Amber loved answering all the questions — and even got a little emotional thinking back on all the amazing memories she’s made with the BYO. Over the years, she’s contributed in so many ways: as our talented first violinist, a beautiful solo singer, and through her collaborations with the orchestra as part of the Valla Beach Choir. Amber also performed with the Sinfonia, sharing her passion and musicianship across every ensemble she’s part of. Two exams away from finishing her HSC at SCEGGS Darlinghurst, (where she accepted a music scholarship in 2024) … this is where she is now! Enjoy.
When did you play with the BYO?
I began playing with the BYO in 2019, continuing on until 2024. I started, however, in the BYO String School in 2016 – which began my journey with the orchestra.
What instruments do you play?
I began playing the violin at the age of four and haven’t stopped since! However, I also study classical voice, play the piano, and from time to time pick up a guitar.
Where could we find you now?
In 2024, I moved to Sydney to attend boarding school at SCEGGS Darlinghurst on a music scholarship, where I continued and completed my HSC studies. I am now still living in Sydney and have been accepted into St Paul’s College at USYD, as well as accepted for a double bachelor’s degree in Classical Voice (Performance) and Advanced Studies in Classical Music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music for 2026.
What was your most memorable moment with the orchestra?
I have had countless incredible memories with the BYO over the years; however, my favourite moment would have to be when I was given the amazing opportunity to perform the 1st movement of Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole with the orchestra. This rare and wonderful opportunity allowed me to explore my solo violin prospects as well as enhance my experience within the classical setting. Anne Phelan was incredibly generous and supportive during this moment – inspiring me to always work hard, reach new goals, and share my love for music.
What is on your playlist this week?
My playlist, at the moment, is extremely versatile! I love to listen to music outside of the classical realm as well – particularly Lizzy McAlpine’s Older and Wiser album, Maro’s Hortelã album, and anything by Michael Jackson, Steely Dan, or Earth, Wind & Fire. In terms of classical music, I’ve been listening to a lot of Debussy, Ravel, and Schumann recently. Some of my favourites are Debussy’s Violin Sonata and choral piece Beau Soir; Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major; and Clara Schumann’s Six Lieder, Op. 13.
What was the best thing you took away from the BYO?
This is an incredibly hard question, as there were so many wonderful experiences I gained from being in the BYO. It taught me how to lead, how to follow, how to share, how to interact beyond conventional dialogue – but most importantly, it taught me how to truly love music. Since being in the BYO, I have attended many other orchestras, and none of them are quite the same. From being in the BYO, I realised that music is more than just the notes on the page or the sound produced – it is the shared feeling of community, love, and passion for something greater, that can only be achieved through a collective, collaborative, and harmonious family.
We have lots of new players every year… do you have any advice for our young players?
My advice would be to never take anything for granted. The BYO is an incredibly enriching community with so much to offer. Beyond music, it creates friendships, lifelong bonds, and family, and it allows you to find something in yourself that you never knew you had – whether that be a passion for music or a love for working as a team toward a beautiful goal. I urge everyone to apply themselves to the BYO wholeheartedly – as it will always give back just as much to you.
What essential creative experience should we be adding to our ‘to do’ list this year?
I think the BYO already provides multiple creative experiences every year; however, a fun idea would be to have members of the wider community submit pieces of music they would especially like to hear! Maybe the BYO could even have a movie night – where they perform the soundtrack to a popular film.
If you could travel to one place in 2026, where would it be?
In 2026, I would love to travel to Europe in the hopes of watching some amazing musical performances by famous orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra or the Berlin Philharmonic.
