Brian Boak Bursary Winner announced

The Foundation is pleased to announce the second winner of the Brian Boak Outstanding Performer Bursary. Martin Smith, a cellist originally from Sydney, is currently finishing performance studies in Germany and with the Brian Boak Bursary will fund his Soloist Diploma at the Scrola di Musica di Fiesole in Florence with renowned tutor and cellist Natalia Gutman. As one of only five carefully selected students in this elite program, Martin is sure to make the most of his study.

Martin Smith began Cello at the age of 8 and studied with Susan Blake and Uzi Wiesel at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. After graduating in 2004, Martin continued his studies in Leipzig Germany with Peter Hörr. Martin has appeared as orchestral soloist and recitalist throughout Australia, Europe and North America with recent performances including appearances with Plymouth Symphony, the Orchestre de Chambre de Lyon, Leipzig Philharmonic and a tour of Denmark with the Esbjerg Ensemble, as well as solo recitals as part of the Musica Viva Australia’s County Wide series with the Lyon String Trio.

Trustee Dr Kate Foy said “The field was of such a high standard this year. The finalists were four gifted, extraordinary young artists, and choosing a winner proved extremely difficult. Finally, it was Martin’s talent, his achievments and dedication that stood out for us.”The Foundation hopes to see Martin in the near future in Toowoomba for a formal presentation ceremony.

DOWNLOAD INFORMATION AND FORMS HERE

Brian Boak Bursary Information Pack 2010

The following selection criteria guides the selection panel:

· The quality and appropriateness of the proposed program

· Previous achievements in the performing arts

· Current involvement in the performing arts

· Proposed future contribution to the performing arts

· Preparedness to promote the performing arts through the Empire Theatres

· Accuracy and attention to detail in the application.

Empire Theatres Toowoomba Brian Boak Bursary Program

Empire Theatres Foundation invited actor, Mr Shane Withington to launch the Empire Theatre Toowoomba Brian Boak Bursaries on October 28, 2007. The bursaries are made possible through the generosity of the late Brian Boak, a staunch supporter of the performing arts on the Darling Downs.

The Foundation offers two bursaries – the “Outstanding Performer” bursary, worth approximately $25,000 and a “Developing Performer” bursary, to the value of up to $10,000. Each is designed to provide opportunities for career development, in the areas of acting, dancing, singing or instrumental performance. These bursaries are offered in alternating years. In 2009 two Developing Performer Bursaries were awarded and in 2010 one Outstanding Performer Bursary is on offer.

Applications are invited from persons (indicative age range 18 to 35) from anywhere in Australia but, where several suitably qualified persons are identified, preference may be given to applicants resident in the Darling Downs region.

Applications can be downloaded from this webpage.

For further information contact the Empire Theatres Foundation Officer at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone 07 4698 9900.

Developing Performer Bursary – next round offered 2011 and Outstanding Performer Bursary - next round offered 2012