Sydney Philharmonia Choirs has announced the recipients of its 2026 Conducting Fellowships and Emerging Composer Awards, with four rising Australian artists selected for mentorship, commissions and performance opportunities.

Naomi Hnat and Benjamin Crowe have been awarded the 2026 Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Conducting Fellowships. The pair will work closely with the Choirs across its 2026 season and receive mentoring from music staff Brett Weymark, Elizabeth Scott and Tim Cunniffe.

The fellowships are designed to support early-career conductors by providing practical experience with one of Australia’s leading choral organisations.

Clockwise: Benjamin Crowe; Naomi Hnat; Courtney Cousins; Callum O’Reilly

Named as the 2026 Emerging Composer Awardees are Courtney Cousins, currently based in London, and Melbourne-based Callum O’Reilly.

Both composers will receive paid commissions to create and workshop new works for performance in World O World, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ concert on November 21 at White Bay Power Station.

Executive director Matthew Beale said the organisation was pleased to continue investing in emerging artists after the success of last year’s program.

“We’re excited to be building on our successes from last year, investing in emerging artists and giving four more talented conductors and composers the experience, mentorship and platform they need to flourish,” Beale said.

“We are proud to support Naomi, Benjamin, Courtney and Callum as they take important steps in their artistic journeys, and in doing so help shape the future of choral music in Australia.”

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs has increasingly expanded its artist development initiatives in recent years, using fellowships and commissions to foster the next generation of Australian choral talent.