2026 AUSTA VIC Paul McDermott Scholarship
About
2026 AUSTA VIC Paul McDermott Scholarship
Applicants: Must be under 15 years of age on 1st September 2026
Applicants are required to play:
One movement from any unaccompanied Bach Violin Sonata or Partita
1st movement of a Mozart or Haydn Concerto with cadenza
A work of own choice (not a Concerto Movement)
Value of scholarship: $1500, and performance at an AUSTA VIC event
Registration Fee: $50
Each year, young Victorian violinists are invited to apply for the prestigious Paul McDermott Scholarship—but few know the remarkable story behind the man whose name it bears.Established in 1980 by an anonymous local music lover and benefactor, the scholarship honours Paul McDermott, a beloved local violinist, conductor, and champion of music education. McDermott served as the chief conductor of the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra from 1960 to 1973 and was the founder and president of the Australian Musicians’ Guild. Under his leadership, the Guild flourished, presenting regular concerts and launching Music in the Round, a celebrated weekend-long festival held at historic venues such as Werribee Mansion and the Abbotsford Convent. This event became a highlight in Melbourne’s cultural calendar from 1972 until McDermott’s passing in 1985, and served as a unique platform for scholarship recipients to perform alongside leading Australian and international chamber musicians.
After McDermott’s death, and the eventual closure of the Guild in 1996, the scholarship was entrusted to AUSTA VIC, who proudly continue its legacy. Though Music in the Round ended, its spirit has been revived in recent years through projects by Jeff Crellin and Chris Howlett.
Today, the Paul McDermott Scholarship remains a significant accolade in the Victorian string community—a $1500 award that supports the further study of a promising young violinist under the age of 15. The recipient also receives the opportunity to perform at an AUSTA VIC event, adding a prestigious milestone to their musical journey and honouring the vision of a man who gave so much to Australian music.
For more information, please contact the AUSTA VIC secretary.
Dates
Sunday 25 October 2026 (UTC+10)Location
Trinity Grammar
40 Charles St, Kew VIC 3101
Contact Form
2026 AUSTA VIC Paul McDermott Scholarship
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