Origin of privileged performer (4)
I believe the answer is:
seed
This clue is a double definition.
'origin' is the first definition.
(seed is a kind of origin)
'privileged performer' is the second definition.
(as in a seeded tennis player)
'of' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for seed that I've seen before include "Pip for sowing" , "Pip; tennis player" , "Beginning; sow (land)" , "See 19" , "Plant reproducer" .)