ABC Classic have revealed the twelve exceptional young musicians who have advanced to the semi-finals of the ABC Young Performers Awards (YPAs) 2026.
Founded in 1944, the YPAs are Australia’s premier national platform for emerging classical musicians. They returned to ABC stewardship this year.
Philip Noyce, Head of ABC Classic and ABC Jazz, said:
“The ABC Young Performers Awards have played an important role in Australia’s cultural life for more than 80 years and, as the Awards return to ABC stewardship in 2026, we’re proud to continue that legacy.
The return of the Awards reconnects the competition with its origins at the ABC and reaffirms our commitment to discovering, championing and broadcasting exceptional Australian talent.
With every performance from the semi-finals right through to the Grand Final broadcast on ABC Classic and ABC listen, audiences can follow the journeys of these incredible musicians every note of the way.”
The twelve semi-finalists were selected from nearly 100 applicants from across the country. The first round had the musicians submit a video performance entry, with the semi-finalists representing a diverse array of instruments and emerging classical talent.
Marshall McGuire, chair of the adjudication panel, said:
“We were all delighted with the number and quality of applications from across Australia for this prestigious competition. Competitors who stood out to the panel were bold and imaginative, had a range of repertoire which allowed them to present a full palette of styles, and really performed their program.”
The semi-finalists are:
· Alice Morgan, saxophone (NSW)
· Beatrice Colombis, violin (NSW)
· Buddy Lovett, percussion (VIC)
· Charlotte Miles, cello (VIC)
· Connor Whyte, classical guitar (ACT)
· Dillon Chan, piano (VIC)
· Dindin Jingyi Wang, violin (VIC)
· Joshua Han, piano (NSW)
· Lily Bryant, flute (NSW)
· Maggie Wang, cello (VIC)
· Sheng-Yuan Lynch, piano (TAS)
· Tom Lowe, saxophone (VIC)
The next step is a live performance before an adjudication panel at semi-final concerts in Sydney on 11 August and Melbourne on 12 and 13 August.
The Grand Final will be held at the Sydney Opera House on November 3, where three outstanding finalists will compete for a share of the $60,000 prize pool plus other career-building opportunities.
Tickets for the semi-final concerts are available now with more information about the running schedule and tickets found here.
The semi-finals, as well as the Grand Final, will be broadcast on ABC Classic and ABC listen.
Image – semifinalist and pianist Dillon Chan from Victoria.