proud that we are able to provide this opportunity."
— Katherine Lukey, Deputy Concertmaster and Program Mentor
Meet this year’s Patricia H. Reid Fellows
Catherine Jang, violin
Beverly Kwan, violin
Sarah Zhu, viola
Joseph Kelly, cello
Alexandra Elvin, double bass