Australia's Sydney Symphony Orchestra Names Fellows for 2024

13 emerging professionals will perform with the orchestra, as well as receiving mentorship, masterclass opportunities, and more

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) recently named the thirteen young musicians who will take part in its renowned Fellowship Program in 2024. These players were selected from hundreds of applications, and completed a competitive two-stage audition process to win their places.

The 2024 Fellows are:

• Dominic Azzi, 25, NSW (violin)
• Rain Liu, 25, NSW (violin)
• Harry Swainston, 24, QLD (viola)
• Joseph Kelly, 26, VIC (cello)
• Alexandra Elvin, 22, QLD (double bass)
• Laura Cliff, 25, NSW (flute)
• Miriam Cooney, 22, NSW (oboe)
• Clare Fox, 26, NSW (clarinet)
• Hayden Burge, 21, NSW (bassoon)
• Stefan Grant, 24, NSW (horn)
• Joel Walmsley, 28, VIC (trumpet)
• Jordan Mattinson, 23, QLD (trombone)
• Jack Peggie, 24, NSW (timpani/percussion)

Over the course of the Fellowship, these players will work with international guest artists and conductors in orchestral settings as part of the SSO's mainstage season. In addition, they will receive mentoring from SSO players, as well as participating in professional development activities such as masterclasses and student orchestral workshop tutoring.

The Fellowship has been running since 2001, and is unique within Australia in terms of the opportunities it offers to emerging professionals. A total of twelve ex-Fellows have been appointed to permanent positions in the SSO, and 80% of ex-Fellows find orchestral positions elsewhere in the world.

You can learn more about each individual Fellow here.

"We're so excited to welcome 13 talented young musicians as our 2024 Fellows!" wrote the SSO on social media.

"Now in its 21st year, our Fellowship program provides a year-long immersion in the world of the Orchestra to prepare these musicians for a career in music, including mentorship, masterclasses and a variety of performances."