QSO Academy Prepares a New Generation of Musicians for the Spotlight

Seven talented young musicians from around Australia will take the next step towards a professional orchestral career as members of the 2026 QSO Academy cohort.

Founded in 2023, the QSO Academy is an internationally regarded, 6-month development program for early-career musicians, offering them mentorship, masterclasses and mainstage performance opportunities.

The 2026 QSO Academy musicians are:
Maria Zhdanovich - Flute
Alec Berg - French Horn
Laura Jones - Trumpet
Sola Hughes - Violin
Olivia Spyrou - Viola
Milo Duval - Cello
Sophia Buchanan - Double Bass

All recent graduates of high-level tertiary music studies, the QSO Academy members will further develop their technical proficiency, learn to prepare for auditions and gain career management skills.

They also perform alongside QSO musicians in chamber and orchestral settings, including concert, opera, ballet and regional programs. Recently all seven academy members had the opportunity to perform with the orchestra at QSO's completely sold-out performances of The Music of John Williams at the Concert Hall, QPAC.

QSO Chief Executive Officer Michael Sterzinger said the QSO Academy not only sets aspiring musicians on sustainable career paths but also contributes to the calibre of Australian orchestral music.

“QSO Academy offers a bridge to tertiary students who have the talent and tenacity to pursue a rewarding career as a professional musician.

Our aspirations are to identify and nurture exceptional local musicians and to attract an elite calibre of emerging orchestral specialists to Queensland to start and grow their professional career here.

QSO is driven to enrich lives through music and with the QSO Academy, we are building a powerful legacy of excellence, connection and musicality among each new generation.”
-Michael Sterzinger, QSO Chief Executive Officer

Since its inception, QSO Academy has invited 29 musicians to participate, many of whom have gone on to secure professional positions with orchestras worldwide, including with QSO.

Staying close to home, Ella Pysden, 2024 QSO Academy alumna, successfully auditioned to be a permanent QSO violist.

“Being part of the QSO Academy was such an inspiring and enriching experience. An orchestral career was always an avenue I wanted to explore, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to take this step into a professional orchestral setting.

Attaining a position with QSO felt like an extension of the relationship I had already formed with the orchestra during my time in the Academy. It is a privilege to be able to continue this journey, and I am excited to be performing with QSO!”
-Ella Pysden, 2024 QSO Academy alumnus

Cellist and 2023 QSO Academy alumnus Daniel Chiou is now a principal musician with China’s Xi’an Symphony Orchestra after also being invited to audition for the prestigious Hong Kong Sinfonietta.

“I believe the QSO Academy was definitely a strong factor in assisting me in achieving these recent successes.”
-Daniel Chiou, 2023 QSO Academy alumnus

QSO is excited to nurture the talent of the 2026 QSO Academy musicians, immersing them in a professional orchestra environment and helping shape the direction of their careers. Through the QSO Academy, their development will contribute to the vibrant future for orchestral music in Queensland and beyond.

Meet the 2026 QSO Academy Musicians