PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: TODAY (Tuesday, October 24), MacRobert Building, University of Aberdeen – full details below
Two gifted scholars at the University of Aberdeen have been awarded prestigious scholarships in recognition of their talents.
18-year-old Catherine Johnston, from Rothes, has received the Derek Ogston Music Scholarship, while 22-year-old Paul Tierney, from Hawick, has been awarded the Ogston Postgraduate Music Scholarship. These awards will give the students the unique chance to realise their full musical potential.
Founded in 2005, the Derek Ogston Music Scholarship is awarded to a musically talented student entering the University of Aberdeen for undergraduate studies.
Catherine, who has just begun a degree in Medicine at Aberdeen, is a talented cellist who began learning the instrument during her time at Speyside High School. She said: “It’s wonderful to be able to start my studies at the University of Aberdeen on a high note.
“I’m so pleased that I’ve been chosen to receive the undergraduate scholarship as there are so many talented students here. I feel very lucky to be given this chance to develop my skill.”
Meanwhile, outstanding singing talent Paul Tierney has been awarded the Ogston Postgraduate Music Scholarship. Paul, who graduated in July this year with a 1st class honours BMus (Bachelor of Music), from the University of Aberdeen, will shortly begin an MPhil. He is hoping to fulfil his ultimate goal of studying for a PhD in Music. Paul was also a joint recipient of the Ogston Prize in Music Making earlier this year.
Paul said: “I am very grateful to Derek Ogston and to all my friends and colleagues in the Music Department for their help and support during my time at the University of Aberdeen. It will continue to be a great privilege for me to work with such professional and enthusiastic individuals within the Music Department.
“I am delighted to have received the scholarship which I know will stand me in good stead for my future career.”
Professor Ogston CBE, FRSE, is a previous Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and a former Senior Vice-Principal of the University of Aberdeen. Over five decades he has gained seven degrees from the University of Aberdeen: in addition to medicine he has included history of art and theology in his studies.
Professor Ogston said he was delighted to support the continued development of the exciting and diverse music scene in the University at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. He said: “The performances of the many gifted students have given many, including myself, great enjoyment. I have particular pleasure in having the opportunity of making a contribution to helping talented students fulfil their potential in music.
“I have no doubt that Catherine and Paul are most deserving recipients of these scholarships.”
Dr Roger Williams, Master of Ceremonial Music and Organist to the University of Aberdeen, said: “I am delighted with these scholarships which are such an encouragement to our students in their musical activities both within the University and the City of Aberdeen.”
Dr Paul Mealor, Senior Lecturer in the University’s Music Department, said: “There has never been a more exciting time to be involved with music at the University of Aberdeen.
“The University’s annual music season features a packed programme of recitals and concerts, as well as residencies and visits by leading international artists, orchestras and ensembles, catering for all tastes. This provides the perfect backdrop to developing a career in music and I am thrilled that Paul and Catherine’s outstanding musical abilities has been recognised with the award of prestigious scholarships.”
· To mark the award of the Ogston Postgraduate Music Scholarship, a reception will be held today (Tuesday, October 24) at 5.00pm in the Music Department, Room 028, MacRobert Building, University of Aberdeen. Professor Derek Ogston will join with Music Department staff including Myra Pearson, Head of the School of Education; Dr Pete Stollery, Director of University Music; and Dr Paul Mealor, Senior Lecturer in Music.