Annabelle, a dedicated young musician from Townsville Grammar School, was selected for her exceptional musicality, commitment, and rapidly rising performance profile. The scholarship provides $4,000 across two years (Years 11 and 12), supporting advanced instrumental tuition and professional development.
A young musician with a huge love of music, and who started the flute at aged six, Annabelle said she would use the scholarship to further her flute studies at the Glasgow Conservatorium flute program and in a similar program in Singapore.
"I absolutely know that music is in my future, it's been part of my life since I was six years old and I'm so excited to win this scholarship, it means I can study overseas and then return to university here in Australia," she said.
While only 15, Annabelle has already built a résumé that would impress musicians twice her age. A multi-award-winning flautist, public speaker, ensemble leader and devoted community volunteer, she represents the very best of Townsville's young artistic talent.
Her recent achievements include:
- Winner of the 2025 Cathie Neil Award for Most Promising Flautist at the Townsville Eisteddfod
- Principal Flute, Queensland Conservatorium's Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP)
- Secretary & Social Media Manager, Townsville City Council Youth Council
- 2024 & 2023 Winner of the Fitzgerald Award for Most Promising Woodwind
- Queensland Conservatorium State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) participant
- Repeated Academic Award recipient and former Dux of Year 6 and 7
- Leadership roles including Middle School Music Captain, Academic Leader, and Junior School Music Captain
- A long list of solo instrumental wins and ensemble achievements at the Townsville Eisteddfod spanning 2018–2025
- Townsville Interschool Public Speaking Champion (2024 + 2025)
- A devoted volunteer, performing in aged care facilities and supporting school community programs
She has been an integral part of Townsville Grammar School's orchestras, choirs, dance ensembles and bands for nearly a decade, contributing to the cultural fabric of her school and city.
Cr Liam Mooney said Townsville City Council was proud to support the next generation of North Queensland musicians through initiatives like the Theodore Kuchar Scholarship.
"Townsville is home to many remarkable artists, and it's vitally important that they have pathways available to them to grow their skills and further their talents," Cr. Mooney said. "Annabelle is an extraordinarily talented musician and I'm sure we'll see her go on to perform on some of the world's biggest stages. Well done Annabelle on this remarkable achievement."
AFCM Executive Director Ricardo Peach said the judges were struck not only by Annabelle's musical excellence but by her work ethic, leadership and community spirit.
"Annabelle is an exceptional young musician whose dedication and talent shone through every performance. She embodies the future of music in Australia, and we are delighted to support her next steps as a developing artist," he said.
The Theodore Kuchar Scholarship for Excellence in Music was established to support exceptional young North Queensland musicians to pursue their artistic ambitions, continuing AFCM's longstanding commitment to youth development. Initiated in 1990 in honour of Theodore Kuchar, founding Artistic Director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM), the Scholarship is funded in partnership with the Townsville City Council and aims to support young emerging artists in the local community by increasing opportunities for creative growth and skill development at an advanced level.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music: 24 July – 1 August, 2026
MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY: tickets on sale to Festival Friends
MONDAY 2 MARCH: tickets on sale to the general public.
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AFCM is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland; Cairns Regional Council; the Ian Potter Foundation; and the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
