Our final "heats” episode of the season features guest mentors Vanessa Sharman and Paul Zabrowarny, along with our dedicated host, Heather Flecther. They hear performances from cellist Gabriel Liu and pianist Kathy Ma. Gabriel performs: V.Beethoven: Sonata no. 3 for cello and piano in A Major, mvt. I 9’00” Cassado: Suite for solo cello, mvt. I (Preludio – Fantasia) 5’00” With associate artist Dr. Leigh Harrold Kathy performs: S. Bach: Toccata in C minor, BWV 911 Prokofiev: Toccata in D minor, Op.11 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Vanessa Sharman and Paul Zabrowarny Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Amadeus Anggaraksa, Shan Zhi Liu Podcast edited by: Georgina Palmer

The ninth episode of the season sees saxophonists Daniel Cheung and Tom Lowe perform for mentor Tamara Smolyar and guest mentor Ali Fyffe, joined by our host, Heather Fletcher. Daniel performs: Mark Walton: Late Arrival into Cairns Darius Milhaud: Scaramouche With associate artist Jade Cheung Tom performs: P.Telemann: Flute Fantasia no.1 Riley Hogan: Fantasy for Soprano Saxophone and Piano *world premiere* -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Tamara Smolyar and Ali Fyffe Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Amadeus Anggaraksa, Shan Zhi Liu Podcast edited by: Georgina Palmer

Coady Green and Rollin Zhao make special appearances as guest mentors as we hear from violinist Alice Giang, and emerging composer, Georgina Palmer. Alice performs: A. Mozart: Violin Concerto in A Major K219, mvt. II Saint-Saëns: Danse Macabre Op. 40 The following compositions of Georgina’s are also featured: Palmer A Music Everywhere Palmer A Day In The Village Palmer Maramataka Palmer Te Lucis Ante Terminum -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green and Rollin Zhao Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Amadeus Anggaraksa, Shan Zhi Liu Podcast edited by: Georgina Palmer

Heather Fletcher is joined by guest mentors Coady Green and Leon de Bruin, with this week's epiode featuring piano performances from Thea Lukito and Anna Gao. Thea performs: W A Mozart: Sonata K457, mvt. I M Ravel: Oiseaux Tristes F Chopin: Etude Op.10, No.12 “Revolutionary” Anna performs: Mozart: Sonata in C minor K457, mvt. III Lowell Liebermann: Gargoyles Op. 29 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green and Leon de Bruin Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Amadeus Anggaraksa, Shan Zhi Liu Podcast edited by: Georgina Palmer

Heather Fletcher returns and is joined by mentors Tamara Smolyar and Monica Naselow, with performances featuring both old and very new repertoire from violinist May Zeng and pianist Enoch Kalangie. May performs: Gillian Whitehead: Tōrua Xiaole Zhan: Because the bombed cathedral is now a cathedral of trees With associate artist Xiaole Zhen Enoch performs: J S Bach: Toccata in G Major, BWV 916 Francis Poulenc: Caprice Italien, Napoli FP 40 - 3 Jaya Suprana: Fragmen -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Tamara Smolyar and Monica Naselow Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Amadeus Anggaraksa, Shan Zhi Liu Podcast edited by: Georgina Palmer

Guest host Kiera Stevens is joined by mentors Tamara Smolyar and Rohan Dasika, with performances from double-bassist Derek Wei and pianist Olivia Zhu. Derek performs: S.Bach: Suite BWV 1007 II No.1 Allemande Giovanni Bottesini: Fantasia La Sonnambula With associate artist Scott Zheng Olivia performs: Samuel Barber: Nocturne, Op. 33 Franz Liszt: Transcendental Etude No.9 “Ricordanza” -- Host: Kiera Stevens Mentors: Tamara Smolyar and Rohan Dasika Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Amadeus Anggaraksa, Shan Zhi Liu Podcast edited by: Georgina Palmer

Heather Fletcher is joined by guest mentors Coady Green and Sarah Curro to hear performances from violinist Angela Deng and Vanessa Liang. Angela performs: Tchaikovsky: Serenade Melancolique 26 Manuel de Falla: Danse Espagnole With associate artist Stewart Kelly. Vanessa performs: S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue No.5 in D major, BWV 874 Samuel Barber: Nocturne, Op. 33 Alexander Scriabin: Etude in D-sharp minor, Op.8, No.12 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green and Sarah Curro Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Amadeus Anggaraksa, Shan Zhi Liu Podcast edited by: Georgina Palmer

We hear performances from soprano Neeharika Shyju and pianist Stefania Robu with feedback from mentors Tamara Smolyar and Suzanne Johnston. Neeharika performs: Roger Quilter: Love's Philosophy Johannes Brahms: Die Schnur, die Perle an Perle John Harbison: It's True, I Went to the Market John Harbison: Where did you go? Poldowski: L'heure Exquise? With associate artist Aidan Boase Stefania performs: Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 (Pathetique) Mvt. 1 Franz Liszt: Sonetto 104 del Petrarca -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Tamara Smolyar and Suzanne Johnston Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Amadeus Anggaraksa, Shan Zhi Liu Podcast edited by: Georgina Palmer

Strings are highlighted in this week's episode, with Tamara Smolyar and Heather Fletcher - along with guest mentor Molly Kadarauch - listening to performances by cellist Mahalia Shelton and violinist Louise Turnbull. Mahalia performs: Walton: Concerto for Cello, Mvt. 1 Mountfort: The Heart Afraid of Breaking With associate artist Stewart Kelly Louise performs: S.Bach: Chaconne in D minor -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Tamara Smolyar and Molly Kadarauch Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Amadeus Anggaraksa, Shan Zhi Liu Podcast edited by: Georgina Palmer

For the first episode in our new season, Heather Fletcher welcomes season mentor Tamara Smolyar and guest mentor Rob John to hear performances by violinist Paige Wu and pianist Luke Zhang. Paige performs: Sarasate: Navarra Beriot: Scène de Ballet With associate artists Jun Wu and Elena Mogilevski. Luke performs: Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No.6 Vine: Anne Landa Prelude No. 1, Short Story Vine: Anne Landa Prelude No. 3, Thumper -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Tamara Smolyar and Rob John Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Amadeus Anggaraksa, Shan Zhi Liu Podcast edited by: Georgina Palmer

Cellist David Berlin joins the panel as guest mentor for our final heats-episode of the season.  He, Heather, and Coady hear performances from cellist Yu-Hui Emily Yang and pianist Mia Gu. Emily performs: Fauré: Élégie Op.24 Popper: Hungarian Rhapsody Op.68 With associate artist Stewart Kelly Mia performs: A.Mozart: Sonata in C Major, K.279 mvt.1 Prokofiev: Mephisto Waltz Op.96 no.3 Albeniz: Evocation from Iberia -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green and David Berlin Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Andrew Guan Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

The ninth episode of the season sees violinist Clara Dinh and pianist Gabriella Li perform for Coady Green, Heather Fletcher, and guest mentor – Monica Curro. Clara performs: Edwards: White Cockatoo Spirit Dance Wieniaski: Violin Concerto no. 2, mvt.3 With associate artist Meilanny Chandra Gabriella performs: Chopin: Fantaisie Improptu Op. 66 Schmidt: Caprice (world premiere) Rachmaninoff: Elegie Op. 3, No. 1 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green and Monica Curro Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Andrew Guan Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Julia Hastings and Leigh Harrold make special appearances as guest mentors as we hear from pianists Aaron Su and Samuel Lee. Aaron performs: A.Mozart: Piano Sonata in C Major, K330 Allegro moderato Andante cantabile Glinka: The Lark Samuel performs: Bartók: 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs (Songs 5-15) Johannes Brahms: Capricio Op. 116 No. 7 Ihor Shamo: At the Outgoing -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Julia Hastings and Leigh Harrold Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Andrew Guan Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Coady and Heather are joined by guest mentor Yasmin Rowe to hear performances from pianists Ayana Fridkin and Nikki Jian. Ayana performs: I.Tchaikovsky: Dumka Grainger: Colonial Song Nikki performs: C.Bowman: Little Prelude after the Master F.Chopin: Ballade no.1 Op. 23 in G minor -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green and Yasmin Rowe Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Andrew Guan Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

With Coady away, Heather Fletcher welcomes back Season 2 2022 resident mento Dean Sky Lucas and guest mentor Briana Leaman to hear performances by oboist Yuki Markwell and pianist Jade Cheung. Yuki performs: Bozza: Fantasie Italienne Carmichael: Sonata “Music Grave and Gay” II. Lento With associate artist Peter Dumsday Jade performs: Debussy: Arabesque Schubert: Impromptu Op. 90 no. 2 in Eb Major Kats-Chernin: Russian Rag -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Dean Sky Lucas and Briana Leaman Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Andrew Guan Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Lachlan Davidson joins the panel as we hear from flautist Molly Jenkins and Ocean Saxophone Quartet. Molly performs: Bartok: Suite Paysanne Hongroise With associate artist Larissa Cox Ocean Quartet performs: Orlovich: Slipstream Mvt 3 B.Singelee: Premier Quatuor Mvt 4 Piazzolla: Michelangelo -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green and Lachlan Davidson Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Andrew Guan Podcast producer: Jem SherwillMol

Heather Fletcher is joined by regular mentor Coady Green to hear performances from pianists Michael Jiang and Alex Forbes. Michel performs: Chopin: Etude Op 10 no 9 Shostakovich: Prelude and Fugue in D Major Op 87 no 5 Liszt: Concert Etude No 2 Alex performs: Couperin: La Logivière from Pièces de clavecin, 5th ordre Les barricades mistérieuses from Pièces de clavecin 6th ordre Chopin: Ballade no. 3 in Ab op. 47 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Andrew Guan Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

We hear performances from vocalist Maxwell Chao-Hong and pianist Melody Huang with feedback from mentors Coady Green and Dermot Tutty. Maxwell performs: A. Mozart: Abendempfindung Gluck: Che faro senza Euridice Heagney: Why do you rear your head Sleep, dear child Schönberg: Stars (from Les Miserables) With associate artist Isaac Mouskovias Melody performs: Chopin: Etude Op.25, No.2 in F minor Arensky: Nocturne, Op.36, No.3 Baird: Sonatina Sonny Chua: Rodeo -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green and Dermot Tutty Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Andrew Guan Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Guest mentor Monica Curro joins Coady Green and Heather Fletcher to hear performances by violinist Emma Li and pianist Jack Brunialti-Sykes. Emma performs: S.Bach: Sonata no.2, Andante Elgar: Violin Sonata, mvt. 1 With associate artist Yi-Shing Cheng Jack performs: S.Bach: Sonata in D minor, BWV 964, mvts 3&4 Rachmaninov: 13 Preludes, Op. 32, No.1 in C Major Parker: A Water Colour -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green and Monica Curro Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Andrew Guan Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

For the first episode in our new season, Heather Fletcher welcomes season mentor Coady Green and guest mentor Ali Fyffe to hear performances by saxophonist Terence Liu Alicia Choo and pianist Leo Lieu. Terence performs: Ryo Noda: Maï P.Telemann: Fantasia No.2 for Flute Leo performs: Carl Vine: Sonata No. 1 Mvt. 1 Chopin: Etude Op. 10 no. 5 Chopin: Etude Op. 25 no. 12 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Coady Green and Ali Fyffe Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Andrew Guan Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

In this Finale Episode of Season 1, 2023, flautist - Issie Brown, baritone - Daniel Felton, and pianist - Catherine Zhu return to perform for a second time each and compete for the top three places.  Evan J Lawson is joined by special guest mentor Brett Kelly. -- Host: Heather Fletcher Mentors: Evan J Lawson and Brett Kelly Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Rollin Zhao returns as the guest mentor for our final heats-episode of the season.  He, Heather, and Evan hear performances from pianist Thong Nguyen Tri Truong and violinist Angela Deng. Thong performs: Sculthorpe: Mountains Chopin: Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23 Angela performs: Wieniawski: Violin Concerto no.2 in D minor, 2nd movement “Romance” Viotti: Violin Concerto no.22 in A minor, 1st movement Moderato With associate artist Stewart Kelly -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Evan J Lawson Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

The ninth episode of the season sees oboist Angela Yin and pianist Catherine Zhu perform for Evan Lawson, Heather Fletcher, and guest mentor – Briana Leaman. Angela performs: Bozza: Fantasie Pastorale Seiber: Improvisation With associate artist Laurence Matheson Catherine performs: Haydn: Sonata in C Major Hob XVI:50 1st Movement Chopin: Etude op 25 no 7 Debussy: Feux d’artifice, from Preludes - Book II -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Evan J Lawson Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Michael Lampard returns as guest mentor, joining regulars Evan Lawson and Heather Fletcher to hear performances from baritone Daniel Felton and pianist Jay Brendan Del Rosario. Daniel performs: Mallis: “War” from The Burning Marl Mahler: “Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen” from Rücket Lieder A.Mozart: “Hai Gia Vinta La Causa” from Le Nozze Di Figaro With associate artist Geoff Urquhart Jay performs: Uehara: Spectrum Ligeti: Étude Book 1 no. 4 “Fanfares” Rachmaninoff: Étude in D Major, op. 39 no.9 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Evan J Lawson Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

With Evan away, 2022 season mentor Dean Sky Lucas returns, joining Heather Fletcher and Melissa Doecke to hear performances from flautist Issie Brown and pianist Thea Lukito Issie performs: Karg-Elert: Sonata Appasionata Dutilleux: Sonatine Thea performs: S.Bach: Prelude and Fugue BWV866 Mendelssohn: Rondo Capriccioso Opus 14 Chua: Angel -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Dean Sky Lucas (filling in for Evan J Lawson) Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Guest host Kiera Stevens welcomes season regular Evan J Lawson and guest mentor Ivana Tomaskova to hear performances by violinist Chloe Shieh and Meraki Piano Duo – made up of Winnie Kuo and Lesley Yim. Chloe performs: S.Bach: Partita 3, Gavotte en Rondeau Smetana (Z.Domoviny): From “My Homeland” No.2 Andantino With associate artist Stewart Kelly Meraki Duo perform: Schubert: Fantasy in F minor -- Host: Kiera Stevens Regular mentor: Evan J Lawson Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday, Ashleigh Robertson Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Molly Kadarauch joins the panel as we hear from cellist Zachary Shieh and pianist Samuel Lee. Zachary performs: Boccherini: Sonata in C Major Kiel: Movement from “Impressions de Voyage” Cassadó: Suite for Cello Mvt.3 With associate artist Stewart Kelly Samuel performs: Grainger: Colonial Song V.Beethoven: Piano Sonata Op. 10 No.2 in F Major mvt.1 Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonata in G Major K.424 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Evan J Lawson Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Heather Fletcher is joined by regular mentor Evan J Lawson and guest Joanne Carroll to hear performances from boy soprano Anderson Mokyiu and pianist Warren Kusuma. Anderson performs: Caldara: Sebben, crudele A.Mozart: Komm, Liebe Zither Franck: Panis Angelicus Mahler: Fruhlingsmorgen Heagney: Poppies With associate artist Isaac Mouskovias Warren performs: Kats-Chernin: Butterflying V.Beethoven: Sonatina in Eb Major no.1 Allegro Cantabile Liszt: Sonetto 104 del petrarca -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Evan J Lawson Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

We hear performances from harpist Audrey Chen and pianist Kingsley Hsu with feedback from mentors Evan J Lawson and Marshall McGuire. Kingsley performs: S.Bach: Prelude and Fugue No.3 in C sharp major BWV 848 Chopin: Etudes Op.25, No.2 in F minor V.Beethoven: Sonata No.14 in C sharp minor, Op.27 No.2 “Moonlight” mvt.1 A.Mozart: Sonata No.9 in D Major, K.311 mvt.1 Allegro con spirito Audrey performs: Grandjany after J.S.Bach’s Sonata no.2: Etude No. 6 Duncan: The Sun Behind It, Burning It Zabel: Murmure de la cascade -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Evan J Lawson Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Guest mentor Paul Zabrowarny joins Evan Lawson and Heather Fletcher to hear performances by cellist Chiara Kelle and pianist Ben Fu.  Chiara performs:  J.Haydn: Cello Concerto in C Major, mvt.1 A.Glazunov: Chant du Menestrel With associate artist Stewart Kelly Ben performs:  J.S.Bach: Ricercar a3  I.Stravinsky (arr.Agosti): Danse Infernale from “Firebird” F.Schubert/F.Liszt: Litanei S.562 No.1 --  Host: Heather Fletcher  Regular mentor: Evan J Lawson  Producer: Jem Sherwill  Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday  Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill 

For the first episode in our new season, Heather Fletcher welcomes season mentor Evan J Lawson and guest mentor Rollin Zhao to hear performances by violinist Alicia Choo and pianist Chris Wang.  Alicia performs:  A.Vivaldi: The Four Seasons mvt.3 “Winter” J.B.Accolay: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor With associate artist Stewart Kelly Chris performs:  J.S.Bach: Toccata in E minor BWV 914 P.I.Tchaikovsky (arr.M.Pletnev): Pas de Deux --  Host: Heather Fletcher  Regular mentor: Evan J Lawson  Producer: Jem Sherwill  Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCoey, Greg Matheson, Tom Hayman, William Loveday  Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill 

Host - Heather Fletcher and regular mentor - Dean Sky-Lucas, are joined by guest mentor Laila Engel in the final heat episode of the season as they hear live performances by flautist Lily Bryant and pianist Devina Christi.  After playing works by Telemann, Boulanger, Chopin, and Debussy, Lily and Devina each receive feedback from the mentors. Lily performs: -G.P.Telemann: Fantasia No. 6 in D minor -L.Boulanger: D'un Martin de printemps With associate artist Moonhwei Cheah Devina performs: -F.Chopin: Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20 -C.Debussy: Estampes - Jardin sous la Pluie -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Dean Sky-Lucas Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCooey, Greg Matheson, Jackson Clarke Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Episode 9 is a double-piano bill featuring Dillon Chan and Yenny Jap performing works from composers including Bach, Mozart, Schumann, and Vine.  Elyane Laussade joins Dean Sky-Lucas as mentor and offers feedback to the performing pianists. Dillon performs: -J.S.Bach: Prelude and Fugue in C minor BWV 871 -W.A.Mozart: Sonata K311 in D Major II. Andante Con Epressione -F.Liszt: Grandes Etudes de Paganini No. 4 "Arpeggio" -G.Bacewicz: Sonata No.2 for Piano: III. Toccata Yenny performs: -C.Schumann: Variations on a theme by Robert Schumann -C.Vine: The Anne Landa Preludes: IX. Tarantella -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Dean Sky-Lucas Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCooey, Greg Matheson, Jackson Clarke Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Episode 8 of The Talent features the works of Szymanoski, Kreisler, Agnew, and Scriabin as performed by violinist Felicia La'Forgue and pianist Amanda Pang.  Following their performances, Felicia and Amanda receive feedback from mentors Dean Sky-Lucas and Monica Curro. Felicia performs: -K.Szymanoski (arr.P.Kochanski): Chant De Roxanne -F.Kreisler: Prelude and Allegro in the style of Pugnani With associate artist Ray Liang. Amanda performs: -R.Agnew: Poem No. 1 -A.Scriabin: Piano Sonata No. 5, Op. 53 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Dean Sky-Lucas Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCooey, Greg Matheson, Jackson Clarke Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

The seventh episode of the season features two young violinists, Scot Fan and Sophia Shaw.  They perform works by Bach, Lalo, Prokofiev, and Britten before receiving feedback from mentors Dean Sky-Lucas and Rochelle Ughetti. Scot performs: -J.S.Bach: Sonata in G minor S. 1001 -E.Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole Op.21: mvt. 1 With associate artist Helen Zhang. Sophia performs: -S.Prokofiev: Sonata for violin and piano No. 1 in F minor: Mvt. 3 -B.Britten: Suite for violin and piano Op. 6: Mvt. 5 With associate artist Julie Haskell. -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular mentor: Dean Sky-Lucas Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound engineers: Joe Gofron, Kieran McCooey, Greg Matheson, Jackson Clarke Podcast producer: Jem Sherwill

Episode 6 of The Talent features performances from violinist (and previous second-place-winner) Louise Turnbull and pianist Angela Yin.  They perform programmes featuring the music of Sibelius, Keith Humble, and J.S.Bach before receiving on-air feedback from mentors Dean Sky-Lucas and Markiyan Melnychenko. Louise performs: -J.Sibelius: Violin Concerto Mvt. 1 With associate artist Konrad Olszewski.  Angela performs: -K.Humble: Eight Bagatelles -J.S.Bach: Toccata in G Major BWV 916 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Dean Sky-Lucas Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Greg Matheson, Jackson Clarke Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill

As we approach the half-way mark for this season of The Talent, we hear performances from mezzo-soprano Hannah Kostros and pianist Ben Fu with programmes featuring Schumann, Liszt, and Stravinsky.  Host Heather Fletcher is joined by season mentor Dean Sky-Lucas. Hannah performs: -R.Schumann: Cycle of Five Songs: Gedichte der Königin Maria Stuart: Abschied von Frankreich (Farewell to France) Nach der Geburt ihres Sohnes (on the Birth of her Son) An die Königin Elisabeth (To Queen Elizabeth) Abschied von der Welt (Farewell to the World) Gebet (Prayer) -R.Schumann: Requiem Op.90 With associate artist Sam Colcheedas.  Ben performs: -F.Lizst (after F.Shubert): Litanies -I.Stravinksy (arr.G.Agosti): Firebird -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Dean Sky-Lucas Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Greg Matheson, Jackson Clarke Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill

Episode 4 of The Talent is a double-flute bill featuring performances from flautists Jenna Choi and Jenny Fan.  With works from Debussy, Sancan, Franck, and Prokofiev - Jenna and Jenny each perform live before receiving on-air feedback from Dean Sky-Lucas and guest mentor Derek Jones. Jenna performs: -P.Sancan: Sonatine for Flute and Piano -C.Debussy: Beau Soir With associate artist Peter de Jager.  Jenny performs: -C.Franck: Sonata in A Major (Mvt. 3: Recitativo-Fantasia) -S.Prokofiev: Sonata in D Major (Mvt. 2: Scherzo) With associate artist Leigh Harrold -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Dean Sky-Lucas Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Greg Matheson, Jackson Clarke Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill

Our third episode of the season features the low frequencies of cellist Jun Gardiner and bass-trombonist James Littlewoood.  After presenting diverse programmes of traditional and contemporary Australian compositions, they receive on air feedback from mentors Dean Sky Lucas and Ben Anderson. Jun performs: -P.Tchaikovsky: Variations on Rococo Theme, Op.33 Theme, var 1, 2, 3 and 7 -B.Britten: Cello Sonata Op.65, mvt.2 With associate artist Laurence Matheson.  James performs: G.Wain: Prelude for trombone and piano E.Thompson: I’ll meet you there P.McNamara: Krazny With associate artist Peter de Jager -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Dean Sky-Lucas Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Greg Matheson, Jackson Clarke Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill The Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

Our second episode of the season features performances from baritone Saxon O’Donnell and pianist Kane Chang. They perform programmes including music from Schubert and Chopin, Vaughan Williams and Weissenberg before they each receive on air feedback from mentors Dean Sky Lucas and Nicholas Dinopoulos. Saxon performs: -R.Vaughan Williams: The Vagabond -F.Schubert: An die Musik -P.Tosti: La Serenata -K.Moss: The Floral Dance With associate artist William Schmidt Kane performs: -C.Trenet (arr.A.Weissenberg): En avril à Paris -F.Chopin: Piano Sonata Op.58, mvt. I: Allegro Maestoso -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Dean Sky-Lucas Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Greg Matheson, Jackson Clarke Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill The Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

The Talent returns for our second season of 2022!  Our first performers for Season 2 are clarinettist Lily Tamir-Regev and pianist Adela Karol.  Heather Fletcher returns as our incomparable host and we welcome pianist and countertenor Dean Sky-Lucas as our season mentor.  Clarinettist Phillip Arkinstall joins as guest mentor. Lily performs: -Larry Sitsky: Vartarun -Dulcie Holland: Prelude on a Motive -Béla Kovács: Hommage a M. De Falla Adela performs: -S.Taneyev: Prelude Op.29 -J.S.Back: Sinfonia from Keyboard Partita II -O.Messiaen: Regard de l’etoile (no.2 from Vingt regards Sur l’Enfant-Jésus) -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Dean Sky-Lucas Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Greg Matheson, Jackson Clarke Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill The Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

Season 1, 2022 culminated in our finale episode with performances from returning artists - pianist Serena Zhang, violinist Louise Turnbull, and cellist Ceridwen McCooey. Brett Kelly joined regular mentor Julia Hastings as guest mentor and the pair deliberated over our season place-winners which they announced alongside host Heather Fletcher. Serena performed Toccata in C minor (J.S.Bach) Louise performed Nocturne and Tarantella (K.Syzmanowski) Ceridwen performed A Starless, Fatherless Sky & When you are ready for words (C.McCooey) Also featuring a pre-recorded performance by Audience Prize Winner Jasmine Lai: Libertango (A.Piazzolla, arr. E.Sammut) -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Julia Hastings Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg Matheson Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill The Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

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 Fletcher Regular Mentor: Julia Hastings Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg Matheson Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill The 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 Concerto Michael Performed: -Bizet (arr. Robert Elkjer): Carmen Fantasy: I. Prelude -Franz Strauss: Nocturno Op. 7 -Piazzolla: Ave Maria -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Julia Hastings Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg Matheson Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill The 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. 3 Leo performed: -Brahms: Piano Sonata no.3 mvt.5 -Ravel Alborada del Gracioso -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Julia Hastings Producer: Jem Sherwill & Jess Carrascalao Heard Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg Matheson Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill The 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 Quichotte Chanson du depart Chanson a Dulcinée Chanson du Duc Chanson de la mort -Peggy Glanville Hicks: Come Sleep Serena performed: -Bach: Toccata in C minor -Morel: Étude de Sonorité -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Julia Hastings Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg Matheson Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill The 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. 48 Anna performed: - Mozart: Mvt. 1 & 2 from Sonata in C minor, k. 457 -Chopin: Étude Op. 25, no. 4 -- Host: Heather Fletcher Regular Mentor: Julia Hastings Producer: Jem Sherwill Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas, Greg Matheson Podcast Producer: Jem Sherwill The 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: Widmung Highlights 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 Fletcher Regular Mentor: Julia Hastings Producer: Jem Sherwill, with assistance from Jess Carrascalao Heard Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Kiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas Podcast Producer: Jess Carrascalao Heard The Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

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. 30 Ceridwen 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 Fletcher Regular Mentor: Julia Hastings Guest Mentor: Wenhong Luo Producer: Jess Carrascalao Heard, with assistance from Adrian McIneiry Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Greg Matheson, Keiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas Podcast Producer: Jess Carrascalao Heard The Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.

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 Fletcher Guest Mentor: Dr Kenji Fujimura Guest Mentor: Melissa Doeke Producer: Jess Carrascalao Heard Sound Engineers: Joe Gofron, Greg Matheson, Keiran McCooey, Kirsty Norvilas Podcast Producer: Jess Carrascalao Heard The Talent is made possible with the generous support from the Robert Salzer Foundation.