Since 2006, an endowment generously given by Dr Elman Poole to the NZUK Link Foundation has enabled talented young musicians from New Zealand to complete a prestigious one-year fellowship at Southbank Sinfonia. The fellowship enables scholars to learn from some of the world's foremost classical musicians. They also have the opportunity to perform with orchestras from Academy of St Martin in the Fields and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.
In the words of Mark van de Wiel, Principal Clarinet of the Philharmonia and London Sinfonietta, ‘the level of confidence, skill and musical awareness which they gain in a short time with Southbank Sinfonia is extraordinary.'
This year's NZUK Link Southbank Scholar is Paul Lee, a cellist from Auckland. Paul received his Bachelor of Music with honours from the University of Auckland and his Master's at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He then became Acting Associate Principal Cellist at the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
We wish Paul the very best for his time here and hope to see him performing soon!