RSA Choir Vocal Scholars
RSA Choir Vocal Scholarships and Relationship with the University of Otago:
RSA Choir Vocal Scholarships
For many years we have had a strong tradition of supporting young singers in training. In the year 2000, we began awarding scholarships to classical voice students at the University of Otago Music Department, Dunedin Campus. One new scholarship is awarded each year on the recommendation of the Head of Classical Voice Performance Studies. Each scholarship is worth $1 000 annually and is available for up to 3 years as long as the student continues studies in the Department. In order to provide opportunities for public performance, scholars are invited to sing at our concerts, usually accompanied by a staff member of the Music Department.
An extract from a letter Erica Paterson sent to the Dunedin RSA Choir in June 2023, when Erica was accepted into the Royal College of Music in London to study a Masters of Music.
The RSA Choir has been instrumental in me getting to this point in my musical journey of furthering my studies overseas, both because of your scholarship throughout my university degree at Otago but also (and not least) because of your ongoing moral support, performance opportunities, and friendship over the years. So I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you all for this. The RSA Choir and their concerts have, and will always hold, a special place in my heart.
Erica Paterson at the Scholar Concert 2022.
The current Vocal Scholars are:
25. 2024 - Jesse Hanan
24. 2023 - Dominic Edmond (1 Year only)
23. 2023 - Rosie Auchinvole
22. 2022 - Kieran Kelly
Past Scholars are:
21. 2021 - Alexander McAdam (1 Year only)
20. 2020 - Lillian Gibbs
19. 2019 - Emma McClean
18. 2018 - Rhiannon Cooper
17. 2017 – Erica Paterson
16. 2016 – Harry Grigg
15. 2015 - Beth Goulstone
14. 2014 - Sam Madden
13. 2013 - Clinton Fung (2 years only)
12. 2012 - Sophie Morris
11. 2011 - Ben Madden
10. 2010 - Tamara Mayo
9. 2010 - Alex Wilson
2009 – No Award
8. 2008 – Tim Blacker
7. 2007 - Michelle Willyams
6. 2006 – James Halliday
2005 – No Award
5. 2004 - Claire Barton
4. 2003 - Stephen Chambers
3. 2002 - Jenny Kempton
2. 2001 - Robert Tucker
1. 2000 - Emma Fraser
Kieran, Emma and former Scholar Erica Paterson singing at the 2022 Scholar Concert.
The criteria for awarding scholarships are as follows:
1. A scholarship is available from the second year of study.
2. Each scholarship is awarded on the recommendation of the Head of Classical Voice Performance Studies in the Music Department of the University of Otago, Dunedin Campus.
3. Preference is given to students from the Otago/Southland region.
Administration:
The Scholarship programme is administered jointly by the Music Department of the University of Otago and the Committee of the Dunedin Returned Services Choir (RSA Choir).
Contacts:
The current choir contact for the Scholarship programme is Dr David Coulter, 33 Ascot Street, St Kilda, Dunedin 9012, Phone +64 (0)3 455 9900 or Mobile +64 (0)27 567 4269 Email: dcoulter47@gmail.com
A link to the University of Otago, Music Department web site is : http://www.otago.ac.nz/music
Scholar’s Certificates:
Kieran Kelly receives his certificate from Phil Godfrey at the 2022 Scholar Concert.
Scholars Alexander Mc Adam, Emma McClean, Lillian Gibbs, with Otto Schmid, Karen Knudson and Kevin Tansley.
Scholar’s Activities:
Erica Paterson, Lillian Gibbs singing at our Mid-year Concert in Knox Church 2019
Emma, Lillian and Alexander receiving flowers at the Scholar Concert in the St. Patrick’s Basilica - Sunday 27th June 2021.
Erica Paterson and Rhiannon Cooper getting First and third in the Dame Malvina Mayor Foundation Aria Contest in Christchurch, July 2021.
Vocal Scholars Garry Grigg, Beth Goulstone and Sam Madden at our ANZAC Revue, April 2017
Sophie Morris with Graham Nicholls at the ANZAC Revue 2018