Sydney Symphony Orchestra Announces 2024 Fellows

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has appointed 13 leading young musicians from across Australia to its internationally renowned Fellowship program this year. This year-long program offers emerging artists the opportunity to work with the Sydney Symphony, receive technical and practical mentoring by permanent orchestra members, and receive the crucial training they need to prepare for a professional career in music. The two-phased audition process involving hundreds of young musicians from around the country. The 2024 Fellows represent all sections of the orchestra and come from New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

The 2024 Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellows are NSW violinists Dominic Azzi, 25, NSW and Rain Liu, 25, viola player Harry Swainston, 24, QLD, cellist Joseph Kelly, 26, VIC, double bassist Alexandra Elvin, 22, QLD, flautist Laura Cliff, 25, NSW, oboeist Miriam Cooney, 22, NSW, clarinetist Clare Fox, 26, NSW, bassoonist Hayden Burge, 21, NSW, horn player Stefan Grant, 24, NSW, trumpeter Joel Walmsley, 28, VIC, trombonist Jordan Mattinson, 23, QLD and timpanist/percussionist Jack Peggie, 24, NSW.

Over the coming year, the group will gain invaluable professional training, which includes working with international guest artists and conductors in orchestral settings as part of the Sydney Symphony 2024 Season. They’ll also receive mentorship with Sydney Symphony musicians, as well as participating in professional development activities such as instrumental masterclasses and student orchestral workshop tutoring.

In 2016, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship program was recognised by an independent BYP Group report as offering an “in-depth program of orchestra experience not duplicated by any other Australian provider” and “addressing an unmet need” in preparing musicians for entering the profession. Since the start of the Fellowship program in 2001, 12 Fellowship alumni have been appointed permanent positions with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, with more than 80% now employed by orchestras around the world.