Roger Benedict, Artistic Director

The Sydney Symphony Fellowship is Australia's leading pre-professional orchestral training program with up to nine Fellowship positions on offer each year.  The program is run under the guidance of Artistic Director, Roger Benedict.

If you want a career as an orchestral musician there is no better place to prepare yourself better than spending a year as a Sydney Symphony Fellow.  Throughout the year you will have opportunities to perform with and be mentored by Sydney Symphony musicians. What better way to hone your skills than on stage in the Sydney Opera House. Fellows also have the opportunity to perform in chamber music performances and receive guidance from touring international artists in masterclasses.

The Facts

• Open to Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and French Horn
• One year fulltime apprenticeship with the Sydney Symphony
• $16,000 stipend
• Perform chamber music concerts around Sydney and NSW
• Play with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as a preferred casual
• Play a lead role in Sydney Symphony Sinfonia
• Masterclasses with the world's best soloists. Recent classes have been lead by Julian Rachlin, Anthony Marwood, François Leleux, Pieter Wispelwey, Midori, Daniel Hope, Tabea Zimmermann, Ralph Kirshbaum and Arabella Steinbacher
• Possibility of International Touring with Sydney Symphony

"Through the extensive chamber music program, masterclasses with international soloists and the chance to play with the Sydney Symphony I received an unparalleled year of training. Being given the chance to develop the skills we require to be an orchestral musician in a supportive environment is what makes this program unique, and this also makes it a must for any young musician looking to enter a career as an orchestral player."
Josef Bisits, double bass. Sinfonia 2008, 2009. Fellowship 2010.

"Getting to be a part of the Sydney Symphony Fellowship was something I had always dreamed of. It is an amazing experience and I feel completely privileged to be a part of such an inspiring program. The mentoring and training I've received is invaluable and to play with the Sydney Symphony musicians on a regular basis has helped my playing more than I would have ever thought it could."
Katy Grisdale, horn. Sinfonia 2006, 2007, 2008. Fellowship 2011.