The Freedman Fellowship Awards 26th November 2025
Past YMA Winner
Congratulations to the 2025 the Freedman Jazz Fellowship recipient Sam Gill!!!
Saxophonist, Sam Gill, our YMA 2008 & 2009 Composition winner and YMA 2nd prize winner in Performance, has been awarded the 2025 Freedman Fellowship in Jazz, from 50 outstanding jazz musicians under the age of 35!
The Freedman Fellowship is a prestigious career-defining opportunity that recognizes and supports the next generation of leading jazz musicians. Awarded annually since 2001, the fellowship - set up by Laurence & Kathy Freedman and Richard Letts - provides $30,000 to support the recipient while they undertake a major creative project.
Sam offered a 20-minute explosive virtuosic set with three tracks from his 2025 album Sensemaker, with his improvising quartet Coursed Waters. An accomplished improvisor, composer and researcher, Sam also leads the quintet Scattered and is a member of the composer-performer collectives Microfiche and Mind On Fire. He has performed at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, IBeam in New York City, Phoenix Central Park, and the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival.
Congratulations Sam!!!
Photo: Sam Gill with Richard Letts after the announcement of the winner
Season Finale Showcases Rising Stars in “Dana Alison and Friends” 23rd November 2025
The 2025 concert season concluded with an exceptional performance titled “Dana Alison and Friends,” featuring flautist Dana Alison, cellist Noah Lawrence, and pianist Paul Cheung.
Alison and Lawrence, both 2025 Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellows, joined forces with Cheung, a well-known pianist admired by local audiences for his previous appearances in “Paul Cheung and Friends.”
The program highlighted the trio’s virtuosity with thrilling works including Borne/Bizet’s Carmen Fantasie and Debussy’s Piano Trio in G Major, delivering a captivating finale to the year’s concert series.
Dana is an emerging Sydney-based flautist and the 2025 Flute Fellow with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. She holds a Master of Performance from the Royal College of Music, London, and while there performed as a chamber musician at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and Abbey Road Studios.
Noah is a dynamic young cellist hailing from Bendigo, Victoria, who has performed side-by-side with most of Australia’s professional orchestras. He was Principal Cello of the Australian Youth Orchestra in 2024 and is now excited to be a Fellow with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Pianist Paul Cheung has performed solo, concerto, chamber and orchestral repertoire across Australasia, Europe, and South America. He won the 2023 Geoffrey Parsons award, the inaugural David Miller award, and prizes at the Australian National Piano Award 2022.
Paul was also Sutherland Music Club’s 2011 Youth Music Awards’ winner!
Congratulations! New Life Member – Elaine Parma 23rd November 2025
The Committee unanimously voted Elaine Parma a Life Member of Sutherland Music Club. She was presented with a badge & Certificate at our last concert.
*Joined: 1998 (approx.)
*Assistant Treasurer (nominal role with Basil):2001 to 2005
*Performances: in S.A.T/other venues: - 1999,2002, 2004, 2006
*Assistant Music Director: 2006 to 2007
*Music Director: 2007 onwards
Estivo Trio Delights Audience in Captivating October Concert 12th October 2025
On 12 October 2025, the acclaimed Estivo Trio—violinist Fox Chan, pianist Ying Ho, and cellist Rachel Siu—delivered a stunning performance that reaffirmed their status as one of Australia’s most exciting young ensembles.
The concert, described by attendees as beautiful and magical, held the audience spellbound from start to finish. With their refined musicianship and compelling ensemble chemistry, the trio showcased the artistry that is rapidly establishing them among the country’s premier chamber groups.
A resounding bravo marked the end of an unforgettable afternoon of music.
Photo: Ying Ho (piano), Fox Chan (violin), Rachel Siu (cello) and SMC President, Jill McLelland.
Rebecca Hart (mezzo soprano) & Friends 14th September 2025
On 14 September 2025, Sydney audiences were treated to a vibrant afternoon of opera and musical theatre as mezzo-soprano Rebecca Hart returned from the United Kingdom for a special concert titled “Rebecca Hart & Friends.”
Rebecca, who left Sydney to pursue postgraduate studies at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama and later completed her opera training at the Royal Academy of Music, reunited with local audiences during her brief visit home.
She was joined on stage by tenor Spencer Darby, soprano Amy Balales, and pianist Bradley Gilchrist. Together, the ensemble presented an engaging program featuring arias and duets from Mozart, Verdi, and Strauss, alongside beloved musical theatre classics including “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel, “Anthem” from Chess, and selections from West Side Story.
Rebecca last appeared in Sydney over Christmas, performing as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah at the Sydney Town Hall. Her 2025 concert offered audiences a rare opportunity to hear the rising opera talent before her return to the UK.
Sutherland Music Club Committee Honoured at NSW Parliament 10th September 2025
In September 2025, the Sutherland Music Club Committee was formally recognised at NSW Parliament House, receiving a Community Recognition Statement presented by Premier Chris Minns at a special event hosted by Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart.
The Sutherland Music Club’s recognition, submitted by Ms Stuart, commended the Committee’s ongoing service, concluding with the words: “I celebrate the Sutherland Music Club’s committee of volunteers for their advocacy of the arts, and their stewardship of young musicians throughout the Sutherland Shire.”
The honour was warmly received by the Club’s 14 volunteer committee members, acknowledging their dedication to fostering musical excellence and supporting emerging young artists across the region.
Photo: SMC President, Jill McLelland, accepting the certificate on behalf of the SMC Committee, from NSW Premier, Chris Minns
Young Talent Shines at 2025 Citizens’ Heritage Festival Mini-Concert 23d April 2025
On 23 April, the Sutherland Music Club proudly hosted the 2025 Sutherland Shire Citizens’ Heritage Festival, presenting a special mini-concert to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In keeping with the Club’s musical tradition, the event showcased outstanding young local performers — all prize-winners of the Sutherland Music Club’s Youth Music Awards. The program featured Nicholas Clapham (jazz piano), Sian Fuller (voice), Holly Williams (alto saxophone), and Maggie Elizabeth Zeng (violin), each delivering captivating performances that delighted festival attendees.
The festival, supported by Sutherland Shire Council, forms part of a wider program of events highlighting the Shire’s history, culture, and community spirit.
Special acknowledgment was given to Committee Chair Noele Watkins and Club President Jill McLelland for their leadership and organisation, as well as to the talented Youth Music Award performers whose contributions made the event a memorable success.