Rising Star Competition
Winner to perform at the Australia: One Land, Many Stories on 19 Jun 2025.
We’re thrilled to support the next generation of musicians and unearth the talent across Tasmania. Ensuring our young people have the backing they need to thrive in their musical education and careers is so important to the future of our industry – we believe it’s in safe hands with our Rising Stars!
Rising Star provides a young instrumentalist or classical vocalist with a leg-up to the next level of their learning.
To apply, you must be a Tasmanian resident, 22 years of age or under and be of at least 8th Grade AMEB or equivalent standard.
The selected Rising Star will receive;
- Tim Bugg AM Rising Star Award worth $2500 to further the winner’s musical education
- The opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
- A feature on TSO’s social media accounts and website
In 2025, we’re proud to also introduce the Tim Bugg AM Rising Star Encouragement Award worth $750. This encouragement award will be presented to a second young musician to support them in their musical endeavours. This has been made possible through generous benefactors in memory of Tim Bugg AM.
Applications closed for the 2025 Rising Star Competition.
Anna Bosveld.
Anna Bosveld is a 15-year-old from Wynyard in Tasmania’s North West. She began playing piano at the age of five and her mum was her teacher for more than eight years.
Anna now studies piano with Somerset-based piano teacher Lyn Loudon. She also plays as part of an ensemble led by Dr. Sarah Scheermeijer.
“To be the Rising Star of 2025 is such an honour,” says Anna. “I have never won an award of this level before, and even competing alongside advanced musicians was a valuable experience in itself. The opportunity to play with the TSO is something I have dreamed of. I am beyond amazed and thankful to have been selected.”
Anna was praised by the TSO Rising Star judging panel for her technique and expressiveness.
She begins most mornings with practice at 6am and continues after school, preparing for her upcoming Certificate of Performance exam. Anna hopes to continue her studies at the University of Tasmania Conservatorium of Music.
Outside of music, Anna enjoys outdoor activities and academic subjects including Science and Maths. She also draws strength and inspiration from her Christian faith, which has been an important source of motivation throughout her musical journey.
Read the full news announcement here.
The Tim Bugg AM Award
Tim Bugg AM is remembered as a well-respected and admired member of the Tasmanian community. A significant figure in legal practice nationally and beyond, Tim was also a great supporter of the TSO through over 7 years as a Board member and as a music lover.
This award has been named in honour of Tim and the work he undertook as a champion of emerging talent – a cause that he was truly passionate about. In his professional line of work Tim mentored, advocated and fostered emerging lawyers. This award celebrates the same spirit Tim showed to innumerable emerging professionals, and we are proud to continue his vision of championing and recognising young talent through the Rising Star Competition.
The TSO is immeasurably grateful to the generous benefactor who has ensured the Tim Bugg AM Rising Star Award will continue to provide opportunities for emerging musicians for years to come.
"To be the Rising Star of 2025 is such an honour. I have never won an award of this level before, and even competing alongside advanced musicians was a valuable experience in itself. The opportunity to play with the TSO is something I have dreamed of. I am beyond amazed and thankful to have been selected."
Past Winners
2025 Winner
Anna Bosveld
Piano
2024 Winner
Samuel Hooper
Violin
2023 Winner
Kara Thorpe
Flute
2020 Winner
Naomi Dickers
Tuba
2019 Winner
Tasman Compton
Bassoon
2018 Winner
Sheng-Yuan Lynch
Piano
2011 Winner
Jeremy Yang
Piano
Get TSO News
Be the first to hear about news, concerts and more! Join our mailing list today.
Sign Up
