This term, a group of four Central Coast Conservatorium students – George Allen (violin), Jacob Smart (French horn), Josephine Challinor (violin) and Lucas Sequeira (cello) – travelled to Armidale to participate in Playerlink 2026, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s flagship regional program for aspiring young musicians.
The program ran over three days in June at the New England Conservatorium of Music and brought together talented students from across NSW for an immersive weekend of orchestral training. Students took part in instrumental section tutorials led by musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, working on the finer points of playing and stylistic interpretation.
Participants came together in tutti to work on the set pieces, enabling participants take their ensemble skills to the next level under the leadership of SSOs conductor Timothy Constable. Students gain valuable insight into what it takes to perform at a professional standard while enjoying a range of outstanding musical experiences.
We’re enormously proud of our students for earning their place in this competitive program. A huge thank you also goes to the families who supported transport, accommodation and meals over the weekend.
We also extend our thanks to our colleagues at the New England Conservatorium of Music for hosting the event, and to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for continuing to invest in young regional musicians through programs like this.
Keen for Playerlink 2027? Be sure to keep an eye on the Extension Opportunities section of our community newsletter [subscribe here] to find out when applications open or subscribe directly to SSOs notifications on their website.
