Lunchtime Concert: Sydney Conservatorium of Music Artists

The performance by musicians from the Sydney Conservatorium Rising Stars Program as part of the St James Lunchtime Series will be a beautifully refined and uplifting experience, perfectly suited to the church’s rich acoustics and serene atmosphere. The performers will demonstrate exceptional skill and sensitivity, bringing both classical and contemporary repertoire to life with warmth and clarity. It will be a memorable addition to the Lunchtime Series, highlighting both the talent of the young musicians and the special character of live music at St James and a gentle pause for audience members mid-week.

Performers Biography: Cheryl Zhang

Cheryl Zhang is a Year 8 student at SCEGGS Darlinghurst with a deep passion for music, particularly piano performance. She is a scholarship student in the Rising Stars Open Academy Program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where she studies with Natalia Ricci, and is also the recipient of a music scholarship at SCEGGS in recognition of her dedication and outstanding achievements.

Cheryl began learning piano at the age of four in China. At just nine years old, she presented a solo recital and had the honour of performing with the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra. Since moving to Australia, she has appeared regularly as both a soloist and chamber musician, particularly through the Rising Stars performance program at the Sydney Conservatorium and has achieved success in numerous piano competitions.

In 2024, Cheryl was awarded the Royal Academy of Music Piano Performance Diploma. More recently, she was selected to participate in the international Young Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition and was named a semi-finalist in the Junior Kawai Scholarship at the Sydney Eisteddfod, both highly prestigious opportunities for young pianists in Australia.

Performers Biography: Terrence Xie

Yuxin Xie (Terrence), born on 6 May 2010, is a dedicated young pianist based in Sydney, Australia. He studies at the Sydney Conservatorium High School under the guidance of Gian-Franco Ricci and Natalia Ricci. Since joining the Rising Stars Program at the age of eight, Terrence has demonstrated exceptional musical promise and has been awarded multiple scholarships between 2020 and 2025.

Among his recent achievements are Third Prize in the 2025 Sauter Piano Competition, a Highly Commended award in the Senior Division of the 2025 KPO Concerto Competition, selection for the 2024 Young Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition from a highly competitive national field, an Honourable Mention in the Rising Stars Grand Prix in Berlin, and Second Prize at the Baiyulan International Piano Competition in Shanghai.

Terrence was selected to perform in the Australian Showcase for Young Performers at the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition and has also appeared as a guest artist in a piano duo performance at the Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Scholarship Final. Most recently, he had the privilege of collaborating in piano duet and duo performances with the internationally acclaimed pianist Martin García García.

Committed to continual artistic growth, Terrence has participated in masterclasses with distinguished pianists Alexander Gavrylyuk, Professor Inge Rosar, and Helen Krizos. These valuable experiences have further enriched his musical development and inspired his ongoing pursuit of excellence.

Looking ahead, Terrence aspires to continue refining his artistry, pursue advanced studies in piano performance, and share his passion for music with audiences on international stages.

Program

Cheryl Zhang
1.W.A. Mozart Sonata in F Major K 533
1. Allegro
2.Franz Liszt :Concert Etude
Waldesrauschen: Forest Murmurs
3.Carl Vine: from 5 Intermezzi
3.Gossamer

4.Chopin: Ballade no 3
5.Chopin: Etude op 25 no 5

Terrence Xie
6.F.J. Haydn: Sonata in B minor Hob XVI:32
7.F. Liszt: Mephisto Waltz