We’re delighted to announce the six young musicians who will be Emerging Artists with the Australian Chamber Orchestra in 2025.
Following a rigorous and competitive audition process, these exceptional young string players will spend the year working closely with ACO musicians, and rehearsing and performing as members of ACO Collective, our esteemed touring ensemble. They join in the ACO's 50th Anniversary Year, and in the 20th Anniversary Year of the Emerging Artist Program.
Below, each of our new Emerging Artists introduce themselves and let us in on what they’re most looking forward to during their year with the Orchestra.
Harry Egerton
Violin
Harry completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music (QCGU), studying violin performance with Michele Walsh in 2021. Notable solo performances at the Conservatorium include Waxman’s Carmen Fantasy with the QCGU symphony orchestra (conducted by Peter Luff), and Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante with the Apollo orchestra (alongside violist Jeremy Egerton and conductor Julian Duthoit).
“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,” Harry says. “I think the ACO EA program would provide the best ensemble training I could possibly have. It is also particularly special to be able to be involved in ACO's 50 anniversary year. I am especially looking forward to working with my mentor Helena Rathbone. I have admired her playing for a long time, so I feel very excited to absorb as much as I can from this wonderful opportunity. I am hugely looking forward to it!”
Louise Turnbull
Violin
Louise is a student of Sophie Rowell at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), where in 2023 she was awarded the St. Silas Prize for the Most Outstanding First Year Recital. Louise has performed as soloist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as part of the Ears Wide Open concert series in 2023, as well as with the Australasian Orchestra, Preston Symphony, Frankston Symphony, and Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra.
“I am looking forward to playing alongside and having mentorship from seasoned professionals, and having the opportunity to gain a new perspective on the work of an ACO musician,” Louise says. “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.”
Fiona Qiu
Violin
Fiona currently studies with Prof. Lily Francis at the Mozarteum, following her studies at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) with Robin Wilson and Sophie Rowell, and at QCGU with Michele Walsh, where she received the Academic Excellence Award. She has served as concertmaster for the Australian Youth Orchestra, ANAM Orchestra, and the QCGU Orchestra, and her music has been broadcast on ABC Classic, 3MBS, 4MBS, and 5MBS Radio.
“Every musician I’ve seen come out of the ACO Emerging Artist Program has gone on to achieve incredible things in their careers. For me, 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,” Fiona says. “The idea of being mentored by such talented musicians and performing at that level excites me beyond words. I’ve always believed in learning by experience, and being on tour with the ACO members is exactly what I need before starting my professional career.”
Isabella Bignasca
Viola
Isabella is a 2023-25 fellow at Ensemble Connect, a program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School and the Weill Music Institute in New York. As part of her fellowship, she is a teaching artist at the City College Academy of the Arts in Manhattan. She completed her master’s degree under the tutelage of Paul Neubauer and Heidi Castleman at The Juilliard School, where she also completed her undergraduate studies.
“I'm looking forward to returning to Australia and working side-by-side with the ACO,” Isabella says. “I've never played in a professional chamber orchestra before and am very excited for that experience!”
Jack Overall
Cello
Jack completed his Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours under the tutelage of Simon Cobcroft at the Elder Conservatorium, and currently studies with Howard Penny at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) in Melbourne. He has performed with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Australian Youth Orchestra, Adelaide Baroque, and as part of the Coriole Music Festival and Chamber Music Adelaide’s On The Terrace.
“I am so looking forward to having those immersive experiences playing within the ACO ensembles,” Jack says. “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. Those experiences are so invaluable in gaining performance knowledge and experience, and the ACO Emerging Artist program will provide more of those golden experiences.”
Oakley Paul
Double Bass
Oakley has worked with nearly all of Australia’s professional orchestras and holds casual positions with the West Australian, Melbourne, and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras, as well as Orchestra Victoria. He has also had opportunities to appear as soloist at the Warana Concerto Competition and with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra as part of Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)’s 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,” Oakley says. “For me, I couldn’t imagine a better experience.”
Our new Emerging Artists will perform in Brahms & Beethoven, featuring ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti as soloist. Click here to buy tickets.
