Rising Star Competition
Overview
Supporting the next generation of musicians across Tasmania.
The annual Rising Star competition is open to Tasmanian instrumentalists and vocalists aged 22 and under and is designed to unearth and support talent across the state.
The prize includes the $2500 Tim Bugg AM Rising Star Award – made possible by a fund established to honour the memory of Tim Bugg, a former TSO Board member and lifelong advocate for young professionals.
'Even just auditioning alongside such talented musicians was a valuable experience. I’m incredibly thankful to the TSO for this opportunity – it’s something I’ve dreamed of.'
Anna Bosveld, TSO Rising Star 2025
About the competition
The winner of the Rising Star competition receives:
- Tim Bugg AM Rising Star Award worth $2500 to further the winner’s musical education.
- The opportunity to rehearse and play as a soloist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
- Media opportunities and publicity via the TSO website, newsletters and socials.
Encouragement award
We also offer a $750 encouragement award as part of the annual Rising Star competition. This prize aims to support a young musician in their musical endeavours. This has also been made possible by the generous support of donors in memory of Tim Bugg AM.
Eligibility criteria
You must
- Be a Tasmanian resident
- Be aged 22 years or under
- Be a minimum 8th Grade AMEB or equivalent standard
- Be learning an orchestral instrument (including piano and classical saxophone) or studying classical voice
- Not be a prior winner of the Rising Star Award.
How to apply
Applications have closed for 2026. Applications for 2027 will open early next year.
Keep an eye on this website and sign up to the TSO mailing list to find out when applications open early next year.
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FAQs
If you are aged 17 years or under, you must provide written permission from your parent/guardian when applying.
Before applying, we recommend talking about the competition with your instrumental or vocal teacher. They can help you prepare and decide on the piece of music to play in the competition to best show off your skills and musicianship.
You will also need to find and rehearse with an accompanist who can play your chosen piece of music with you on the competition day.
Be prepared to play or sing one movement from a standard concerto / work for soloist and orchestra.
The movement or work should be a maximum of 8 minutes in duration.
The movement or work must suit the TSO’s orchestral strengths (2222-4231-timp+1percussion-harp-strings).
The orchestral score and parts of the work must be available for hire or purchase in Australia.
The work and edition of the work must be available to be performed in Australia.
Once your application is received, you will be invited to perform your chosen piece of music with your accompanist at the TSO Studio in Hobart.
You will be given detailed instructions for the competition day, including your scheduled times for warm up and performance.
TSO staff members will welcome you to the building and make sure you have somewhere private and comfortable to warm up before your audition.
No. The winner and encouragement award recipient will be advised within a week of the competition. A public announcement will be made in the following weeks.
Please get in touch with our Head of Community Projects, Jack Machin at machinj@tso.com.au.
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