Samantha (or Sam) is in her first year studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland. She started learning cello in Year 9 from Anthony Elmsly, after being encouraged by her school music teacher. Ever since then her passion for music has grown, expanding her musicality. She also picked up drums in...
Eleven year old Harper Zhang started learning the cello at the age of seven with her teacher Taki Zhang, and within the span of four years, passed her Grade 8 examination with Distinction. Two years after starting cello, Harper took up the piano and has now passed her Grade 5 examination. Away from the...
Ali is a Year 12 student currently attending Sacred Heart College. He has been playing the cello since he was 6 years old and is a member of the chamber group Triosica, which received the Auckland region Adjudicator’s Award in the 2023 NZCT Chamber Contest and was 1st in the Sacred Heart College music...
William is in his first year studying Engineering at the University of Auckland. He enjoys music and juggling and is looking forward to making music with AYO in 2024....
Thirteen-year-old Elvies was born in Auckland and attends Pinehurst school. Elvies started playing the piano at the age of 6 and passed ABRSM Grade 8 piano exam three years later. When he was 12, he started playing the cello and became very passionate about it – he is currently studying cello with James Yoo....
Damon began playing the cello shortly before his 4th birthday. From his formative start through the Suzuki Method with Sally-Anne and Anna-Marie Alloway, Damon went on to intensive studies with baroque specialist James Bush. In 2020 his chamber group Trio Achilles was runner-up at the NZCT National Chamber Music Competition, winning the inaugural Helen Young...
Jessie is a 16-year-old double bass player who will be playing in the AYO for her fourth year in 2024. Her teacher is Evgeny Lanchtchikov and she has played since she was 10 years old. In Jessie’s spare time she enjoys painting and eating chocolate. ...
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