Dr Rosalind Dubs Cello Finds New Home

Imagine you’re in the depths of studying Australian Public Law for end-of-semester exams, when you receive the news that you’ve been awarded not only a bursary but a new instrument. 

Second-year Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student Chloe Law can tell you just how it felt. “I was in shock, but the news instantly made my day, and the excitement and adrenaline alleviated some of the stress from studying intensively for my final exam two days later,” she said. 

Chloe is the recipient of the Dr Rosalind Dubs Companion Recurring Bursary for Cello. Funded by ANU Alumna Dr Rosalind Dubs, the bursary is provided to increase access and financial support to commencing and continuing music performance students displaying outstanding potential in classical cello. In addition to financial support, the recipient is granted the use of the Dr Rosalind Dubs cello for the duration of their studies.

“Receiving the bursary and cello is certainly an invaluable contribution to supporting my endeavours, especially in providing me with an opportunity to learn to interact with a beautiful instrument, with such a rich history.”

“I believe the use of the Dr Rosalind Dubs cello will allow me to further enhance my technique and musicality, and I cannot wait to explore the depths of the instrument to achieve my full potential.”

With classical music being played in her home in Melbourne since birth, it was almost destiny that Chloe would pick up an instrument. “I remember coming home from my first week of primary school, having observed my peers being pulled out of the classroom for piano lessons, and telling my parents that I wanted to do the same. I began the piano aged 6, and in the year that followed, attended my first school concert. There, I saw and heard the cello for the first time and knew instantly that I wanted to play it.”

Taking a ‘detour’ in Year 1 to play the viola, the pull of the cello’s deep tones would prove too strong when six months later, she picked up the cello through her school’s Year 2 ‘Super Strings’ program. Within four years, Chloe achieved her AMusA diploma on cello, aged 12.

“From the beginning, I felt a natural connection to the cello, unlike that I had to the viola, or even the piano,” she recalled.

“The cello remains my favourite instrument and is the one I have continued to pursue in my tertiary education. I liken the cello to being the heart of the orchestra; just as the heart pumps life through our bodies, the cello’s deep, sonorous sound is, in my opinion, essential to any piece of music.”

“Playing the cello also brings me a sense of life; exploring its resonance and intricacies allows me to convey complex human emotions through my performance, which I think is a wonderful thing. Additionally, I credit the cello for guiding me in forming stronger interpersonal connections; I met many of my closest friends through playing in various ensembles.”

Studying under Rachel Johnston in the School of Music’s performance program, Chloe hopes to extend her orchestral and chamber playing experience, including auditioning for the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. As she pursues her studies at the ANU, she hopes to integrate her passions in both law and music into an idealised career. With her sights set on continuing to explore a wide range of musical styles and repertoire, as well as engaging in an overseas exchange program, Chloe said, “receiving this bursary is a valuable contribution towards funding such an experience.”