Australian Chamber Orchestra Announces 2023 Emerging Artists

The ensemble has welcomed seven emerging string musicians to receive mentorship and join in its performances 

Now in its 18th edition, the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s (ACO) Emerging Artist Program offers young musicians embarking on professional careers the opportunity to receive tailored mentorship with ACO members as well as perform in side-by-side concerts.

Following a rigorous audition process, the 2023 Emerging Artists from around Australia are violinists Beatrice Colombis, Felix Pascoe, Donica Tran, and Megan Yang, plus violist Ruby Shirres, cellist Hamish Jamieson, and double bassist Adrian Whitehall. 

Across the year, these young artists will work alongside ACO musicians and rehearse and perform as members of ACO Collective, the orchestra’s education and regional touring ensemble. Since 2007, the Collective has performed nationally in over 85 regional centers.

Many of the Emerging Artists program’s participants have gone on to perform with the ACO, with seven alumni having been appointed members of the ensemble, including its principal violist, Stefanie Farrands, who joined the ACO in 2020.

“Seeing an ACO concert feels like an opportunity to experience awe, every time,” Shirres said. “I’m looking forward to being able to see and be involved in the rehearsal process, and learning from the mentors in the Orchestra.” 

Founded in 1975 by cellist John Painter, the ACO comprises 17 core musicians, led by its artistic director Richard Tognetti, who has served the role since 1990. The orchestra performs over 100 concerts each year in concert halls around Australia and abroad.