The Talent is back in 2023! 3MBS is delighted to present live-to-air performances from twenty of Melbourne’s most exciting young classical musicians with a line up that includes piano, strings, woodwinds, and voice. Host Heather Fletcher and season mentor Evan J Lawson will be joined by a guest mentor each week to give feedback to these emerging artists.

Want to listen? Make sure to tune in every Tuesday night at 7pm to 103.5FM 3MBS Melbourne. You can also stream the live broadcast at 3mbs.org.au or catch up later on our podcast! Just search for “The Talent 3MBS“ in your favourite podcast app and subscribe.

Our first performers for the season are violinist Alicia Choo and pianist Chris Wang. Keep reading to learn more about Alicia and Chris.

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Violinist Alicia Choo

Alicia Choo is a 12-year-old violinist from Melbourne, Australia, with a remarkable talent for music. She began playing the violin at the age of 5 and a half with teacher Wei Chen, and is currently studying with renowned violinist Markiyan Melnychenko. Alicia’s musical abilities have been recognized through her completion of the AMEB grade 8 Violin Exam at the age of 10 and her participation in the MYO ensemble program. Alicia also served as first violin in her school’s Waverley Christian College String Orchestra, showcasing her talents to a wider audience.. 

Alicia’s love for music is not limited to classical styles. She draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical genres and artists, including the powerful performances of American violinist Hilary Hahn, the virtuosity of Georgian-born German violinist Lisa Batiashvili, and the creative energy of singer-songwriter Billie Eilish.

Aside from her musical pursuits, Alicia is also an active and athletic individual. She enjoys playing cricket, basketball, and AFL on her school’s girls’ teams, and practices rhythmic gymnastics in her spare time. Alicia finds that her other interests and activities help to inspire her music and keep her well-rounded.

With her talent, dedication, and passion for music, Alicia is sure to continue making a name for herself in the music industry, inspiring others with her performances and creativity.

Alicia will perform:

• A.Vivaldi: The Four Seasons mvt.3 “Winter”
• J.B.Accolay: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor

With associate artist Stewart Kelly.

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Pianist Chris Wang

Yuntong began to play the piano at the age of 6 in group kindergarten piano class. After, he moved on to private lessons with several teachers in Qingdao, which is his hometown in China.He reached the highest examination level (grade 10) of the Chinese Music Association at the age of 10. 

In 2016, He moved to Hobart at the age of 15 for high school studies, and studied piano with Ms Lynnette Smith from the start of year 11. During that period, Yuntong was a holder of the scholarship of performing arts (SPA), and took on the role of School Pianist, which required him playing the piano at assemblies and other important school events. In 2019, He took part in the Clarence Eisteddfod and TMTA Southern Branch Music Competition where he was awarded the Graeme Buchanan Award in the Diploma section. 

Now based in Melbourne, Yuntong is a BMus student at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music studying with Glenn Riddle. In 2022, he was awarded the McKay Pianoforte Scholarship. In January 2023, he was invited to give a performance in the showroom of Melbourne’s Government House for its Open Day, which celebrated The National Day of Australia.

Chris will perform:

• J.S.Bach: Toccata in E minor BWV 914
• P.I.Tchaikovsky (arr.M.Pletnev): Pas de Deux

Tune in to The Talent every Tuesday night at 7pm to 103.5FM 3MBS Melbourne. You can also stream the live broadcast at 3mbs.org.au or catch up later on our podcast! Just search for “The Talent 3MBS“ in your favourite podcast app and subscribe.