Applications open! Rising Star Competition
17 February 2025.
Applications have opened for the TSO’s Rising Star Competition.
The competition is open to young instrumentalists and classical vocalists. It is aimed at supporting the next generation of musical talent across Tasmania.
The winner of the Rising Star award receives:
- The Tim Bugg AM Prize worth $2500 to further the winner’s musical education.
- The opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in the Federation Concert Hall.
- Publicity opportunities as the 2025 Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Rising Star.
TSO Rising Star of 2024, Samuel Hooper. Photo by Toby Frost.
The TSO's Rising Star for 2024 was young violinist Samuel Hooper.
Samuel says the opportunity to perform with the TSO was a ‘lifelong dream come true’.
‘Getting to play a solo with the TSO and a lovely guest conductor was such a huge honour. The TSO Rising Star Competition gave me something to really work towards and strive for and it brought me to the next stage of my development as a musician,’ Samuel says.
‘Before that, I had never performed anything that big or important, especially with an orchestra of such high calibre.'
‘It really changed the way I think about performing and being a musician. But more than anything, it confirmed for me that music will continue to play a significant role in my life for many years,’ he says.
Now, Samuel is starting to prepare for his LMus exam. In April, he’ll play in the Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists Program for the second time.
‘Since the Big Rehearsal, I've been lucky to get invited to perform recitals in Tasmania and interstate. The performance has spurred me on as an aspiring violinist and has kickstarted my career in music,’ Samuel says.
About the Tim Bugg AM Prize
The annual Rising Star recipient is generously supported by a bequest in honour of Tim Bugg AM, who was a greatly admired member of Tasmania’s legal and wider community.
Tim was a great lover of music and a long-time supporter of the TSO. He was passionate about mentoring, supporting and encouraging emerging talent, including in both music and law.
The chance to perform with the TSO
In 2024, Samuel performed with the TSO as part of the Big Rehearsal in August.
The Big Rehearsal is an annual day-long event, in which TSO musicians mentor their Tasmanian Youth Orchestra counterparts ahead of an afternoon performance for family, friends and supporters.
Last year’s event was led by internationally acclaimed conductor Daniel Carter, who was an inspirational mentor to the TYO participants and Samuel.
This year's winner of the Rising Star Competition will also play with the TSO, this time in the Federation Concert Hall in a Family Concert.
Entries close COB 17 March 2025. Find out more about the annual Rising Star Competition here.
TSO and TYO musicians perform during the 2024 Big Rehearsal.
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