Cameron McConchie is an honours student in music whose passion for conducting, choral music and directing has become a central part of his life. He hopes to pursue conducting as a career, while continuing to be inspired by the way music can completely immerse both performers and audiences.

​

One of Cameron’s most memorable musical experiences was travelling to Italy with Westlake Boys High School’s choir in 2018. Performing in incredible cathedrals across Rome, Florence, Siena, Pisa and Venice was unforgettable, but singing a mass in St Peter’s Basilica stood out most. The vast space created a seven-second echo, making the experience one Cameron says he will carry with him for the rest of his life.

One musician who has particularly inspired Cameron is composer and conductor Eric Whitacre, after attending his workshops and performance in Aotearoa in 2022. Cameron would love to spend a day discussing composition, choral music and how to bring everything together in performance.

​

For Cameron, supporting young musicians means never letting music die, continuing to fund, value and sustain music education so young people can find their passion, express their creativity and connect with their communities.

Annabel Yu has found piano and singing to be an important part of who she is, using music to discover new ideas and explore different ways of expressing herself. She is grateful for the tutors and mentors who have guided her journey and inspired her to become a lifelong learner, share her love of music, and support the next generation of young musicians through music education.

Her first musical performances began at around five or six years old, when she would make her family sit on little stools and applaud after every piece. When she decided her audience was too small, she lined up all her toys and performed for them instead!

​

Annabel doesn’t have one favourite musician, whatever she is currently working on tends to become her favourite in the moment. She would love to spend time with other musicians exploring the thinking behind their musical choices and expression, while also getting to know them beyond their lives as performers.

​

For Annabel, meaningful support for young musicians means providing paid, real-world opportunities through internships and development programmes. These experiences help bridge the gap between learning and the professional world while recognising the value of young musicians and their contributions.

Tom Talbot is a third-year Bachelor of Music (Composition) student at the University of Auckland, where he is constantly writing new music and working across a range of compositional projects.

​

For Tom, composition is a way to express his creativity and connect audiences to the stories being told through music. He hopes to pursue a career as a Musical Director in theatre, while keeping composition as an important part of his musical life.

​

His love of music began with singing assemblies at Hauraki Primary School, where 600 children singing Bruno Mars made a lasting impression. One of Tom’s favourite composers is John Kander, whose work includes Cabaret and Chicago. He also connects with Jungle’s Happy Man, particularly its reflection on the pursuit of success, failure and the sweeter feeling of achieving your goals.

​

Tom believes one of the best ways to support young musicians is simple: come to their concerts. Having an audience there makes all the difference, especially when the venue is sold out!