ABC Young Performers Awards 2026: Semifinalists Announced
The ABC Young Performers Awards has announced 12 semifinalists for the 2026 competition. Established in 1944, the competition is open to solo instrumentalists aged 31 and under. Applicants were required to submit a 40-minute performance video including at least one piece by an Australian composer. Entries are currently open for the 2026 awards.
Semifinalist Details
The semifinalists hail from New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania. The youngest competitor is 13 years old. Instruments represented include piano, violin, cello, flute, saxophone, guitar, and percussion.
Name Instrument State Alice Morgan saxophone NSW Beatrice Colombis violin NSW Buddy Lovett percussion Vic Charlotte Miles cello Vic Connor Whyte classical guitar ACT Dillon Chan piano Vic Dindin Jingyi Wang violin Vic Joshua Han piano NSW Lily Bryant flute NSW Maggie Wang cello Vic Sheng-Yuan Lynch piano Tas Tom Lowe saxophone Vic"The competitors who stood out were bold and imaginative and had a range of repertoire."
— Marshall McGuire, chair of the adjudication panel
McGuire noted that the panel was impressed with the overall level of skill, talent, musicality, and commitment from all applicants.
Schedule and Venues
Recitals
- Dates & Locations:
- August 11 – Sydney (Eugene Goossens Hall)
- August 12–13 – Melbourne (Iwaki Auditorium)
- Times: Recitals at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm each day
- Admission: $10 per recital via the ABC Classic website
Grand Final
- Date: November 3
- Venue: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
- Broadcast: Live on ABC TV and ABC Classic
- Format: Three finalists will compete with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Competition History and Impact
The ABC Young Performers Awards have served as a launching pad for emerging Australian classical musicians. Past winners describe benefits including performance opportunities, career development, and professional connections.
Claire Edwardes (Percussionist, 1999 Winner)
Edwardes used the competition to focus her efforts before postgraduate studies. Following her win, she performed as a soloist with Australian symphony orchestras for seven years.
Emily Sun (Violinist, 2018 Winner)
Sun noted that winning marked a crucial development in her performing career, providing opportunities for concerto, recital, and chamber performances. As part of her prize, she became ABC Classic's Artist in Residence. In 2023, she became the custodian of The Adelaide, a 250-year-old Italian violin.
Lloyd Van't Hoff (Clarinettist, 2015 Winner)
Van't Hoff highlighted the value of connections made with other musicians during the competition. It facilitated collaborations with established ensembles and led to the formation of his own group.
Eliza Shephard (Flautist, 2022 Winner)
Shephard's cohort experienced an extended competition process due to COVID-19 restrictions. A portion of her prize money was allocated to commission new music from six Australian female composers.
The 2026 competition is currently open for entries. For full details and ticket information, visit the ABC Classic website.