The Talent

On our final heat episode of the season, percussionist Jasmine Lai and pianist Nicholas Feng performed a programme ranging from Carl Vine and Eric Sammut, to Bach and Haydn and including the premier of a new piece by Jasmine Lai. Percussionist and composer Peter Neville was our guest mentor, with Julia Hastings and Heather Fletcher rounding out the panel as regular mental and host.Nicholas performed:-J.Haydn: Variations in F minor Hob XVII:6-C.Vine: Five Bagatelles no.5 "Threnody"Jasmine Performed:-J.S.Bach: Prelude from Cello Suite no.5-J.Lai: Cityscape-E.Sammut: Libertango--Host: Heather FletcherRegular Mentor: Julia HastingsProducer: Jem SherwillSound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg MathesonPodcast Producer: Jem SherwillThe Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

Episode 9 was an all-brass affair, with performances by trumpeter Flynn Seward and trombonist Michael Lo. Their pieces included Arutiunian's Trumpet Concerto and Piazzolla's Ave Maria. Brett Kelly was our guest mentor alongside season regular Julia Hastings and host Heather Fletcher.Flynn performed:-Arutiunian: Trumpet ConcertoMichael Performed:-Bizet (arr. Robert Elkjer): Carmen Fantasy: I. Prelude-Franz Strauss: Nocturno Op. 7-Piazzolla: Ave Maria--Host: Heather FletcherRegular Mentor: Julia HastingsProducer: Jem SherwillSound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg MathesonPodcast Producer: Jem SherwillThe Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

Our 8th episode of Season 1 featured emerging musicians, cellist Lieun Park and pianist Leo Nguyen. They performed programmes that included Casado, Brahms, and Ravel. Heather Fletcher hosted and our season mentor Julia Hastings was joined by guest mentor Josephine Vains.Lieun performed:-Paganini: Variations on one string on a theme by Rossini-Cassado: Solo Suite mvt. 3Leo performed:-Brahms: Piano Sonata no.3 mvt.5-Ravel Alborada del Gracioso--Host: Heather FletcherRegular Mentor: Julia HastingsProducer: Jem Sherwill & Jess Carrascalao HeardSound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg MathesonPodcast Producer: Jem SherwillThe Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

Our featured performers for Episode 7 were baritone Alexander Owens and pianist Serena Zhang. They performed works including Jacques Ibert's Chansons de Don Quichotte and Bach's Toccata in C minor. Baritone Michael Lampard was our guest mentor alongside our regular panel, season mentor Julia Hastings and host Heather Fletcher.Alexander performed:- Jacques Ibert: Chansons de Don QuichotteChanson du departChanson a DulcinéeChanson du DucChanson de la mort-Peggy Glanville Hicks: Come SleepSerena performed:-Bach: Toccata in C minor-Morel: Étude de Sonorité--Host: Heather FletcherRegular Mentor: Julia HastingsProducer: Jem SherwillSound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg MathesonPodcast Producer: Jem SherwillThe Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

For this double-piano special on our sixth episode of Season 1, Ayana Fridkin and Anna Gao performed wonderful programme including Brahms, Poulenc and, Chopin. Host Heather Fletcher and season regular mentor Julia Hastings were joined by Executive Director of Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Richard Jackson.Ayana performed:- J.S.Bach: Toccata in E minor, BWV 914-Johannes Brahms: Intermezzo in B flat minor, Op. 117 No. 2-Francis Poulenc: Toccata, No.2 from Trois Pièces, FP. 48Anna performed:- Mozart: Mvt. 1 & 2 from Sonata in C minor, k. 457-Chopin: Étude Op. 25, no. 4--Host: Heather FletcherRegular Mentor: Julia HastingsProducer: Jem SherwillSound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg MathesonPodcast Producer: Jem SherwillThe Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

We're halfway through the season already! Episode 5 of The Talent featured just one performer, pianist Lesley Yim, with one mentor, pianist Julia Hastings. After Lesley's live-to-air performance of pieces by Liszt, we listened back to highlights from last year's finals episode, with the prizewinning performances of pianists Brian Luo, Ray Liang and Hannah Shin. Our host this week was, as always, the wonderful Heather Fletcher.Lesley performed:- Liszt: Petrarch Sonnet 123- Schumann/Liszt: WidmungHighlights performances:- Beethoven: Mvt 1 from Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat Major (Hammerklavier), performed by pianist Hannah Shin- Ravel: Mvt 3 from Gaspard de la Nuit, performed by pianist Brian Luo- Kapustin: Etude Op. 40 No. 3 ("Toccatina"), performed by pianist Ray Liang.--Host: Heather FletcherRegular Mentor: Julia HastingsProducer: Jem Sherwill, with assistance from Jess Carrascalao HeardSound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty NorvilasPodcast Producer: Jess Carrascalao HeardThe Talent is made possi

Another all-string performance for Episode 4 of The Talent! Our first performer this week was violist Hiu Sin Hillary Cheng, who performed works by Max Reger and Vieuxtemps. Following Hillary was cellist and composer Ceridwen McCooey, who performed some of her own works. They performed to guest mentor, violist Wenhong Luo; regular mentor, pianist Julia Hastings; and the host of The Talent, Heather Fletcher.Hiu Sin Hillary Cheng performed:- Max Reger: Suite for Viola Solo No.1 in G minor, Op. 131d: I. Molto Sostenuto- Henri Vieuxtemps: Elegie for viola and piano Op. 30Ceridwen McCooey performed:- Ceridwen McCooey: Conference of the Birds, Mvt 3 ("The Parrot"), Mvt 5 ("The Partridge), Mvt ("The Sea Heron")- Ceridwen McCooey: I Have Outlived the Night--Host: Heather FletcherRegular Mentor: Julia HastingsGuest Mentor: Wenhong LuoProducer: Jess Carrascalao Heard, with assistance from Adrian McIneirySound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Greg Matheson, Keiran McCooey, Kirsty NorvilasPodcast Producer: Jess Carrascalao HeardTh

Episode 3 of Season 1 of The Talent 2022 is here! Our performers this episode were flautist Issie Brown and pianist Nicholas Khong. Regular mentor Julia Hastings was away during this week, but keeping the seat warm was pianist Dr Kenji Fujimura, along with flautist Melissa Doeke.Issie performed:- Malcolm Arnold: Fantasy for Flute- Ross Edwards: Nura (Mvt 2 and 3)Nicholas performed:- J.S. Bach: Prelude & Fugue in D Major BWV874- Fazil Say: Summertime Variations--Host: Heather FletcherGuest Mentor: Dr Kenji FujimuraGuest Mentor: Melissa DoekeProducer: Jess Carrascalao HeardSound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Greg Matheson, Keiran McCooey, Kirsty NorvilasPodcast Producer: Jess Carrascalao HeardThe Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

Episode 2 of The Talent is here! In this episode, listen to this week's performers Jamie Miles and pianist Karl Chiu perform a fantastic, wide-ranging programme, from Bach to Liszt, Tchaikovsky to Frank Bridge!Jamie performed:- J.S. Bach: Cello Suite No. 5 in C Minor BWV 1011 (Prelude)- Brahms: Viola Sonata No. 2 in E-flat Major Op. 120 (Mvt 2)- Frank Bridge: Allegro appassionato, H. 82Karl performed:- Liszt: Un Sospiro- Tchaikovsky: “May” from The Seasons--Host: Heather FletcherRegular Mentor: Julia HastingsGuest Mentor: Wenhong LuoProducer: Jess Carrascalao HeardSound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty NorvilasPodcast Producer: Jess Carrascalao HeardThe Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

The Talent is back! For our first episode, we were treated to two live-to-air performances by cellist Isaac Lee and violinist Louise Turnbull. This episode, we also welcomed the show's new host Heather Fletcher, regular mentor Julia Hastings and guest mentor Sarah Curro.Isaac performed:- Andrew Lloyd Webber: Variations- Tan Dun: Eternal Vow- Matthew Hindson: Jungle FeverLouise performed:- Tchaikovsky: Meditation Op. 42- Szymanowski: Nocturne and Tarantella--Host: Heather FletcherRegular Mentor: Julia HastingsGuest Mentor: Sarah CurroProducer: Jess Carrascalao HeardSound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty NorvilasPodcast Producer: Jess Carrascalao HeardThe Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation

It’s our final interview special delving into what it’s like to be a young performer in today’s competitive world! In this episode, The Talent host Teddy Darling chats with pianist Karl Chiu and violist Jamie Miles. They discussed experience at competitions, the valuable experience ensemble playing gives, the musicians they look up to, and more.Each of our performers has chosen a piece of music that inspires them. You can find a Spotify playlist of their inspiration pieces here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W9CHCylShvba23catIv1T?si=2a950934ff394e70Host: Teddy DarlingGuests: Karl Chiu, Jamie MilesPodcast production: Teddy Darling and Jess Carrascalao HeardExecutive Producer: Jess Carrascalao HeardThe Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

It’s our second interview special delving into what it’s like to be a young performer in today’s competitive world. This week, The Talent host Teddy Darling (remotely) sat down for a chat with cellist & Composer Ceridwen McCooey, flautist Matthew Mulherin and soprano Harmony Lee. They discussed experience at competitions, the valuable experience ensemble playing gives, what motivates them and how they became interested in their instruments.Each of our performers has chosen a piece of music that inspires them. You can find a Spotify playlist of their inspiration pieces here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1qD9fpGvDVqJAhzqcltvsz?si=4c44080d679f43f4Host: Teddy DarlingGuests: Ceridwen McCooey, Matthew Mulherin, Harmony LeePodcast production: Teddy Darling and Jess Carrascalao HeardExecutive Producer: Jess Carrascalao HeardThe Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

Missing The Talent? Well, we’ve been missing you, too, and most of all, we’ve missed showcasing our emerging performers!With the pandemic leading to the postponement of Season 2, we wanted to touch base with our performers, and find out what it means to be a young performer today. What are the highlights? What are the struggles? What do they see ahead in their careers? What motivates them? Over the next three weeks, you’ll hear several of our young performers chat about these questions and more with our host Teddy Darling.This week’s episode features:- Violist Hillary Cheng- Cellist Isaac Lee- Pianist, composer and marimba player Jasmine LaiEach of our performers has chosen a piece of music that inspires them. You can find a Spotify playlist of their inspiration pieces here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4w50dkBk0L8nclfvL4RZ9M?si=52ec704853bc4167 - Hillary’s inspiration: Mvt 1, Violin Concerto in C Minor Op. 25, by York Bowen- Isaac’s inspiration: The Moldau, by Smetana- Jasmine’s inspiration: Goldberg Va

The Talent is back for another season! In Episode 1, cellist Isaac Lee and pianist Nicholas Khong performed a wonderful array of pieces that saw us go from Hindson to Shostakovich, and from Sculthorp to Messiaen! Host Teddy Darling returns for another season and tonight was joined by two wonderful guest mentors, pianist Julia Hastings and cellist Zoe Knighton, who provided feedback for our performers tonight.Isaac Lee (with associate artist Stewart Kelly) performed:- Hindson: Jungle Fever- Fauré: Apres un Reve- Shostakovich: Mvt 2, Sonata for Piano & CelloNicholas Khong performed:- Sculthorpe: Mountains- Messiaen: "I sleep, but my heart keeps awake" - Reflections of the Infant Christ, No. 19---The Talent credits:Host: Teddy DarlingGuest Mentor: Zoe KnightonGuest Mentor: Julia HastingsProducer: Jess Carrascalao HeardSound Engineer: Kieren McCoeyPodcast producer: Jess Carrascalao HeardThe Talent is made possible by the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

It's the Season 1 Grand Final, and it's an all-piano affair! Join host Teddy Darling with season mentor, pianist Dr Kenji Fujimura, and special guest mentor, conductor Richard Davis, as they listen to our three finalists play one last time and battle it out for first, second and third prize. Hear pianists Hannah Shin, Ray Liang and Brian Luo perform works by Ravel, Rachmaninov, Beethoven and Kapustin. Who will win?Hannah performed:- Beethoven: Mvt 1, Piano Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 (“Hammerkalvier”) Ray performed:- Rachmaninov: Mvt 2: Non Allegro, Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 36- Kapustin: Etude Op. 40, No. 3 “Toccata” Brian performed:- Ravel: Mvt 3 “Scarbo” from Gaspard de la Nuit --The Talent Credits:Host: Teddy DarlingSeason Mentor: Dr Kenji FujimuraGuest Mentor: Richard DavisThe Talent producer: Jess Carrascalão HeardAudio technical production: Joe GofronVideo technical production: Sam BignellPodcast producer: Jess Carrascalão HeardThe Talent is possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer foundation

It's the second week of lockdown, which means it's the second week of our best ofs! Join host Teddy Darling and relive performances by cellist Ji Woo Yoon (2nd Prize, Season 1 2019), multi-instrumentalist Ryan Lynch (Season 1, 2018) and catch up with Invictus Quartet (Audience Prize, Season 2 2017) as they chat about what they've been up to since being on The Talent.Ji Woo Yoon performed:- Rossini: Una Larme- Casado: Dance of the Green DevilRyan Lynch performed:- Elena Kats-Chernin: Frosted Windows- Katia Beaugeais: Re-Emerging: for Soprano Saxophone- Ross Edwards: UlpirraInvictus Quartet performed:- Haydn: Mvt 4 "Finale", String Quartet Op. 33 No. 1- Beethoven: Mvt 1 "Allegro" String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59--The Talent credits:Host: Teddy DarlingGuests: Invictus Quartet (Rebecca Wang, Nyssa Sanguansri, Jin Tong Long, Annika Cho)The Talent is made possible with generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

With lockdown delaying the Season 1 Grand Final, we've dived into the archives to bring you some of the very best performances on The Talent! In the first of our two-part best of episodes, join Teddy Darling and relive performances by guitarist Clancy McLeod (2nd prize, Season 2 2018), pianist Sine Winther (2nd prize, Season 1 2018) and winner of Season 1 2018, flautist Jennifer Timmins. Teddy also caught up with Jennifer to chat about her artistic vision, what she's been up to since appearing on The Talent, and also to get her advice for this year's finalists.Clancy performed:- Manuel de Falla: Homage to Debussy- Heictor Villa-Lobos: Etude No. 12- Napoléon Coste: Les DépartsSine performed:- Bach: "Rondo" and "Capriccio" from Partita No. 2 in C Minor- Ravel: "Alborada del Gracioso" from MiroirJennifer performed:- Gillian Whitehead: Taurangi- Paul Dean: Mvt 3 "Epiphany" from Falling Ever Deeper--Credits:- Host: Teddy Darling- Guest: Jennifer Timmins- Producer: Jess Carrascalão HeardThe Talent is made possible

It’s Episode 10 of The Talent and our final heat episode! Violinist Louise Turnbull and pianist Hannah Shin both performed a diverse programme live-to-air for our industry mentors, violinst Sarah Curro and resident mentor Dr. Kenji Fujimura. Guided by our host Teddy Darling, tune in to hear our performers.Louise performed:-Bach: “Praeludio” and “Loure” from Violin Partita No.3 in E Major, BWV 1006-Ysaye: “Obession” from Sonata No. 2-Ross Edwards: White Cockatoo Spirit Dance -Hannah Performed:-Beethoven: Mvt 4, piano sonata no. 29 opus 106 (“hammerkalvier”) -Schumann: Davidsbundlertanze, opus 6 no. 14 --Host: Teddy Darling Regular Mentor: Dr. Kenji Fujimura Guest Mentor: Sarah Curro Producers: Jess Carrascalao, Jack Burmeister and Sarah MaherSound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Jairo Gomez and Kyle LyonPodcast Producers: Sarah Maher and Jack Burmeister

It's Episode 9 of The Talent! This week, 10-year-old cellist Jun Gardiner and pianist Thong Truong from Monash University performed live-to-air for our industry mentors, cellist Josephine Vains and pianist Dr Kenji Fujimura. Host Teddy Darling was away this week, but filling keeping the seat warm was The Talent's producer, Jess Carrascalão Heard. The show also featured Jun's associate artist, Song Peik.Jun performed:- Haydn: Mvt 3, Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major- Schumann: Adagio & Allegro, Op. 70Thong performed:- Ravel: "Oiseaux Tristes" from Miroir- Haydn: Mvt 1, Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 52 No. 62- Rachmaninov: Etude-Tableaux in C Minor, Op. 39 No. 1--Host: Jess Carrascalao HeardRegular Mentor: Dr Kenji FujimuraGuest Mentor: Josephine VainsProducers: Jess Carrascalao Heard, Sarah Maher and Jack BurmeisterSound engineers: Jairo Gomez, Keely Armstrong, Kyle LyonPodcast producer: Sarah MaherThe Talent has been made possible with generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

It was an all-soprano affair on Episode 8 of The Talent! Sopranos Esther Counsel and Piera Dennerstein performed the breadth of vocal repertoire, from Debussy chanson to Australia today, via Puccini, Andre Previn and Bizet. They performed for guest mentor, contralto Liane Keegan and our season mentor Dr Kenji Fujimura, as well as the show's host Teddy Darling. We also heard performances from associate artists, pianists Jacob Abela and Pam Christie.Esther, with Jacob, performed:- Debussy: Beau Soir- Puccini: "Si Mi Chiamano Mimi" from La Boheme- Previn: "I Want Magic" from A Streetcar Named DesirePiera, with Pam, performed:- Puccini: "Quando M'en Vo" from La Boheme- Bizet: Michaela's aria from Carmen- Rachel Lewindon: "Aria of the Krill" from The Rapture II--Host: Teddy DarlingRegular Mentor: Dr Kenji FujimuraGuest Mentor: Liane KeeganProducer: Jess Carrascalao HeardProduction Interns: Sarah Maher and Jack BurmeisterPodcast producer: Jess Carrascalao HeardThe Talent is made possible by the generous support fro