Australia’s richest violin prize brings out the best

Talented violinist Anne-Marie Johnson has been awarded the 2014 Dorcas McClean Travelling Scholarship, Australia's richest prize for violinists. The $40,000 scholarship was awarded at the Dorcas McClean Gala Concert last night, the final round of the competition, presented by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music based at The University Of Melbourne. Established in 1981, the 2014 Dorcas McClean Travelling Scholarship seeks to support the musical education of outstanding young violinists across the country aged 25 years and under. The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music's Head of Strings, and Head Adjudicator of the competition, violinist Curt Thompson said the Dorcas McClean Travelling Scholarship offered valuable opportunities for young violinists. "The importance of the Dorcas McClean to young Australian violinists is profound, particularly this year as the winner will have the unique opportunity to perform and record with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra."  "While I'm still new to Australia, in my career overseas I have performed and competed with past winners of this significant national competition," he said. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Conductor Benjamin Northey congratulated the finalists. "I congratulate Anne-Marie on being awarded the 2014 Dorcas McClean Travelling Scholarship for Violinists.