Young Artist Spotlight: Recognising Our Frequent Performers
Concerts for All was founded with the mission of developing the classical musicians and audiences of the future. With our recently concluded 21st Young Maestros Community Concert and an 11th QVB Classical Pop-up coming up, we'd like to look back and celebrate three of our most frequently featured performers: Emma Rose Koeswandy, Léanore Gillet and Symphony Shi. Each has shown outstanding dedication to sharing their love for music with the community time and again, always at such a high standard.
Emma Rose performing in our Young Maestros Community Concert Léanore performing in our Young Maestros Community Concert Symphony performing in our QVB Classicla Pop-up Concert
We caught up with these wonderful pianists to see what they're up to and to know more about them – read below!
Emma Rose Koeswandy
Q: What are a few interesting facts about yourself, music related or otherwise?
A: Something people may not know about me is how much I enjoy learning beyond music. I am especially drawn to Shakespeare’s works, and I am grateful to my English teacher for deepening my appreciation of literature. I also feel grateful to serve my community by performing for aged-care residents, and I enjoy public speaking, listening to others’ stories and learning through meaningful conversations.
Q: How have you been and what you have been up to lately?
A: I have been well and recently completed my LMusA in violin, an achievement I am very proud of and one that reflects both my dedication and the guidance of my violin teacher in pursuing what I love. I have also been focusing on my academic studies and spending more time with my family.
Growing older has given me a deeper sense of more gratitude, especially towards my parents and teachers, who allow me the freedom to choose my own path and quietly support me every step of the way.
My connection with the piano continues to deepen each day. It is a deeply personal journey that I prefer to let unfold naturally, in its own time.
Q: What would you say to other performers who would like to participate in our concerts?
A: I have performed with Concerts for All since its earliest days, and to me, performing is not about proving ourselves, it is a humble way of sharing music with others. Be fearless and never allow a single performance to define who you are. There will always be someone listening, supporting you and finding joy in the music you share. I warmly encourage other to take part and share their music with the Concerts for All community.
Léanore Gillet
Q: What are a few interesting facts about yourself, music related or otherwise?
A: I love telling stories through music and using my imagination when I play. I am also a big daydreamer! One of my favourite pieces is Debussy’s Rêverie, because rêverie means “daydream” in French. When I play it, I feel as though my mind can wander and travel to many different places. I also love reading—especially Harry Potter, Matilda and Wicked—as well as creative writing and art. Perhaps this is why I often imagine characters, colours and stories behind the music I play.
Q: How have you been and what you have been up to lately?
A: Recently, I participated in the Sydney Eisteddfod Junior Piano Scholarship. I was honoured to advance to the semi-final and to be selected as a reserve finalist. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear so many inspiring performances and to challenge myself to perform at a higher level.
I am now busy preparing for the Tianjin Juilliard Piano Festival in August. I will attend lessons, masterclasses, meet other young pianists, perform in recitals, collaborate in a piano duet and attend concerto rehearsal with chamber orchestra and conductor. I am really looking forward to it! I am especially excited because I will also be able to see my grandparents, who live in China. It feels very special to combine music, travel and family in one trip.
Q: What would you say to other performers who would like to participate in our concerts?
A: I would encourage other musicians to join Concerts for All because the concerts are friendly, welcoming and fun. They are a wonderful way to become more comfortable performing and to meet other people who love music. Most importantly, they remind us that music is not only about exams or competitions—it is about sharing feelings, stories and imagination with others.
I look forward to sharing more music with Concerts for All in the future!
Symphony Shi
Q: What are a few interesting facts about yourself, music related or otherwise?
A: I have been playing piano since I was five, and I especially enjoy exploring music from different periods and discovering the unique voice of each composer. I also love performing for audiences and sharing the stories and emotions behind the music.
Q: How have you been and what you have been up to lately?
A: One of the most memorable experiences I have had recently was performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in its entirety at the Paris International Music Festival. Performing such an iconic work in Paris, a city so closely connected with Chopin and often regarded as his second home town, was a particularly meaningful experience for me. It was an unforgettable opportunity to experience Chopin’s music in such a special cultural event.
I will be appearing on 3MBS’s The Talent in September (2026), where I will perform works by Bach and Ravel. If you enjoy my performance, I would be very grateful for your support for Audience Prize: Season 2, The Talent 2026
Q: What would you say to other performers who would like to participate in our concerts?
A: I encourage other young musicians to take every opportunity to perform and share their music with the community. Concerts like yours provide such a wonderful platform for musicians to connect with
audiences, gain valuable performance experience, and most importantly, share the joy of classical music.
Thank you again for giving me so many opportunities to perform and for supporting young musicians. I truly appreciate being part of this musical community.
You Make Us Proud!
We are so grateful to these three amazing young artists for taking the time to share more about themselves – we are confident that their words and actions also inspire so many others. If you, or anyone you know is interested in sharing the love of music through performance, send them to this page below:
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