We are delighted to welcome our newest scholarship recipients, Noah Rudd (Oboe) and Toby Pringle (Trumpet), to the Smith Square Sinfonia family. Their arrival marks the continuation of a long-standing tradition made possible by a generous endowment from Dr. Elman Poole to the NZUK Link Foundation, which has supported young musicians from New Zealand since 2006. This prestigious one-year fellowship provides talented musicians with the opportunity to learn from some of the world's most renowned classical artists, as well as perform with esteemed orchestras, including the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.
Noah and Toby joined us in early October, and their journey is already underway. The talented musicians are eager to refine their skills, connect with fellow artists, and contribute to the vibrant musical community at Smith Square. Noah shared his excitement after their first "Rush Hour" concert at St. John's Waterloo on October 16, where they performed Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 under the baton of Eugene Lee, a former Sinfonia member and fellow Kiwi. "What a whirlwind it has been, but it is very exciting to have my feet on the ground in London and ready to start at Sinfonia Smith Square!" he said. "It was a special moment, as the symphony was the first I ever played back in 2013. The beautiful oboe lines bring back so many memories."
Toby, too, has been enthusiastic about the experience. "With one week in the orchestra and the first concert done and dusted, I couldn’t be more excited for the year to come. The standard of the music-making is of the highest level, and connecting with so many new and like-minded people has been a real treat," he said.
As Noah and Toby embark on this exciting chapter, we invite you to follow their journey. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing updates on their experiences throughout the year.
Welcome to the Sinfonia, Noah and Toby!