Orchestral Fellowships
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Durham Fellows
The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (COT) is excited to welcome applicants to the Durham Fellowship Program!
The primary objectives of the Durham Fellowships are to:
1. Deepen The COT’s local engagement across generations, from elementary schools to retirement communities; and
2. Provide young professional musicians with the artistic, financial, and administrative support needed for them to confidently take the next steps into the professional world.
Whether the Durham Fellows wish to pursue a traditional orchestral career or forge their own path in an ever-changing musical landscape, the Fellowship equips them to confidently engage and participate in every facet of the music industry. Beyond performing as members of the orchestra, receiving professional training and experience both on stage and in the pit, the Durham Fellows also partake in The COT’s UpClose and BEERthoven series, engage with local students in the classroom, and take on regular organizational administrative duties.
This opportunity is inspired by the uniquely vibrant and diverse community that is Durham, NC, coupled with a long standing national need to provide professional opportunities to young musicians.
This program is made possible thanks to the support of an anonymous donor, and the estate of Mac Mellor.
2024-25 Durham Fellows
Durham Fellows In the News
Tim Parham - violin
Jose Olea Vico - violin
Julius Adams - viola
Beideth Briceno - cello
The COT's Durham Fellowship is made possible in part through the NC Art's Council's Spark the Arts Initiative.
NC Fellowship
The COT's NC Fellowships give collegiate level students studying string instruments in the state of North Carolina the opportunity to gain experience and perform with a professional orchestra of the highest caliber. After the audition process, selected students will receive a one–year paid fellowship with the orchestra, giving them a spot in the COT’s string section for the season.
Fellows will also have the opportunity to take part in COT masterclasses with guest soloists and receive chamber music coachings from the COT's String Quartet in Residence.
Students that do not receive a fellowship may be offered a position on the COT’s sub list, making them eligible to be called in to play with the orchestra on a concert-to-concert basis.
2024-25 NC Fellows
Gabriel Art Mendoza - violin
Joshua Forbes - viola
Donovan Vega - cello
Testimonials
I was more than thrilled to find out that I had probably found the musically most colorful ensemble in North Carolina, and certainly one of the most fun to play in for me, including those from my home country of Germany.
David Schmitz - viola (NC School of the Arts)
The most noticeable strength I have found in this group is its unmissable family-like quality. This is undoubtedly due to the family who founded it, but also to the rare bond that is formed in a string quartet. This in turn brings a warm and supportive energy to the group which I know is cherished by its devoted audience.
Raphael Papo - violin (NC School of the Arts)
