Seven emerging musicians from across Australia have been selected for the 2026 cohort of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s professional development program, the QSO Academy.

Founded in 2023, the six-month academy is designed to support early-career orchestral musicians as they transition from tertiary study into professional performance. Participants receive mentoring from orchestra members, attend masterclasses and gain practical experience performing in both chamber and orchestral settings.

The QSO Academy 2026 cohort. Photo supplied

The 2026 cohort comprises flautist Maria Zhdanovich, horn player Alec Berg, trumpeter Laura Jones, violinist Sola Hughes, violist Olivia Spyrou, cellist Milo Duval and double bassist Sophia Buchanan. All are recent graduates of advanced tertiary music programs and will focus on refining technical skills, preparing for orchestral auditions and developing career management strategies.

During the program, academy musicians perform alongside members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in a range of settings, including orchestral concerts as well as opera, ballet and regional performances.

Chief executive Michael Sterzinger said the academy was designed to help bridge the gap between study and...