David Shaw has received the inaugural Mary Turner Fellowship, which will link with the Musica Viva program.

The flute and piano teacher will play a liaison role, bringing Musica Viva acts to schools, while also expanding his own musical learning through workshops and master classes. 

“I feel very lucky,” he said.

“Mary Turner had a massive influence on the Orange music and arts scene – she helped establish the Orange Music Association, which later became the Orange Regional Conservatorium, and she helped to establish conservatoriums in NSW in general.”

Mrs Turner also had links to Musica Viva and Mr Shaw previously benefited from a grant to run a chamber music academy from the Godfrey Turner Trust, named after Mrs Turner’s husband. 

Mr Shaw said Musica Viva offered students a different perspective on music.

“It provides something else to see and shows them all this stuff that music can do,” he said.

Mr Shaw said he wanted to play his part in advancing musical education for teachers and students.

“If we can facilitate teachers to be more well-versed in teaching music, that’s great, if we can have more musicians playing in schools, all the better,” he said. 

Mrs Turner’s art collection also formed the foundation for Orange Regional Gallery in 1982 – it is currently on display at the gallery until January 27. 

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