Six string players have been selected to take part in the orchestra’s programme in its anniversary year

NEW (6)

The ACO Emerging Artists for 2025. Clockwise from top left: Harry Egerton, Louise Turnbull, Fiona Qui, Oakley Paul, Isabella Bignasca, Jack Overall

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The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) has announced the six string players that will be joining its Emerging Artist Program for 2025, totalling three violinists, one violist, one cellist, and one double bassist. This year also marks the ACO’s 50th anniversary, and the 20th year of the Emerging Artist Program. The six selected musicians will rehearse and perform as part of the ACO Collective, working closely with ACO Musicians throughout the year.

Violinist Harry Egerton has studied at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU) and the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), his teachers including Sophie Rowell, Adam Chalabi, Robin Wilson, and Michele Walsh. In 2022 he was a finalist in the Australian Youth Classical Music Competition, and in 2023 he performed as a soloist with the Tasmanian and Melbourne symphony orchestras. ‘I have been inspired by the ACO for a long time; my parents always had recordings and I remember being in awe at many incredible performances,’ said Egerton. ‘I think the ACO Emerging Artist Program would provide the best ensemble training I could possibly have.’

Violinist Louise Turnbull has studied at Open Universities Australia, University of New England, and ANAM. Her teachers include Lesley Quatrough and Ivana Tomaskova. She has won first prize at competitions including the Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival and the Eva Malewicz Polish Music Cometition. ‘Every time I attend an ACO concert I am always blown away by the artistry and cohesive communication within the group, and come away with newfound inspiration for my own musical practices,’ said Turnbull.

Violinist Fiona Qiu has studied at QCGU, ANAM, and the Mozarteum University in Austria, learning with Walsh, Wilson, Rowell, and Lily Francis. She is a founding member of the Artamidae Quartet, which won the 4MBS Chamber Music Prize, and the Austria-based Alpenrose Trio. Qiu has performed with Ensemble Q, as a soloist with the Kelvin Grove Orchestra and Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, and collaborated across genres with artists including Michael Bublé. ‘Every musician I’ve seen come out of the ACO Emerging Artist Program has gone on to achieve incredible things in their careers,’ Qiu said. ‘It’s more than just an opportunity to grow as a musician—it’s a chance to be part of an Australian music community that pushes you to reach your full potential. That excites me beyond words.’

Violist Isabella Bignasca is currently a fellow at Ensemble Connect and is a teaching artist at the City College Academy of the Arts in Manhattan, US. She is a graduate of the Julliard School, studying with Paul Neubauer and Heidi Castleman, and attended the Perlman Music Program Chamber Music Workshop. In addition to playing as a substitute violist for the Florida Orchestra, she has performed alongside members of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Borromeo Quartet, and Itzhak Perlman. ‘I’m looking forward to returning to Australia and working side-by-side with the ACO, I’ve never played in a professional chamber orchestra before, so very excited!’ said Bignasca.

Cellist Jack Overall has studied at the Elder Conservatorium and ANAM, learning with Ruth Saffir, Simon Cobcroft, and Howard Penny. In addition to giving regular recitals, he has performed as a soloist with the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra and the Adelaide Youth Orchestra, and plays casually with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. ‘So much of my musical knowledge has come from soaking up the playing of professionals in different contexts, really trying to match all of their nuances,’ said Overall. ‘Those experiences are so invaluable, and the ACO Emerging Artist Program will provide more of those golden experiences.’

Double bassist Oakley Paul has studied at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts and ANAM, taking lessons with Mark Tooby, Andrew Sinclair, and Damien Eckersley. He has played with ensembles including the West Australian, Melbourne, and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras, as well as Orchestra Victoria. He has been a finalist in the Warana Concerto Competition and the ANAM Concerto Competition. ‘In 2023 I was fortunate to work with the ACO twice through side-by-side projects with ANAM. One of those opportunities included a national tour with an all-Mozart program,’ said Paul. ‘For me, I couldn’t imagine a better experience.’

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