Liverpool Philharmonic is delighted to announce the appointment of four musicians selected for the second annual Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Emerging Musicians Fellowship. 

The Emerging Musicians Fellowship offers early career musicians a paid, immersive professional orchestral experience, both on and off the stage over the course of a year. The Fellowship has no upper age limit and in 2023/24 over 270 musicians applied for the scheme.

The four musicians appointed as Fellowship Musicians for the 2023/24 season are: 

• Danny Cleave (double bass)
• Ewan Millar (oboe)
• Meggie Murphy (trombone)
• Méline Le Calvez (clarinet)

About the Fellowship Musicians

Danny Cleave, a native of Devon and who has just finished his Masters degree at the Royal College of Music said:

"I am so excited about my year in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Fellowship, as it will be my first time fully immersed into the life of a professional orchestra. I am looking forward to gaining this vital experience while being mentored and supported throughout, learning from some inspiring mentors in one of my favourite cities."

Ewan Millar, from Yorkshire, currently enrolled in a Masters degree at the Royal Academy of Music and who won the woodwind final of BBC Young Musician, said: 

“I decided to apply with the hope of getting some proper professional orchestral experience - the scheme is so generous in time and opportunities that applying was a no brainer. I have loved both the city and the orchestra for a long time, and I'm thrilled to have been accepted.”

Meggie Murphy, who studied at the Royal Academy of Music and was in the National Youth Orchestra said:  

“I am really excited to have gained a place on the programme and to receive world class mentorship, especially from this incredible brass section! The opportunity to work with this orchestra and receive invaluable insight into life as a professional musician will be an experience I will value throughout my career as a musician.”

Méline Le Calvez, born in Burgundy, France will finish her studies at the Royal College of Music this summer. She said: 

“I am really excited for the year ahead and am looking forward to learning from fantastic and inspiring musicians and to be close to professional orchestra life. It is so precious, in order to develop playing skills and knowledge of the orchestral repertoire for sure, but also to learn more about practical aspects of an orchestral musician’s career or to get experience in sharing music, passion, and joy through diverse educational projects.”

Sameeta Gahir, Principal Piccolo, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Lead Musician for the Emerging Musicians Fellowship, said:  

“In light of the successful launch of the Emerging Musicians Fellowship last year, this year we were overwhelmed by the sheer number of exceptional applications we received from talented musicians nationwide. The level of skill and dedication displayed by all the applicants was truly remarkable, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of them for their commitment and effort in presenting themselves. It is with great excitement that we announce the newest Fellowship Musicians. Their exceptional musical abilities and unique talents have stood out among the many outstanding candidates, and we are delighted to have them on board for this upcoming season.”

About the Fellowship 

The Emerging Musicians Fellowship programme aims to support a diverse range of outstanding orchestral musicians at the beginning of their career. The programme began in Autumn 2021, and we will be welcoming applications for the Year 3 Cohort in the 2023/24 Season.

The Emerging Musicians Fellowship programme aims to help address some of the significant challenges faced by early career orchestral musicians. The programme removes barriers to employment and empowers individuals to realise their full artistic talent and potential. 

Each year we welcome a cohort of Fellowship Musicians on a yearlong placement with Liverpool Philharmonic. We pair each Fellowship Musician with a mentor and provide them with instrument lessons from members of the Orchestra. These placements are an immersive, paid opportunity. Each Fellowship Musician is involved in every aspect of professional orchestral life including rehearsals, performances with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, work with our Youth Company, and engagement across our pioneering Learning Programmes through In Harmony Liverpool and our Music and Health Programmes.  

ENDS

Notes to Editors  

Media enquiries and further information from: Millicent Jones, Executive Director, Audiences and Development Millicent.jones@liverpoolphil.com / 07896 159134

About Liverpool Philharmonic  

Liverpool Philharmonic enhances and transforms lives through music.  

At the heart of our programme is the critically-acclaimed Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (the UK’s oldest) and Choir; work with young people through our Youth Company and In Harmony Liverpool; support for people experiencing physical and mental ill health through work with the NHS; and presentation of over 400 diverse concerts and events each year at our home, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, one of the UK’s leading concert halls. 

The 2023/24 Fellowship programme is supported by The Harold Hyam Wingate Trust, The Fidelio Trust and Robin Bloxsidge and Nick Riddle.