Penelope's Violin Voyage to Germany and Austria

Hello my name is Penelope,

I am a sixteen year old violinist and I’m raising money to support my travel to Germany and Austria with the NSW Regional Youth Orchestra in July this year. All contributions will go towards the cost of travel and accomodation for my trip.

A bit about me—

I started playing when I was nine, (I wanted to start at four but I was a notoriously unpredictable child so it took five years of begging before my parents surrendered and finally put one in my hands).

I had a profound passion for it, but it wasn’t until two years ago when I realised it was really something I wanted to pursue and hopefully create a career out of.

Music has always been my great love, I adore everything from metal to Baroque classical, (with the exception of most rap, and I do think true music died into the 2000’s, but I digress ).

But my relationship to my violin hasn’t always been a graceful experience. A few years ago, I had quite an intense spout of depression which led me to lose drive for most things in my life and left me feeling completely isolated. In that time, all I really wanted to do was play, and even though I had so much amazing support in my parents and my wonderful teacher, I still believed I would never be good enough to play outside my room, so I never played for anyone. I was too self-conscious.

But I plucked up the courage to participate in my first youth orchestra at the end of 2022, which was the first time I had played with other musicians. I met so many amazing people through extending myself out of my comfort zone, and discovering I do actually have a talent worth sharing and exploring.

Music has been a massive part of my recovery and through opening up and putting myself out there, I received so many incredible opportunities. Just last year I received a Scholarship to my Conservatorium, I played in a workshop with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, successfully auditioned to the Regional Youth Orchestra, played in my first musical and even joined a band!

I never could have imagined I would have all these mind-blowing experiences, let alone get the chance to go overseas with my orchestra to incredible places in Germany and Austria! Some of the places we visit include Berlin, Vienna, Saltzburg (where the Sound of Music was filmed aaaahhh), Linz and Munich.

We will play with youth orchestras from all around the world, and see the most historically significant classical music sites in the world, and be in the heart of musical culture!

To achieve this life changing experience, I want to raise 5000 dollars towards my travel and accommodation. In total I need $11000 for this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

I would so astronomically appreciate any donation to what is most definitely to be the most amazing trip of my young life and the furtherment of my musical education.

Thank you

Penelope