About the Scholarship
The 2MBS Stefan Kruger Scholarship supports young, outstanding individuals further their career in the field of classical music. This annual scholarship is made possible through the generous bequest of passionate music lover, Dr Stefan Kruger.
Value
Valued at $13,000, the 2026 2MBS Stefan Kruger Scholar will receive:
- $8000 cash
- $5000 promotional credit to be used for marketing activities on 2MBS Fine Music Sydney’s on-air and online marketing channels.
- Access to the Fine Music Founders’ Studio for rehearsals
Eligibility
Volunteers and Staff of 2MBS Fine Music Sydney or previous scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Applicants must be:
- Between the ages of 18 and 30 on 1 July 2026
- An Australian citizen, with a principal residence in Sydney and its environs
Selection Criteria
The scholarship is not a performance competition and will be awarded to the applicant who best meets the following criteria:
- The applicant has actively demonstrated the interest, commitment and potential to have a viable career in the performance or composition of classical music.
- The applicant has identified a detailed project or activity with the potential to significantly enhance the applicant’s career.
- The applicant has effectively demonstrated the potential value of the scholarship in terms of realising their project and proceeding with the project on a timely basis.
- The applicant has demonstrated how they envisage involving Fine Music in the project in addition to broadcasting opportunities and how they will acknowledge the station’s support.
Application Guidelines
Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 30 October 2026. Applicants must complete and submit all materials and pay application fee ($50) using the online entry form. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Applicants must provide the names and contact details of two referees who have worked with the applicant in an educational or professional field. Written references and testimonials will not be accepted.
- A budget indicating how the $8000 cash component will be spent, highlighting any other support the applicant has secured or aims to secure for the project.
- Provide a link(s) to unedited recordings of the applicant’s performance or broadcast. It must demonstrate the applicant’s ability to perform in relation to the application. It does not need to be part of a proposed final concert performance or project work.
- Supporting documentation including musical sketches and scores to show proof of concept for a proposed project.
- If selected as a finalist, the applicant may be invited to a follow-up interview or audition.
- The applicant must sign an agreement with 2MBS Fine Music Sydney acknowledging and accepting the Terms and Conditions governing the 2MBS Fine Music Sydney Stefan Kruger Scholarship.
*Applicants must provide a link to an un-edited video, maximum of 10 minutes, of their audition performance (participants can upload your video to Google Drive, YouTube or Vimeo, and then provide a link).
Adjudicators
Our prestigious adjudicators or “judges” will listen and evaluate performances and provide feedback based on the criteria for the performance. The criteria may include stage presence, accuracy, musical proficiency, interpretation, and other musical technicalities.
Find out more about the adjudicators:
Meet Ben Robinson, our 2026 Stefan Kruger Scholar
Classical composer Ben Robinson, whose music, described by Limelight as full of “fun and fury”, is known for its thrilling, playful and reflective energy. His works have been commissioned by leading organisations including Omega Ensemble, ANAM and the Sydney Opera House, and performed by major orchestras such as the TSO, AYO and Ensemble Offspring. A sought-after arranger, he has reimagined works for artists including Lime Cordiale and Jess Hitchcock. Robinson shares: “I’m thrilled to receive the Stefan Kruger Scholarship… This project is a chance to share my music more directly and reach new audiences through Fine Music and my first digital release.”
Meet Andrei Hadap, our 2025 Stefan Kruger Scholar
The applications received were of the highest order and after much discussion, it was decided to award the scholarship to pianist Andrei Hadap..
Andrei Hadap is a pianist, composer, teacher and scholar based in Sydney. He holds a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he studied under Stephanie McCallum and Erin Helyard.
Meet Cassandra Doyle, our 2024 Stefan Kruger Scholar
The applications received were of the highest order and after much discussion, it was decided to award the scholarship to mezzo-soprano Cassandra Doyle.
Cassandra plans to travel to Europe where she will audition for various European young artist programs, have lessons with targeted teachers in the German Hochschulen and as part of her 2024 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition award she will meet with Nicole Car in Paris for mentoring sessions.