Academy students Kasparas Mikužis (piano), Olwen Miles (violin), Emil Hartikainen (violin), Alise Siliņa (accordion) and Elfida Su Turan (violin) are the latest musicians to join the LSO’s prestigious programme, which each year welcomes a new cohort of ten students from the world’s top conservatoires. Nikita Demidenko (piano) who recently graduated from the Academy has also been awarded the scholarship.
The LSO Conservatoire Scholarship, created in partnership with Alex and Elena Gerko, aims to ensure that outstanding postgraduate musicians from all backgrounds can access conservatoire training. The grants of up to £15,000 per academic year contribute to living and maintenance costs and allow recipients to focus fully on their studies at a critical stage in their education. Scholars also receive personalised mentorship from LSO musicians as well as performance opportunities, introductions to key people in the sector and the chance to connect with each other.
Academy pianist Kasparas Mikužis said: ‘I feel extremely grateful to have been selected as one of the LSO Conservatoire Scholars. This support will allow me to dedicate myself fully to music-making. To be in a position where my only limits are time and self-motivation is truly inspiring, and I am very excited about the opportunities ahead.’
The scholarship programme is part of the Emerging Artists strand of LSO Discovery, the LSO’s learning and community programme, which provides a wide range of inspiring and inclusive opportunities for performers, creators and participants from all backgrounds.
At the Academy, over £5 million is awarded annually in scholarships and bursaries to 83% of students. The Royal Academy of Music is fully committed to ensuring the widest possible access to our training, and we actively fundraise so that we can mitigate the challenges posed by studying and pursuing a career in music. Find out more about scholarships and bursaries.