In our final double-piano episode for the season, Episode 8 will feature pianists Aaron Su and Samuel Lee who will play programmes including works by Mozart, Glinka, Bartók, Brahms, and Shamo. While Coady Green is away, we welcome back two previous regular mentors: Julia Hastings and Leigh Harrold. Continue reading to learn more about Aaron and Samuel.

---

Pianist Aaron Su

Ten-year-old Aaron Su is currently studying piano with Dr Kenji Fujimura. He started his piano journey at the age of 6. He has shown great passion and curiosities in music by exploring many composers’ life and listening to their works from YouTube. Aaron completed AMEB grade 8 with high distinction last year and he is currently preparing for his AMusA. Over the past three years, Aaron has participated in a range of piano competitions and winning numerous awards across Melbourne and interstate. He has been fortunate to receive master classes from the accomplished pianists Tamara Smolyar, Konstantin Shamray, Quang Hong Luu, Jerry Wong and Elyane Laussade. 

Aaron’s recent achievements in 2023 include first place in the Musical Society of Victoria Piano Competition (12 years and under), first place in the Eisteddfod By The Bay (16 years and under), first place in the Ringwood Eisteddfod (10 years and under), first place in the  Monash Youth Music Festival 10 years and under and second place in the Boroondara Eisteddfod (under open age group). He also received special awards of Frank Robertson-Smith Trust Encouragement Award from 2022 Royal South Street Competition and Thelma Griffiths Musicianship Prize from 2021 Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod . 

Aaron also enjoys playing cello in many advanced youth symphonies and orchestras, including Melbourne Youth Orchestra, the State Music Camp, Ambassadorial Youth Chamber Orchestra and Cloud Concert Symphony Orchestra. Beyond his musical pursuits, Aaron is a passionate sports enthusiast. He enjoys swimming as an active member of a local swimming club. Soccer, reading and chess are some of his other passions. Aaron is a joyful young boy with a multitude of interests and passions that fill his life with happiness and excitement.

Aaron will perform:

• W.A.Mozart: Piano Sonata in C Major, K330
  • I. Allegro moderato
  • II. Andante cantabile
• M.Glinka: The Lark

---

Pianist Samuel Lee

Samuel Lee commenced his piano studies at the age of 4 and violin studies at the age of 7.

He participated in Melbourne Youth Strings in 2015 and Melbourne Youth Chamber Strings in 2016 in the Melbourne Youth Orchestras program. Also he participated in the string ensembles at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School from 2017-2022.

He won 14 years and under Raymond Campbell Memorial Piano Award Solo from the Monash Youth Music Festival, Piano solo, 2018, and second prize in the Chopin Piano Solo, 16 years and under in Ballarat Eisteddfod, 2019. He got into the finals at the 2020 Scotch College Piano Competition. He got into the recital round at the Young Lev Vlassenko Piano competition and was a finalist in Polish Music Competition, 2021 as well as won third prize for the Boroondara Piano Concerto Award and the Yamaha Keyboard Award from Strike a Chord in 2022. He participated in the Melbourne Conservatorium Youth Artists Academy from 2021-2022.

He was awarded a Bachelor of Music Entrance Grant for the Bachelor of Music (Performance) at Melbourne Conservatorium for the year 2023 and has been shortlisted for the 2023 Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarship.

Samuel will perform:

• B.Bartók: 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs (Songs 5-15)
• Johannes Brahms: Capricio Op. 116 No. 7
• Ihor Shamo: At the Outgoing

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.