The Piano is proud to announce Harry Mohi (22, pictured above) and Alex Boot (20, pictured below) as the 2026 Bronwyn Bijl Scholarship recipients selected from an outstanding pool of Canterbury based applicants.
Harry (known as Nafa) and Alex will receive comprehensive professional development packages of $3000 and $2000 respectively, mentoring and production support, and the free use of The Piano’s venue and equipment to produce two exciting projects in 2026.
Director of The Piano, Marcus Norman says “Supporting emerging artists is at the heart of what we do at The Piano. In their applications Harry and Alex both showed vision, leadership and commitment to their craft and community – we look forward to supporting them at this exciting time in their career journeys.”
For Harry, also known by his Tongan producing name Nafa, this scholarship will assist in bringing to life “my first live performance project as an artist” consisting of an original medley arrangement of Tongan worship songs for choir and band. “I am honoured to have the support of The Piano in this opportunity and look forward to fusing my passion for music and community together in a fresh setting. Mālo aupito.”
Alex will perform and record an EP of his original music, fusing modal jazz, hip hop and EDM influences. “I feel truly honoured to have the support of The Piano for my music” Boot says, “I have watched many performances at The Piano, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to perform my own project there.”
The Bronwyn Bijl Scholarship is named in celebration of The Piano’s previous Director, who has long championed emerging artists. “I am delighted to have this scholarship named after me. I look for young musicians with both promise and passion – those with talent, dedication, and a genuine commitment to growth. Supporting their journey and helping them take the next step is a true honour.”
Established in 2025, this scholarship is generously supported by Philip Carter, who proudly supports music and the arts in Christchurch and is a principal supporter of The Piano. “I am delighted to see the Bronwyn Bijl Scholarship at The Piano enter its second year, enabling the next cohort of outstanding young musicians from Canterbury. This scholarship is going from strength to strength, and The Piano is providing important support for emerging artists at a pivotal time in their creative journeys."
Awarded annually, the Bronwyn Bijl Scholarship is a key pillar of The Piano’s Next Generation Initiative, supporting young people and emerging artists through free tickets to concerts, venue hire support, and mentoring and performance opportunities. Through this initiative in 2026, The Piano is proud to support the young people of TheatreWise, Enchanting Productions, Mellow Studios, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, Ashburton College, Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival, Christchurch Competitions Society, Promenade Barbershop Quartet, Holly Evans (voice) and Vivian Gao (violin trio).
Applications for the 2027 scholarship will open in December.
You can read more about the Bronwyn Bijl Scholarship and the Next Generation Initiative, or you can donate to these initiatives below.
