Introducing the 2023-24 London Symphonia / Western University Fellows

London Symphonia and the Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western University are pleased to announce the five exceptional students who have been appointed to the London Symphonia Fellowship with Western University for the orchestra’s 2023-24 artistic season.

2023-24 London Symphonia Fellows

*Returning Fellow. Originally appointed in 2022-23. 

Created in 2022, the Fellowship program provides five full-time Western string students considering a career as a professional orchestral musician with a rich package of professional training, performance experience and mentoring, starting with a highly competitive audition process that mirrors the established practice of professional orchestral auditions. The initiative is funded by the Western Strategic Priorities Fund. 

“We are thrilled that our music majors have this uniquely experiential opportunity to work with the very talented musicians of London Symphonia,” said Don Wright Faculty of Music Dean Michael Kim. “This gives our students directly relevant professional experience and training as they prepare to transition to lives as performers and educators in our community.”

“All the musicians are delighted to welcome this new cohort of Fellows to join us for the 2023-24 season,” said Andrew Chung, Artistic Producer, London Symphonia. “Last year, the Fellows brought a wonderful energy to the stage. 

“Taking an individual's years of training and performing and applying them to a truly professional context is a vital next step in the development of these accomplished young musicians.”

With five Fellowship positions available each season, all candidates undertake a rigorous, professional-style audition process. 

“There simply is no substitute for the experience of preparing and performing the required material on audition day,” said Chung. “The audition involves learning about how one reacts under pressure, and through our audition process we have the opportunity to give helpful feedback so that each player can grow and develop their resiliency in a competitive environment.” 

Paired with London Symphonia Mentors who share tips about how best to prepare for concerts, the Fellows will perform with the orchestra in four concert programs in the 2023-24 season: 

• October 14, 2023. Beethoven Symphony No. 9. Matthias Maute conducting. 

• January 27, 2024. Janina Fialkowska Plays Chopin. Rei Hotoda conducting.

• February 24, 2024. Beau Dixon, Freedom: The Spirit and Legacy of Black Music. Scott Harrison conducting.

• April 6, 2024. A Bohemian Life: Debussy, Scott Good, Dvorak Symphony No. 8. Tania Miller conducting. 

2022-23 London Symphonia Fellows

Following a highly competitive audition process, we welcomed five emerging musicians to join London Symphonia for concerts, beginning December 2022. 

 “…congratulations to our winners, and to all of the students who auditioned! The standard was high and choosing winners was sometimes very difficult. The entire Audition Committee is both impressed and excited about these wonderful young musicians! They will bring inspiration and energy to our entire orchestra.”

Joe Lanza
Concertmaster, London Symphonia
Director, Western Early Music Studio