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MRFM Scholarship Program
2026 Murray River Fine Music Scholars
2025 Murray River Fine Music Scholars
Local young pianist Bill Paffen has been on the MRFM Scholarship program since 2023. Billy has been studying piano with our artistic director Helena Kernaghan since 2022.
Billy gave exceptional performances at the 2024 Albury Eisteddfod, collecting two gold medals and one bronze, we well as the age aggregate award for under 14s, a prize for the highest mark of the eisteddfod for his performance of Debussy's 'Clair de Lune' and the Archie Kirkwood Encouragement Award for the most talented pianist aged 16 and under.
"This scholarship has been a huge boost for me and I’m very grateful for it. It’s given me the chance to keep growing as a musician — learning, performing, and challenging myself. I know I wouldn’t be on this path without the support of Helena Kernaghan, my family, and the Murray River Fine Music scholarship."
Local young pianist Bianca Wijerathne is a 2025 MRFM Scholar. Bianca has been studying piano with our artistic director Helena Kernaghan since 2022. Recent achievements include first place for Own Choice Solo (grade 6 and above) at the 2024 Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod; first place for Own Choice Solo (9-10 years) and Classical Solo (9-10 years) at the 2024 Wangaratta Piano Competition and; first place for 10 years and under at the 2024 Geoffrey McFerran Young Regional Victorian Piano Competition, in Wodonga. Alongside music Bianca enjoys crafting, reading and mathematics!
Previous scholarship recipients include vocalist Dylan Forge (2021) and pianist Bianca Blackberry (2022).