Richard Pollett Prize

The Richard Pollett Prize is an annual music performance prize awarded to outstanding students at the University of Queensland. The prize honors the memory of Richard Pollett, a talented violinist who was engaged by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra at age 25 before his untimely death in 2011. The prize recognizes the most outstanding performance on an orchestral stringed instrument with a bow at an annual competition. Richard Pollett was known for his deep understanding of music, literature, poetry, visual art, and the world around him. His compassion, generosity, and modesty were as prominent as his musical talent, which earned him numerous prizes and awards. The prize exists to inspire others by his memory and connect with the deep emotional and intellectual experience of his world. The prize is awarded annually to a student enrolled in the Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music (Honours) program at UQ who demonstrates the most outstanding performance at the competition. The award equals the annual income from the fund and is maintained by an annual donation from Richard's parents, Professors Philip and Patricia Pollett.