TWO young musicians have become the first recipients of new bursary from
Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra (WSO).
William Sherratt and Thea Jenkins were awarded the Malcolm Rowson Memorial Bursary, established last year in memory of the former WSO chair and oboist. The bursary awards up to £400 for a young musician playing the oboe, bassoon or cor anglais, to be put towards the costs of music making or education.
They pair presented with the awards by the guest soloist, Rebecca Aldridge, at WSO’s recent concert at All Saints Church in Leamington.
William attends King Edward VI School in Stratford and is going to the Birmingham Conservatoire in the autumn on a scholarship.
He impressed the panel by his musicality which matched his technical prowess. He is intending to use his award to purchase the equipment to make his own reeds.
Thea studies at De Montfort School in Evesham and will be using her award to take lessons with a leading professional.
Malcolm, who died in 2019, was well known in local music circles.
He was a noted amateur oboe player, including being first oboe player in the WSO and many other orchestras including D’Oyly Carte.
He was active in the organisation and coordination of local music including being chairman of the West Midlands National Federation of Music Societies (NFMS) and Making Music for many years.
He was, notably, also very keen supporter of young musicians.
Raymond Joyce, WSO chair and long-time friend of Malcolm, said: “This is a very fitting way to remember such a well-known local musician, who contributed so much to music in Warwickshire and the West Midlands and passionate about equal opportunities for young people. We were delighted by the standard of the students who auditioned.”
There will be a memorial concert for Malcolm on October 15 in Warwick Hall.
