Stellenbosch University's Mabel Quick Overseas Bursary Announces Winners

22-year-old South African cellist Ethan Lawson will receive a grant to be put towards studies overseas

South Africa's Stellenbosch University recently announced the winners of one of its flagship grants, the Mabel Quick Overseas Bursary. The 22-year-old cellist Ethan Lawson was named as the recipient of the grant, which is valued at ZAR 100,000 (approximately $5,000 USD).

A student of Dr Peter Martens, Lawson served as the principal cellist of the Cape Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and is the principal cellist of the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra. He is currently pursuing a master's degree at the university.

The competition, which takes place every second year, offers a grant to current students or alumni of Stellenbosch University, to be put towards the costs of studying overseas. The other finalists for the award were violinist Zoë Coetzee, clarinetist David Cyster, and tenor Jason September.

Lawson was also the recipient of the separate Mabel Quick Instrumental Bursary, which was examined on the previous day.

In 2023, the jury for the award comprised Hendrik Hofmeyr, Aubrey Lodewyk, and Nerina von Mayer.

"I didn’t go into the competition with any expectations, I just really enjoyed the performance, and I am very grateful that the adjudicators did too," Lawson said.