Applications for the Michael Pilaar Memorial Fund Scholarships will open 23 June and close 8 August. To apply, click here >>>>
Talented young musician, Michael Pilaar of Rotorua died from melanoma in June 2017, aged 19. Michael was a great communicator who was able to reach people through music; he wanted to make a positive difference in their lives. He had a great sense of fun, passion and enjoyment which the family would like to encourage in other young musicians.
Michael’s family established this fund to honour his memory and to assist young classical musicians in the Taupo and Rotorua region to achieve their goals.
There can be considerable costs associated with music and there is not a lot of support for young musicians in our area. The Pilaar family want to encourage the making of classical music for young people.
Every year, the Pilaar family host a concert where young performers from the Rotorua and Taupo areas come together to share their music with the local community. The fund has supported classical musicians of varying skill level, ambitions and instrument. The one thing they all have in common? A love of music.
The Gift of Music annual concert takes place annually in September near the end of term 3.
To read more of Michael’s story and to purchase music performed by Michael and friends, click here. All funds raised will go directly to the Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Fund.
Donate
To donate to the Michael Pilaar Memorial Fund, please click here.
Apply
Applications for the Michael Pilaar Memorial Fund Scholarships will open 23 June and close 8 August. To apply, click here >>>>
Previous Recipients
13 scholarships totalling $6,500 have been distributed to music students since 2020. There have been 7 Gift of Music Concerts held in Michael’s memory.
