What’s happening?
Fifteen-year-old Townsville–Gurambilbarra flautist Annabelle Brown has been named the 2025 recipient of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music Theodore Kuchar Scholarship for Excellence in Music.
Annabelle, a student at Townsville Grammar School, was selected for her exceptional musical ability, strong commitment to her craft, and a performance profile that continues to grow at pace.
The scholarship recognises outstanding young musicians from North Queensland and supports them during their senior school years as they prepare for advanced study and professional pathways.
Why it matters?
The Theodore Kuchar Scholarship plays a key role in helping young regional musicians access high-level training and development opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
For Annabelle, the scholarship confirms her place among Australia’s most promising emerging musicians and supports her ambition to study internationally before continuing her education at home.
“I absolutely know that music is in my future, it’s been part of my life since I was six years old and I’m so excited to win this scholarship, it means I can study overseas and then return to university here in Australia,” she said.
Local impact
Annabelle’s achievement reflects the strength of Townsville’s youth arts community and the support provided by schools, festivals, and local government.
Townsville City Council Cr Liam Mooney said initiatives like the Theodore Kuchar Scholarship were vital for developing the region’s next generation of artists.
“Townsville is home to many remarkable artists, and it’s vitally important that they have pathways available to them to grow their skills and further their talents,” Cr Mooney said.
“Annabelle is an extraordinarily talented musician and I’m sure we’ll see her go on to perform on some of the world’s biggest stages. Well done Annabelle on this remarkable achievement.”
By the numbers
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The Theodore Kuchar Scholarship provides $4,000 across two years, supporting advanced instrumental tuition and professional development during Years 11 and 12.
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Annabelle has competed at the Townsville Eisteddfod from 2018 through to 2025, earning a long list of solo and ensemble awards across multiple categories.
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The scholarship was established in 1990 and has supported exceptional young North Queensland musicians for more than 30 years.
Zoom in
Annabelle began playing the flute at the age of six and has spent nearly a decade immersed in music through Townsville Grammar School.
Her achievements include winning the 2025 Cathie Neil Award for Most Promising Flautist at the Townsville Eisteddfod and being named Principal Flute in the Queensland Conservatorium’s Australian Honours Ensemble Program.
She has also been a participant in the Queensland Conservatorium State Honours Ensemble Program and is a repeated Academic Award recipient, as well as former Dux of Years 6 and 7.
Beyond music, Annabelle holds leadership roles including Middle School Music Captain, Academic Leader, and Junior School Music Captain. She is also Secretary and Social Media Manager for the Townsville City Council Youth Council.
Her public speaking achievements include winning the Townsville Interschool Public Speaking Championship in both 2024 and 2025.
A devoted community volunteer, Annabelle regularly performs in aged care facilities and supports school community programs.
Zoom out
AFCM Executive Director Ricardo Peach said the judging panel was impressed by Annabelle’s ability to balance musical excellence with leadership and community involvement.
“Annabelle is an exceptional young musician whose dedication and talent shone through every performance,” he said.
“She embodies the future of music in Australia, and we are delighted to support her next steps as a developing artist.”
The Theodore Kuchar Scholarship was established in honour of Theodore Kuchar, the founding Artistic Director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, and reflects AFCM’s long-standing commitment to youth development.
The scholarship is funded in partnership with Townsville City Council and is designed to increase opportunities for creative growth and advanced skill development within the local community.
What to look for next?
Annabelle plans to use the scholarship to further her flute studies through the Glasgow Conservatorium flute program and a similar program in Singapore.
Her development continues alongside the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, which will be held from 24 July to 1 August, 2026.
Tickets will go on sale to Festival Friends on Monday 2 February, followed by general public sales on Monday 2 March.
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, Cairns Regional Council, the Ian Potter Foundation, and the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia.
