Tasmanian Baroque ensemble Van Diemen’s Band (VDB) has announced the appointment of two new professional musicians into the ranks of its Fellowship program, as well as the first year of its Composer in Residence program.

Baroque bassoonist Sim Walters and violist and curator Katie Yap have been named as the two incoming Fellows.

Sim Walters and Katie Yap. Photos supplied

Formerly Principal Contrabassoon with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Walters performs regularly with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Australian Classical and Romantic Orchestra. They relocated to Hobart in 2012.

Yap performs with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Australian World Orchestra and is a member of groups Croissants & Whiskey, the Chrysalis Harp Trio and the Wattleseed Ensemble. The 2022 winner of the prestigious Freedman Fellowship, She also serves as Artistic Director and curator of 3MBS’s Music, She Wrote festival.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sim Walters and Katie Yap to our Fellowship Program,” said Artistic Director Julia Fredersdorff.

“Sim’s expertise in baroque bassoon and dedication to research will bring fresh perspectives to our performances and educational initiatives, and Katie’s...