Fellowship Ensemble

For early-career violin, viola and cello players

Applications closed: Sunday 22 September at 5pm

New Zealand String Quartet Trust, Chamber Music New Zealand and Adam Chamber Music Festival invite emerging and early-career violin, viola and cello players to apply now to be part of an exciting new fellowship opportunity.

The Opportunity:

We are looking for two violin, one viola and one cello player to form a string quartet and take part in a career-developing fellowship programme, facilitated and mentored by the New Zealand String Quartet (NZSQ), Chamber Music New Zealand (CMNZ) and the Adam Chamber Music Festival (ACMF). Over the course of the fellowship programme, you will develop and hone your performance, creative, collaborative and business skills and set yourself up for a successful, sustainable and well-rounded career in the arts. Applications are open to applicants based anywhere in New Zealand.

If you are a recent graduate or are nearing the end of your tertiary study and are ready to launch your career in classical music, then this could be the opportunity for you!

Please note:

Applications are open to individual players and pre-formed string quartets. All members of a pre-formed quartet must submit their own individual application. Applications will be assessed separately and individuals may be offered a place in the programme separate to their pre-formed quartet.

Successful applicants will be selected by a panel comprising representatives from the NZSQ Trust, CMNZ, and ACMF, based on their performance in an audio recording, their written application, and an interview.

As part of the fellowship ensemble, you will:

Attend the Adam Summer School for Chamber Music in Nelson (8-17 February 2025)
Receive performance coaching from the musicians of the New Zealand String Quartet
Work as an ensemble to establish a new string quartet, including giving the quartet an original name and creating new marketing material
Receive career mentorship and skills workshops from NZSQ and CMNZ staff to develop non-performance skills necessary for a career in the arts. E.g. marketing, publicity, fundraising, business skills, arts management
Develop a concert programme
Perform in seven locations across New Zealand on a tour presented by Chamber Music New Zealand (28 August – 14 September 2025)
Perform as part of the 2026 Adam Chamber Music Festival in Nelson (29 January – 7 February 2026)

Successful applicants will be:

Tertiary level or above
At least 18 years old on 1 February 2025
Serious about pursuing a career in the arts
Motivated and organised individuals who are ready to work in a professional setting
Interested in developing non-performance skills required for a successful and sustainable career in the arts, e.g. marketing, publicity, business skills. However, no prior experience in these areas is required
Have the right to work in New Zealand
Prepared to travel nationally

Successful applicants must be available for the following dates:

8 – 17 February 2025 to attend the Adam Summer School for Chamber Music in Nelson
28 August – 14 September 2025 for seven performances around the country (NB there will be an opportunity to return home between performance dates during the tour period). Please note that these dates do not include a rehearsal period for the tour, which will be determined following selection of the successful applicants
29 January – 7 February 2026 to perform as part of the 2026 Adam Chamber Music Festival

All members of the Fellowship Ensemble will also participate in professional development workshops throughout the programme (either in-person or via video call, depending on where participants are based). Dates and times will be determined following the selection of the successful applicants.

Remuneration:

Selected participants will receive a full scholarship for the 2025 Adam Summer School for Chamber Music, which includes full board, and tuition.

The selected participants will receive a fee per performance for the CMNZ national tour. All travel and accommodation will be provided.

Selected participants will receive a performance fee for their involvement in the 2026 Adam Chamber Music Festival. Travel and accommodation will be provided.

Application Process & Requirements:

This application process involves a written application and audition tape, followed by an interview stage. To apply, you are required to complete this form, including submitting a 15-minute audio recording, a CV and cover letter. Based on their application, shortlisted applicants will be offered an interview slot on either 3rd or 4th October 2024. The interview will take place via video call and the interview panel will consist of staff members from NZSQ, CMNZ and ACMF.

Please note:

In the application form you will have an opportunity to pick your preferred interview slot. If you are not available on the 3rd or 4th October, please let us know.

Your audio recording should be:

15 minutes or more
AUDIO ONLY – these recordings will be assessed anonymously and applicants who submit a recording with video may not be considered
Provided in the application form as a YouTube or Vimeo link
Feature two contrasting styles to demonstrate the highest technical and musical level
From within the last 6 months
Unaccompanied/ Solo repertoire, or works with piano

Your CV should cover:

Your education to date
Previous work experience (this does not have to be related to music or the arts)
Previous performances
Any achievements or awards you have won

Your cover letter should include:

Why you should be considered for this opportunity
A summary of your experience to date
An outline of your commitment to chamber music
Your career ambitions

Applications are open to individuals and pre-formed string quartets. All members of a pre-formed quartet must submit their own individual application. Applications will be assessed separately, and individuals may be offered a place in the programme separate to their pre-formed quartet.

Application timeline:

Monday 2 September: Applications open
Sunday 22 September at 5pm: Applications close (Late applications will not be accepted, please do not wait until the last minute to submit your application)
Monday 30 September: Shortlisted applicants notified and interview slots allocated
Thursday 3 & Friday 4 October: Interviews for shortlisted applicants to be conducted via video call
Thursday 10 October: All applicants notified of outcome

Please note:

Even if your application for the Fellowship Ensemble is not successful, you may still be considered for the Adam Summer School for Chamber Music. In your application form, please indicate if you would like to be considered for the Adam Summer School, regardless of whether or not you are selected for the Fellowship Ensemble. For more information on the Adam Summer School for Chamber Music, click here.