An award-winning ensemble is taking the stage at the Snow Concert Hall – and it’s made up of teenagers

Posted on 6 November, 2023

Fair warning – this story might just make you wonder what the heck you’ve been doing with your life.

After taking the European stages by storm, a special concert is coming to the Snow Concert Hall as part of their International Series on Saturday 25 November to showcase the talents of virtuosos from over twenty nations (literally a world-class ensemble).

Known for their exceptional talent and passion for classical music, the group features violinists and cellists, all of whom have been recognised as rising stars in the world of classical music. But here’s the kicker: they’re all aged between 13 and 23.

United as the LGT Young Soloists (the first and only project of its kind in the world), the concept of bringing together young soloists to create their own orchestra is completely unique.

Since its founding in 2013, the Young Soloists have quickly established themselves as one of the leading youth orchestras in the world, and under the guidance of their renowned artistic director, Alexander Gillman, these prodigious young artists have taken the classical music world by storm.

But when you hear them play, you wouldn’t think that they’re teenagers.

“The Young Soloists blew my mind the first time I heard them,” says Ana de la Vega, Artistic Director of the Snow Concert Hall International Series.

“They have an enthusiasm and energy that can only come with raw youth, coupled with a technical and musical mastery one expects of players twice their age. It’s a combination I’ve not found elsewhere around the globe.”

Along with their many other groundbreaking successes, the Young Soloists are the first youth orchestra in the world to release its first album on Sony Music / RCA Red Seal, and they continue to sell out some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including the Vienna Musikverein. To top it all off, in March of this year they made their US debut with a sold-out concert at the Kennedy Centre in Washington.

See what we mean about wondering what you’ve been doing with your life?

Just as good (dare we say, if not better) than seasoned professionals, the Young Soloists will be coming to Canberra for the first time after completing their Swiss tour, taking the stage to share their passion for music and accompany each other in an evening filled with string orchestra gems.

Playing a programme that includes a diverse selection of classical compositions that showcase their incredible range and skill (think: the dynamic, passionate melodies of Beethoven’s mammoth and most celebrated work ‘The Kreutzer Sonata’ to the timeless, evergreen elegance of Bruch’s ‘Kol Nidrei’), you’ll be able to experience their phenomenal talent from 7 pm until 9 pm with a 20 minute intermission.

“I am so excited to bring them to Snow Concert Hall and hopefully show Canberrans and young musicians what is possible, what is out there, and what dedication, hard work, and passion can bring in this art form,” says Ana.

After their performance on the Saturday, the Young Soloists will also be providing a unique opportunity for young classical music enthusiasts by hosting a “one-day orchestra” workshop on Sunday 26 November – seeing the musicians together with auditioned young Canberran string players, rehearse and then perform Tchaikovsky’s stunning Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48.

Resonating not only with classical music aficionados but also inspiring and captivating young aspiring musicians, it promises to be a night (and day) of transcendent music.

“The world’s most successful and extensively touring youth orchestra, comprised of the world’s finest young soloists, is poised to introduce their unique concept, boundless energy, and the highest musical mastery to Canberra for the very first time!” says Young Soloists artistic director, Alexander Gillman.

“We can’t wait for our debut at the magnificent Snow Concert Hall”.