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On Saturday 5 October, AYO and the Pollett family announced that Melbourne-based violinist Theonie Wang is the recipient of the 2024 Richard Pollett Memorial Award. The Richard Pollett Memorial Award is given annually to young violinists with exceptional personal and musical qualities. Richard Pollett was a gifted violinist from the AYO community and graduated from the University of Queensland.
In 2011, Richard tragically passed away, and his family and close friends established the award with AYO to honour his memory and celebrate his achievements. Over the past twelve years, the award has built a legacy of empowering young Australian violinists in the early stages of their careers.
Theonie Wang has been involved in AYO programs since 2020 and recently served as the concertmaster of the flagship orchestra. She is currently studying violin performance at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). We caught up with Theonie to hear her thoughts on receiving this prestigious award and her aspirations for the future of her musical journey!
What does winning the Richard Pollett Memorial Award mean to you as a young violinist?
Receiving the Richard Pollett Memorial Award is an incredibly meaningful honour as a violinist. It encourages me to stay committed to my craft and reminds me of the importance of learning and growth. I hope to honour the legacy of this award by continuing to strive for excellence and supporting others in their musical pursuits. This award will significantly assist my future studies overseas and I am grateful to be receiving this award from Patricia and Philip Pollett.
What have been some highlights of your time with AYO?
Some extraordinary moments from my time with AYO include serving as concertmaster for this year’s Autumn and Winter Seasons under Alexandre Bloch and Nicholas Carter, two world-class and exceptional conductors. Another standout moment was performing Strauss’s “Alpine Symphony” with Sir Mark Elder, where I felt truly immersed in the majestic sounds inspired by the beauty of the Alps. However, the most special highlight will always be the 2020 National Music Camp (my first AYO program), where I had the incredible opportunity to play alongside Natsuko Yoshimoto, a pivotal experience that strongly persuaded my decision to pursue a career in music.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration in your development as a musician?
When I think back to those who have significantly affected the direction of my musical life, I realise it wouldn’t have been possible without the huge support of my musical family and especially my Aunty, who began teaching me when I was three! Despite this, a forever standout in my development has been Michele Walsh. She guided me to discover my own sound and ignited my passion for the violin. Michele’s impact goes far beyond music; she embodies warmth and kindness, making her a role model for me. My ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation of musicians just as she did for me, helping them find their voice and passion in music.
