Talented Double Bass Player Wins Scholarship

News Release 31 July 2008

Talented Double Bass Player Wins Scholarship

Talented Christchurch double bass player Annabella Leslie has been awarded the Jack McGill Music Scholarship it was announced today. Managed by Public Trust and administered by Creative New Zealand, the Scholarship is worth $15,500.

Currently performing as a member of London’s Southbank Sinfonia, Bella begins her studies towards a Masters degree at the Shepherd School of Music, Rice University, Houston, Texas this September. She will be tutored by highly regarded double bass player, Paul Ellison.

“I’m very excited at winning the Jack McGill Music Scholarship for 2008. Travelling, living and studying overseas is, as everyone knows, extremely expensive. Being awarded this Scholarship is wonderful and will help a great deal in paying my living expenses whilst I’m in Texas,” says Bella.

The Jack McGill Music Scholarship was established from a bequest from Jack Wynngate McGill’s estate.
Mr McGill, who died in 1975, wished to help fund advanced music study overseas. Awarded annually, the Scholarship is given to outstanding young New Zealand musicians. Recent winners include soprano Madeleine Pierard in 2006 and the Tasman String Quartet last year.

Public Trust Chief Executive Grenville Gaskell said, “Bella is an outstanding musician selected from a number of impressive applications. We wish the Bella well and look forward to following her progress.”

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright said, “This is a significant opportunity for Bella to be tutored by a leading double bass player. We hope that she will ultimately return to New Zealand where we can all enjoy her music.”

The Jack McGill Music Scholarship is one of over 400 charitable trusts (including a number of scholarships) managed by Public Trust. These trusts and scholarship include interests as diverse as arts, science, medicine, disability and agriculture. Collectively, the trusts provide the means for many people to live better lives, enhance their skills and talents, or enjoy better community facilities.

Applications for next year’s Jack McGill Music Scholarship should be made by 28 February 2009 to Creative New Zealand. Details can be found on www.creativenz.govt.nz

ENDS

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