SA Cello & Bass Ensemble Weekend 2026 (Adults only)

AUSTA ACT is holding the 2026 String Concerto Competition on Sunday August 23rd at St Mary MacKillop College Isabella Plains campus.

CANDIDATE MUST:

• Enter the section that best represents their technical level.
• Stipulate what concerto and movement they are playing – limited to only one movement.
• Name their accompanist; accompanists must be in person, no recordings and long orchestral tuttis must be cut.
• Name their teacher.
• Abide by time limits.
• Enter early. Due to time constraints we are limited to 12 candidates in each section.  Candidates will be accepted on a first in first served basis. Later entries may not be able to be accepted.

There are four sections based on AMEB Grade:

1. AMEB Grade 2-4:  12pm-1.30pm
Playing time 5 minutes
Prizes 1st place $75; 2nd place $50
Early Bird $50 Regular price $65

2. AMEB Grade 5-6:  2pm-3.30pm

Playing time 10 minutes
Prizes 1st place $100; 2nd place $75
Early Bird $55 Regular price $70

3. AMEB Grade 7-8: 4pm-5.30pm
Playing time 10 minutes
Prizes 1st place $200; 2nd place $150
Early Bird $60 Regular price $75

4. AMEB Certificate of Performance+: 6pm-7.30pm
Playing time 13 minutes
Prizes 1st place $250; 2nd place $200
Early Bird $65 Regular price $80

ENTRY FEE:

Bookings made by August 9^th will attract the early bird discount. Booking made after August 9^th will be at the regular price structure. Entries close August 16^th.

Registration link: https://www.trybooking.com/DOAZJ

The Paul McDermott Scholarship
Each year, young Victorian violinists are invited to apply for the prestigious Paul McDermott Scholarship—but few know the remarkable story behind the man whose name it bears.

Established in 1980 by an anonymous local music lover and benefactor, the scholarship honours Paul McDermott, a beloved local violinist, conductor, and champion of music education. McDermott served as the chief conductor of the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra from 1960 to 1973 and was the founder and president of the Australian Musicians’ Guild. Under his leadership, the Guild flourished, presenting regular concerts and launching Music in the Round, a celebrated weekend-long festival held at historic venues such as Werribee Mansion and the Abbotsford Convent. This event became a highlight in Melbourne’s cultural calendar from 1972 until McDermott’s passing in 1985, and served as a unique platform for scholarship recipients to perform alongside leading Australian and international chamber musicians.

After McDermott’s death, and the eventual closure of the Guild in 1996, the scholarship was entrusted to AUSTA VIC, who proudly continue its legacy. Though Music in the Round ended, its spirit has been revived in recent years through projects by Jeff Crellin and Chris Howlett.

Today, the Paul McDermott Scholarship remains a significant accolade in the Victorian string community—a $1500 award that supports the further study of a promising young violinist under the age of 15. The recipient also receives the opportunity to perform at an AUSTA VIC event, adding a prestigious milestone to their musical journey and honouring the vision of a man who gave so much to Australian music.

This year we are delighted to welcome John as an adjudicator for the 2026 Paul McDermott Scholarship.John Noble, an accomplished violinist, visionary educator and founder of Itet, whose innovative mentorship programs are transforming access to high-level chamber music for young string players across regional and rural Victoria.

For more information, please contact: secretaryvic@austa.asn.au

To apply for audition, please follow this link: https://www.trybooking.com/DLEEO

Bibliography: Cooke, Max. The Australian Musicians’ Guild [online]. Australian Journal of Music Education, No. 9, Oct 1971: 47-48.

Student Workshop Term 4

Sunday 18th October 2026

1pm – 3pm Rehearsal

3:30pm Free Concert