The 24-year-old cellist receives AUD40,000 and an opportunity to record a solo album after performing Elgar at the Sydney Opera House.
Australian cellist Charlotte Miles has won the 2026 ABC Young Performers Awards, following the competition’s grand final at the Sydney Opera House on November 3.
Miles performed Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Northey. Her prize comprises AUD40,000 and the opportunity to record a solo studio album for ABC Classic.
From Melbourne to Kronberg
Born in Melbourne in 2002, Miles studies in the professional programme at Germany’s Kronberg Academy. Her recent international activities include appearances with Gautier Capuçon’s cello ensemble, Capucelli.
Speaking to ABC Classic after her winning performance, Miles said: “I felt really calm out there. I dared to share what I wanted to share with the audience and gave it everything.”
The other prizewinners
Violinist Beatrice Colombis finished second after performing Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto, receiving AUD15,000. Pianist Dillon Chan, who played Chopin’s Second Piano Concerto, took third prize and AUD5,000.
The jury was chaired by Marshall McGuire, alongside Aura Go, Sophie Rowell, Adam Szabo and Eliza Shephard. The final was broadcast live on ABC Classic and filmed for television broadcast on November 5.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Support Moto Perpetuo
We are an independent platform dedicated to classical music journalism. Your support helps us maintain rigorous, ad-free coverage, news, and analysis without paywalls.
donate