Two talented young cellists at different stages of their musical careers have been recognised in the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s annual Rising Star competition.
William Thorpe, 22, has been named the TSO’s Rising Star for 2026, while Sophia Labattaglia, 16, has received the inaugural TSO Rising Star Encouragement Award.
Originally from Hobart, William is now in Sydney completing his music degree and playing as principal cello with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Symphony Orchestra.
He has performed extensively in Australia and overseas, including at the Australian Chamber Music Festival in Townsville.
His prize includes the $2500 Tim Bugg AM Rising Star Award, made possible by a fund established in memory of the former TSO Board member and lifelong advocate for young professionals.
William will also have the opportunity to play with the TSO later this year.
‘Winning this competition and having the chance to play with the TSO means a lot to me. Getting the chance to perform alongside players I’ve watched my entire life growing up and been inspired by, including some former teachers, is a great honour,’ William says.
Last year, William won the Sydney Conservatorium concerto competition. He also received a scholarship to attend and perform at the Kumho Music Festival in Finland.
‘I was very lucky to have wonderful supportive teachers growing up, including Sue Pickering and Brett Rutherford for cello, and Jen Marten-Smith for piano who also has accompanied me on cello for countless eisteddfods and AMEB exams,’ William says.
‘I also greatly enjoyed participating in the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra programs since I was 12. In the future I hope to apply to schools in Europe for postgraduate study.’
Thanks to the generous support of donors in memory of Tim Bugg, the TSO has also introduced a $750 encouragement award this year.
Recipient Sophia Labattaglia grew up in Tasmania’s North West and is grateful to those who supported her musical journey, particularly her parents.
‘Growing up, there were no specialised cello teachers in my area so most of my lessons were over zoom. When I was 13 I began playing with the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra Flagship Orchestra. At the time I lived a four-hour drive from Hobart,’ Sophia says.
‘The TYO team kindly made it possible for me to only attend in person every second week and to play along to a recording of the missed rehearsals.’
‘I'm also very thankful to my parents who were willing to drive an eight hour round trip to Hobart! I did find the travel hard and I’m so glad to now be living in Hobart with all the musical opportunities that exist.’
In her spare time, Sophia enjoys surfing and snorkelling. After finishing school, she hopes to travel overseas.
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