The Creative Fellowship is proud to celebrate the impressive strides made by its fellows in 2024, as they continue to excel in their respective fields of music, opera, theatre, and dance. Mihaela Lazareva, Vlada Daniluk, Savelij Shevcov, and Estelle Abbott have all achieved remarkable milestones, showcasing their dedication and artistic excellence.
Mihaela Lazareva
Mihaela Lazareva
Our fellow Mihaela Lazareva closed out her year by participating in the 2024 Christmas concert series organized by the Ljubljana Academy of Music. As a member of the Academy’s symphonic orchestra Mihaela performed across four prestigious events held in Velenje, Celje, and the Kazina Hall in Ljubljana
This year’s Christmas program, which included works by composers like Humperdinck, Faure, Bruckner, Puccini, Saint-Saëns, and Slovenian composer Aldo Kumar, was a testament to the Academy’s commitment to nurturing both local and international talent.
The Ljubljana Academy of Music, one of the largest and most respected music institutions in Slovenia, is known for its dynamic integration of students with professional musicians. With more than 150 performances annually, the Academy offers unparalleled opportunities for students like Mihaela to perform with some of the finest orchestras in the country. Through these collaborations, the Academy fosters the development of talented musicians, helping to shape the future of classical music both in Slovenia and on the global stage.
Mihaela’s participation in these concerts not only showcases her personal growth as a musician but also reflects the Fellowship’s mission to support artists who engage deeply with their communities and their craft.
The Creative Fellowship looks forward to continuing its support of Mihaela and all its fellows as they pursue their artistic ambitions and further their careers in music.
Vlada Daniluk
Vlada Daniluk
2024 has been a year of significant growth for our fellow Vlada Daniluk, who has balanced her studies towards a Master’s degree at the Odessa National Music Academy with a series of professional endeavors aimed at diversifying her artistic career. Among her many achievements, Vlada participated in the prestigious **Antonín Dvořák Singing Competition** and successfully completed the renowned **Girls Who Conduct** program. The **Antonín Dvořák Singing Competition**, a key event for young classical singers, provided Vlada with invaluable opportunities for artistic growth and exposure. This competition serves as a crucial stepping stone for emerging artists, offering a platform for networking and professional development, regardless of the final outcome. For Vlada, it was a chance to perform in front of an esteemed panel of judges and an attentive audience, experiences that helped her build stage presence and boost her confidence—both essential for a successful career. Vlada reflected on her experience at the competition: *”It’s an honor to have participated in such a prestigious event, surrounded by so many talented singers and judges. The feedback I received will help me grow as an artist, and performing in such a historic setting, connected to Dvořák’s legacy, has been truly inspiring. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to continuing my journey with renewed motivation and a deeper understanding of my craft.”* Alongside her participation in the Dvořák competition, Vlada also completed the **Girls Who Conduct** program, an independent initiative aimed at empowering women in the traditionally male-dominated field of conducting. Launched by **Gemma New**, a prominent conductor from New Zealand, and supported by leading institutions like the **Royal Academy of Music**, **Juilliard School**, and the **Royal College of Music**, the program provides aspiring female conductors with mentorship, masterclasses, and performance opportunities. Vlada shared her thoughts on the program: *”Completing the Girls Who Conduct program has been a transformative experience for me. The mentorship and guidance I received from incredible female conductors gave me the confidence to step onto the podium. The program not only helped me develop my technical skills, but it also connected me with a community of like-minded women. After completing this program, I can see conducting as one of the possible artistic paths I can take in the future.”* With the support of the Creative Fellowship, Vlada has made strides in her artistic journey, enhancing her versatility as an artist. As she continues to expand her horizons, both as a singer and as a potential conductor, we look forward to seeing where her talents will take her next.
Savelij Shevcov
Savelij Shevcov
2024 has been a monumental year for our fellow Savelij Shevcov, marking significant milestones in his artistic journey. Not only was Savelij accepted into the prestigious Ballet Academy of the Vienna State Opera, but with our support, he made the bold decision to move alone to Austria to continue his studies.
This year also saw him taking the stage for the first time at the Vienna State Opera during the Ballet Academy’s annual matinée, a testament to his hard work and dedication and participating in the filming of an advertising video for the Vienna State Opera’s new theater, The NEST, a space specially designed and created for young audiences.
In his home country, Serbia, Savelij’s achievements were further recognized when he was honored as one of the 2023/2024 Competitors of the Year. He was among 120 outstanding students awarded this prestigious title in acknowledgment of their remarkable accomplishments in national and international competitions across various fields, including knowledge, music, ballet, sports, and the fine arts. Savelij’s success, along with that of his fellow awardees, was celebrated at a special ceremony attended by prominent figures such as the Speaker of the Serbian Assembly, the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Sports. The event also marked the official launch of the Competitors of the Year platform, a new initiative designed to track and promote the achievements of young students. This platform, which highlights the importance of competitions in shaping the next generation of leaders, artists, and innovators, aligns with Serbia’s broader educational strategy outlined in the Strategy for the Development of Education and Upbringing in the Republic of Serbia until 2030.
Through his exceptional achievements, Savelij Shevcov has become a key figure in the launch of this platform, symbolizing dedication, excellence, and the transformative power of education and competition.
Estelle Abbott
Estelle Abbott
After returning from Salzburg, Estelle Abbot immediately jumped back into rehearsals with her peers at Queensgate School’s Arthur Players. In the latter half of the year, Estelle, a dedicated member of the student drama group, played a key role in a new production dedicated to female voices. The performance, held in the school’s well-equipped Drama studio, featured nine girls who shared emotional and inspiring monologues, each telling the story of a heroine through moments of triumph and vulnerability. The show, praised for its raw and expressive performances, celebrated the diverse experiences of women, with each student performing a monologue that highlighted a unique story of strength and resilience. The school’s annual production remains one of the highlights of the academic year, with students like Abbot driving the success of the Arthur Players.
Alongside her theatre work, Estelle’s musical talents were showcased during the holiday season. She performed as a member of the Queen’s Gate Choir at a “Kids for Kids” charity Christmas concert held at St Peter’s Eaton Square, an event that raised over £22,000 to help save children from starvation. The concert, which was attended by notable figures including Lyse Doucet, Stephen Barlow, and Lord Cope of Berkeley, left a lasting impact on everyone present, both for its musical excellence and the crucial cause it supported.
