The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra has named six young musicians to its 2026–27 Brandenburg Mentorship Program, continuing the ensemble’s investment in developing the next generation of historically informed performers in Australia.

Chosen after what the orchestra described as a highly competitive selection process, the mentees will undertake a two-year program offering rehearsal access, coaching, side-by-side performance opportunities and close mentoring with Brandenburg musicians.

The 2026–27 cohort is: Alexis Chin (WA, theorbo), Alice Dawson-Damer (NSW, baroque flute), Justice Karol (VIC, harpsichord), Ben Roe (NSW, baroque oboe), Patrick Shannon (VIC, baroque viola) and Rory Smith (QLD, baroque cello).

Patrick Shannon, Rory Smith, Alice Dawson-Damer, Ben Roe, Justice Karol and Alexis Chin. Photo © Laura Manariti

Founder and artistic director Paul Dyer said the calibre of applicants had made the selection process both exciting and difficult.

“The standard of applications this year was incredibly high,” Dyer said. “For those selected, this program offers a unique opportunity to step inside the Orchestra, working closely with a number of our Principal musicians and gaining real insight into the craft. That kind of immersion is where real artistic growth happens.”

The orchestra said the selected musicians reflected the depth and diversity of Australia’s emerging early music sector, bringing experience ranging from competition success and academic research to international touring and interdisciplinary practice.

Education and Engagement Manager Mary Scicchitano said the mentorship created a rare professional development pathway for specialist performers within Australia.

“The Brandenburg Mentorship Program provides an exciting platform for our world-class early music specialists to collectively share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of Australian performers right here on Australian soil,” she said.

“It provides a unique opportunity for artist development at the highest level and sees the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra make an invaluable contribution to a flourishing early music education scene in Australia.”

The mentorship program has become a central part of the Brandenburg’s artist development activities, with past participants progressing to major ensembles in Australia and overseas.