Alumnus from The University of Queensland, Joshua Clifford, has been awarded the Sydney Symposium Choral Foundation Conducting Scholarship, a prestigious honour that will support his continued development as a conductor on an international stage.
The scholarship will allow Clifford to attend the 2025 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Conference in Dallas, Texas, and undertake private conducting coaching, rehearsal observations and workshops in the United Kingdom for five weeks.
With the support of this scholarship, Joshua aims to build on the strong foundation of skills he established at UQ, seeking further opportunities to improve his craft and continue making a name for himself in the world of choral conducting.
Reflecting on his time at UQ, Clifford credits the University’s music program for shaping his career trajectory. "My time singing in the UQ Chorale exposed me to massed choral and symphonic repertoire, which I had never experienced growing up in regional Queensland," he said. "These moments, combined with vocal training from Sarah Crane and opportunities to lead and choreograph for opera cohort concerts, helped me realise my strengths as an educator and conductor. I received such a solid grounding at the School of Music as young singer and conductor."
The Sydney Symposium Choral Foundation Conducting Scholarship has previously been awarded to distinguished conductors such as Dr Liz Scott, Dr Christopher Kiver and Dr Katherine Chan.
Joshua also emphasised the impact of UQ’s grounding in European languages and lyric diction, which have been invaluable in his work as a teacher and conductor. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from his former teachers, including Dr Graeme Morton, who encouraged him to apply for the scholarship.
For more information on the Sydney Symposium Choral Foundation Conducting Scholarship, visit Sydney Symposium Choral Foundation Conducting Scholarship.
