Highlights: 7th and 8th QVB Pop-Up Concerts

In recent months, we've filled the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) with classical music by Sydney's top emerging and established musicians. Our 7th and 8th Classical Pop-Up concerts were especially memorable with exceptionally high level of performances that featured various instruments – several new to the QVB. We featured 23 remarkable performers and turned a bustling shopping centre into a concert venue right at the heart of Sydney CBD.

The 7th QVB Classical Pop-Up

Held on the 23rd of May 2026, our 7th pop-up delivered a fantastic variety of repertoire on piano and strings, highlighted by a performance by a string quartet. A truly special moment of the afternoon, for which we are truly grateful, was an inspiring speech by our Guest Artist and Speaker, Helen Krizos, former Deputy Head of Keyboard Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Isabella Guo performing Scarlatti: Sonata in D Minor, K.141

Tong Wu with pianist Syntha Luo performing Sarasate: Introduction and Tarantella, Op. 43

Ian Yan performing Bach: Violin Partita No. 3 in e Major, BWV 1006: I. Preludio

Helen Krizos with Asia Movsovic performing Dvořák: Slavonic Dance in E Minor, Op. 72 No. 2

Cadenza-Four performing Mendelssohn: String Quartet No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 44

Andrew Yin performing Jongen: Étude de concert No. 1, Op. 65

Speaking to the heart of Concerts For All's mission, she reminded us why these public performances are so vital for building future audiences and fostering a love for classical music. She offered profound praise for the dedication of the performers, acknowledging the immense sacrifices made by the students and their parents, and left them with a powerful message:

"The point of all this is the sense of community, the sense of sharing. For all of you amazing young people, just realise that you are an inspiration to these small children sitting here who are probably thinking, 'one day I can play the piano like that' or 'I can play the violin or the cello like that'."

Program

• Cadenza-Four (String Quartet): Madeline Yu (Violin 1), Ian Yan (Violin 2), Lucrezia Fei (Viola), and Audrey Chan (Cello) – Mendelssohn: String Quartet No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 44: I. Allegro assai appassionato

• Andrew Yin (Piano): Jongen: Étude de concert No. 1, Op. 65

• Ian Yan (Violin): Bach: Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006: I. Preludio

• Isabella Guo (Piano): Scarlatti: Sonata in D Minor, K. 141

• Tong Wu (Violin) with pianist Synthia Luo: Sarasate: Introduction and Tarantella, Op. 43

• Helen Krizos with Asia Movsovic (Piano Duet): Dvořák: Slavonic Dance in E Minor, Op. 72 No. 2 & Slavonic Dance in G Minor, Op. 46 No. 8

The 8th QVB Classical Pop-Up

Bella Sun performing Henson-Conant: Baroque Flamenco

Oliver Kim with pianist Julie Park performing Haydn: Cello Concert No. 1 in C Major - 3rd movement

Megumi Kusuda & Nathan Inkiriwang performing Strauss Jr: Overture to Die Fledermaus

Jasmin Wu performing Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58 - 4th movement

Eason Zhuo performing Scriabin: Etude in D-sharp Minor, Op. 8, No. 12

Léanore Gillet performing Debussy: Rêverie, CD 76/L. 68

Simon Luo with pianist Nathan Inkiriwang Saint-Saëns: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso

Symphony Shi performing Prokofiev: Etude in D minor Op. 2 No. 1

Stephanie Zhang with pianist Zsuzsanna Giczy & Cellist Oscar Chen - Dvořák: “Song to the Moon”

Following the success in May, our 8th pop-up on the 27th of June 2026 expanded the instrument lineup even more! This concert was a milestone for the series, featuring a total of five different instruments in one afternoon: violin, cello, piano, and – for the very first time in our QVB series – the pedal harp and voice! The introduction of these instruments to the series elevated the classical concert experience, showcasing the unique artistry and tonal variety each instrument brings to the stage. To many in our audience, it was a first to see and hear a pedal harp, listen to an aria, and witness two pianists perform a duet on a grand piano.

Program

• Oliver Kim (Cello) with pianist Julie Park: Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major - 3rd movement

• Léanore Gillet (Piano): Debussy: Rêverie, CD 76/L. 68

• Jasmin Wu (Piano) from the Counterpoint Project: Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58 - 4th movement

• Bella Sun (Harp): Henson-Conant: Baroque Flamenco

• Eason Zhuo (Piano): Scriabin: Etude in D-sharp Minor, Op. 8, No. 12

• Stephanie Zhang (Voice) from the Counterpoint Project with pianist Zsuzsanna Giczy & cellist Oscar Chen: Dvořák: "Song to the Moon" from Rusalka

• Symphony Shi (Piano): Prokofiev: Etude in D minor Op. 2 No. 1

• Simon Luo (Violin) with pianist Nathan Inkiriwang: Saint-Saëns: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28

• Megumi Kusuda & Nathan Inkiriwang (Piano Duet): Strauss Jr: Overture to Die Fledermaus (Arr. ShinPark Piano Duo)

Thank You to Our Performers

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all 23 performers who shared their time, talent, and passion with us over these two events. Their dedication to their craft and willingness to perform in a bustling public space are what make these concerts alive and vibrant. Echoing the words of Helen Krizos, public performances like these truly break down the barriers to the broader public's enjoyment of classical music.

Join Us for the Next Events!

Do you want to experience the music live, or perhaps take the stage yourself? We invite everyone to come along, listen, and support these wonderful musicians.

If you are a musician interested in sharing your talent with the Sydney community, register your interest now!

9th QVB Classical Pop-Up Concert

25 July 2026, 4:30 – 5:30 pmLevel 1, Queen Victoria Building

21st Young Maestros Community Concert

5 August 2026, 1:15 – 2:00 pmSt James’ Church