Tait Mackerras Chair £10,000 | Nicola Robinson, french horn, QLD – Sinfonia Smith Square
Tait Memorial Trust Announces 2025 Award Recipients
London, UK – 28 June 2025
The Tait Memorial Trust is delighted to announce the recipients of its 2025 awards, providing over £91,000 in essential support to outstanding young musicians, singers, and dancers from Australia and New Zealand in the UK. The Trust, founded in memory of Sir Frank Tait and his four brothers, continues its proud mission to nurture the next generation of performers and strengthen cultural connections between our countries.
Since its founding, the Trust has helped launch the international careers of more than 300 emerging artists, many now performing with leading orchestras, opera houses, and ballet companies around the world.
Major Awards
- Tait Mackerras Chair £10,000
Nicola Robinson, French horn, QLD – Sinfonia Smith Square
Supported by the Tait Memorial Trust
“I am delighted to hold the Tait Mackerras Chair as a member of Sinfonia Smith Square for the 2025/26 season. I’m grateful that my involvement with the Trust will enable me to maintain my connection to the Australian music community throughout my year in London.” – Nicola Robinson
- Tait Scholar £5,000
Stefan Grant, French horn, NSW – Royal College of Music
Supported by the Tait Memorial Trust
- Tait John Frost Bursary £5,000
Recipient tba – Associated Studios
Supported by John Frost AM
Awarded to an outstanding emerging artist in Musical Theatre, selected by Associated Studios and made possible by the generosity of John Frost AM.
- Alastair Jackson Award £5,000 *
Eden Shifroni, soprano, NSW – Royal College of Music | Opera School
Funded by Dr Alastair Jackson AM
This award honours Dr Jackson’s lifelong commitment to nurturing young artists and provides vital support for an exceptional Australian or New Zealand singer to further their studies in the UK, reflecting his enduring legacy and passion for the advancement of the performing arts.
- Tait Bonynge Prize £5,000
Not Awarded | The Royal Ballet / Birmingham Royal Ballet – Aud Jebsen Young Dancers Programme
In honour of Richard Bonynge AC CBE and his exytaordinary contribution to the art of ballet
A new annual award recognising outstanding Royal Ballet School graduates offered a place in The Royal Ballet (Aud Jebsen Young Dancers Programme) or Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB2). No eligible recipient has been confirmed for 2025 at present.
Music Award Recipients
- Daniella Sicari, soprano (WA) – Private Studies
Eugénie White Award — Eugénie White - Estelle Shircore Barker, piano (VIC) – Royal Academy of Music
Eugénie White Award — Eugénie White - Bonna Yoon, bassoon (NSW) – Royal College of Music
Eugénie White Award — Eugénie White - Nina Noble, trumpet (NZ) – Royal College of Music
Thornton Foundation Award — Thornton Foundation - Lauren Jack, viola (NZ) – Royal Scottish Conservatoire
Thornton Foundation Award — Thornton Foundation - Samantha Hargreaves, soprano (VIC) – Goethe Institut German Course & Coachings
Whalley-Goldie Morrison Award — Michael Whalley OAM & Karen Goldie Morrison - Megan Yang, violin (NSW) – Royal Academy of Music
Whalley-Goldie Morrison Award — Michael Whalley OAM & Karen Goldie Morrison - Felix Pascoe, viola (VIC) – Royal Academy of Music
Whalley-Goldie Morrison Award — Michael Whalley OAM & Karen Goldie Morrison - Bella Marslen, soprano (WA) – Royal College of Music
TPAA Award — Sallie Johnston ** - Emilia Bertolini, soprano (VIC) – Private Studies
Tait John Crisp Award — John Crisp bequest - Callum Knox, organ (NSW) – Royal Academy of Music
Tait June Mendoza Award — June Mendoza bequest - Phoebe Edwards, soprano (VIC) – Royal Academy of Music
Julian Baring Award — Isla Baring OAM - Georgia Melville, soprano (NSW) – National Opera Studio
Tait Sutherland Bursary ** — Dr Alastair Jackson AM - James Emerson, baritone (VIC) – Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Tait Sutherland Bursary ** — Dr Alastair Jackson AM - Not Awarded – The Royal Ballet / Birmingham Royal Ballet
Tait Bonynge Prize — Aud Jebsen Young Dancers Programme / BRB2 - Henry Burgess, ballet (NSW) – The Royal Ballet School
Leanne Benjamin Award - Daisy Sexton, ballet (NSW) – The Royal Ballet School
Leanne Benjamin Award - Hamish Giddens, ballet (NZ) – The Royal Ballet School
Leanne Benjamin Award - Lauren Wycherley, ballet (NZ) – The Royal Ballet School
Leanne Benjamin Award - Yolanda Zhu, ballet (VIC) – English National Ballet School
Leanne Benjamin Award - Olivia Sztybel, ballet (QLD) – English National Ballet School
Leanne Benjamin Award - Ella Brownlow-Ziirsen, ballet (NSW) – Central School of Ballet
Leanne Benjamin Award - Jade Johnstone, dance/ballet (NZ) – Rambert School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance
Leanne Benjamin Award
“Leanne Benjamin’s extraordinary career is a testament to her artistry, discipline, and determination. She has inspired generations of dancers, and through these awards, her legacy continues to support and nurture the stars of tomorrow, helping them realise their dreams on the global stage.”
— Isla Baring OAM, Chairman of the Tait Memorial Trust
Since its founding, the Tait Memorial Trust has supported over 300 performing artists from Australia and New Zealand, providing more than £1.5 million in scholarships and grants. This ongoing support enables young talents to thrive and contribute to the international arts scene.
For more information about the Tait Memorial Trust and its awards, please visit
www.taitmemorialtrust.org