Rotary Melbourne is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural Rotary Melbourne Music Scholarship, celebrating the extraordinary talent, resilience, and social impact of young musicians across Victoria. What began as a simple idea at a Rotary Arts Committee meeting has blossomed into a powerful annual commitment to nurture and support emerging artists.
The newly established 2025 scholarship program received an overwhelming response, drawing 37 highly talented applicants aged 10 to 30 years. The submissions represented a vibrant mix of classical, contemporary, and original compositions, highlighting a diverse range of instruments, voices, and cultural backgrounds. Applicants shared compelling personal stories and requested support for essential needs such as instrument purchases, software and recording equipment, tuition fees, travel for auditions, and mental health resources—underscoring the vital role financial support plays in enabling young artists to thrive.
After a thorough selection process, three outstanding recipients were awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarship funding, made possible through Rotary Melbourne’s Arts Committee and community partners. An additional 14 applicants received Highly Commended Certificates in recognition of their artistic excellence, perseverance, and potential.
A pianist, violinist, and graduate of the School of Byzantine Ecclesiastical Music, this awardee's musical journey is one of profound resilience. Growing up in an unsettled homeland, they fled with their family and settled in Victoria in 2016. The scholarship will support their continued piano and composition studies as they pursue a future shaped by healing, discipline, and artistry.
Orvokki Britton – $3,000 Scholarship Recipient
An aspiring opera singer, Orvokki has been immersed in music since early childhood, nurtured by two music teacher parents. Her journey from regional Victoria to Melbourne to study at the University of Melbourne required both courage and commitment. The scholarship will ease the financial burden of living and studying at Newman College, providing vital access to music practice spaces while honouring a family legacy — her mother and grandfather were also residents at Newman.
Tilly Jones - $2000 Scholarship Recipient
A composer and performer living with disability, Tilly uses music as a powerful outlet for emotional expression and connection. She graduated from Southern Cross University with distinction and has composed over 50 original works, and released an EP. Following her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis and a life-changing relocation from regional NSW, Tilly is pursuing a number of projects exploring themes of community, connection and the healing power of music through works for both solo and large ensemble. Her scholarship will go toward the purchase of an accessible MacBook Pro, enabling her to continue composing while managing vision deterioration.
