The Talent Episode 9: cellist Hugo Wang and pianist Chuen Wang

Hugo is 15 years of age and is currently a Year 9 student at Melbourne Grammar School. Since the age of 5 he has studied cello with Svetlana Bogosavljevic.
 
Hugo enjoys both solo and chamber performances and is a member of the MGS Symphony and String Orchestras. He is also a member of the Melbourne Conservatory Chamber Music Academy involved in multiple chamber piano trio ensembles, taught under the expertise of Caroline El Monte, Odette Creanga-Kurth and Svetlana Bogosavljevic. Hugo is looking to develop his cello playing both musically and technically especially when performing in concerts. He obtained his AmusA in 2024.
 
For his performance tonight, he will be playing the Suite for Violoncello by Cassado and the 2nd movement of Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata in C. Heavily influenced by his teacher Casal’s performance of Bach Suites, Cassado’s suite reflects the audacious flair of the flamenco Spanish dance combined with aspects of a Sarabande. His second piece contains Prokofiev’s musical wit that satirises Stalin’s regime through dramatic chords and bitter sweet melodies.
 
Outside of music, Hugo is a keen chess player and hopes to pursue medicine in the future.

Hugo will perform:

• Cassado: Suite 1st Mvt Preludio Fantasia
• Prokofiev: Cello Sonata C Major Opus 119 - Moderato - 2nd movement 

With associate artist Otis Wang

Chuen (Lawrence) Wang is a 14-year-old at Balwyn High School. Born in China, He began playing piano at the age 6. He is studying under the tuition of Scott Zheng and is also learning from Julia Hastings at school. He progressed from grade 8 to AMusA before taking the AMusA exam in 2025, earning a distinction, and is currently preparing for his LMusA. An aficionado of Chopin, he likes to listen to Chopin's works. He won 2nd place in Ringwood Eisteddfod section 26b, Eisteddfod By The Bay 1st prize in 18 years and under, 2nd place in Eisteddfod By The Bay; The Margaret Green Junior Pianoforte Scholarship, and also competing in the Polish Music Competition Australia 2025 (PolMusicA), Earning 2nd place in the Group B, as well as participating in many other competitions and performances. Lawrence also likes playing cello and is in the school ensembles as well. Outside Music, Lawrence is particularly drawn to table tennis and likes speedcubing in his spare time as well.

Chuen will perform:

• Mieczysław Karłowicz: Sonatine in D minor; I. Allegro moderato
• Jozef Wieniawski: Valse De Concert Op. 3