Rising Stars | Blackheath Chamber Music Festival

They are thrilled to introduce their seven remarkable young performers from the Sydney Conservatorium Open Academy who will open the Blackheath Chamber Music Festival 2026. The program opens with Beethoven's groundbreaking Cello sonata No.3 in A major with pianist Isabella Guo (12) and cellist Franco Fan(14). Franco has a growing list of competition successes and orchestral experience, and Isabella has gained national and international acclaim, including major competition prizes.

DJO Vivo—pianist David Kim (15), violist Jiashan Wang(15) and clarinetist Oliver Gao (15)—will present Alfred Uhl's witty and colourful Kleines Konzert. This young trio have a strong musical connection and thoughtful approach to collaboration.

The concert closes with the exuberant finale of Dvořák's Piano Quartet No.2 in E-flat major with Isabella and Franco joined by violinist Connie Liu (16) and violist Nerissa Du (17). Connie is a multiple concerto prizewinner and national competition laureate, while Nerissa has performed at Carnegie Hall and toured Europe with leading youth orchestras.

Be a part of this inspiring afternoon, championing the future of chamber music. Rising Stars offers a chance to witness these exceptional young artists in full flight, bringing energy, insight and artistry to the BCMF stage.

Connie Liu | violin Nerissa Du | viola Franco Fan | cello Isabella Guo | piano DJO Vivo: David Kim | piano Jiashan Wang | viola Oliver Gao | clarinet