1.00pm on Tuesday 1st of September
Live and Free at Scots’ Church
Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) – Trio for Piano, Flute and Bassoon in G major, WoO 37: I. Allegro
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) – "Liza's Aria" from The Queen of Spades
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) – Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 (arr. Isaac Cheng)
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921) – VI. En forme de valse from Six Études, Op. 52
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) – Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) – Cello Suite No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009: I. Prelude; II. Allemande
Luke Severn (b. 1999) – V. "Should the Wide World Roll Away" from Chamber Suite "and Other Lines" (2020)
Pietro Morlacchi (1828–1868) & Antonio Torriani (1829–1911) – Duetto Concertante on Themes of Verdi for Flute, Bassoon and Piano
Biographies
Issac Cheng is a percussionist who has quickly established a reputation as an exciting young performer whose musical sensitivity and technical command reveal the remarkable expressive range of the marimba. His recent performances have included appearances in masterclasses throughout South-East Asia, a concerto appearance with the VCASS Orchestra performing John Williams' Escapades, and selection as a finalist in the 2026 Preston Youth Concerto Competition.
Ahra Kim began her flute studies at the age of ten and studies at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School with Alan Hardy. She has enjoyed success in the Ringwood and Boroondara Eisteddfods, the Musical Society of Victoria Competition, and the Leslie Barklamb Scholarship, and has participated in masterclasses with renowned flautists Michael Gordon and John Wion.
Yingze (Abby) Zhao is an award-winning young Australian pianist who performs regularly as both a soloist and chamber musician. Her achievements include prizes in international competitions, including the London International Piano Competition (Junior Division), and appearances as a featured artist on 3MBS Melbourne's The Talent. She has collaborated with leading artists, including pianist Coady Green, in recital and chamber music performances. Alongside an active solo career, Abby is also a highly regarded collaborative pianist.
Music Matinee Scholar Innes Thistleton is a Melbourne-based bassoonist studying under the mentorship of Ben Hoadley. He has performed with both the 2024 and 2026 Australian Youth Orchestra Symphonists and the Melbourne Youth Orchestra. Innes is also a past prize-winner at the 2022 Australasian Double Reed Society (ADRS) Competition, where he was recognised for his expressive playing and technical facility.
The Neapolitan Trio was formed in 2026 and brings together flautist Ahra Kim, bassoonist Innes Thistleton and pianist Abby Zhao. The ensemble has already enjoyed considerable success, winning the Woodwind Prize at the 2026 Musica Viva Strike A Chord National Competition.
Sophie Cowall is a final-year VCASS student studying voice with Carrie Barr and cello with Zoe Knighton. An accomplished performer, she won the 2025 Royal South Street Freemasons Vocal Senior Championship as its youngest winner, the 2026 Boroondara Open Classical Vocal Championship, and the MSV Ron McNicol Vocal Award. Her awards also include first-place prizes at numerous other Eisteddfods including Ringwood Eisteddfod and the Classical Voice Singing Competition. Sophie's stage credentials featured roles and ensemble works with Opera Australia and Victorian Opera, The National Boys Choir of Australia, extensive solo/oratorio repertoire, Victorian Youth Opera Chorus Ensemble membership, and live broadcasts on 3MBS FM.
Associate artist: Berta Brozgul