The Talent returned to 3MBS on Tuesday the 3rd of March, where we heard performances from flautist Alex Zhou and pianist Oriana Kang-Kurniawan, featuring works from Rachmaninoff, Reinecke, Messiaen and more! The performers heard feedback from regular mentor Daniel Le and guest mentor Prudence Davis.
Alex Zhou
Flute
Alex Zhou is a Year 9 student at Ivanhoe Grammar School, and music has been a big part of his life since he was young. He started learning the flute in Year 2, and over the years, that early interest has grown into a real passion.
Along the way, Alex has been very fortunate to learn from wonderful teachers: Elissa Robustelli, Andrew Day, and now Terence Teow. Each of them has guided and inspired him in different ways in his musical journey.
In recent years, Alex has enjoyed some special achievements. He won 1st place in the Open Section at the Boroondara Eisteddfod in 2025, and in 2023 he received 1st place in the Under 13 Section of the Leslie Barklamb Scholarship, along with several other awards. Alex just finished AmusA last year and achieved distinction.
Besides the flute, Alex also enjoys playing the piano. He hopes to pursue music professionally in the future and, most of all, to share his passion and love for music through his performances in a wider community.
Alex performed:
- Carl Reinecke: Concerto for Flute and Orchestra in D Major Op. 283, 1st movement
- Ross Edward: Mystic Spring
- Joachim Anderson: Scherzino Op.55 No.6
with associate artist Kevin Tamanini
Oriana Kang-Kurniawan
Piano
Oriana Kang-Kurniawan (AMusA, LMusA) is a twelve-year-old pianist currently studying at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) under the tutelage of Glenn Riddle. A prize-winner on the world stage, Oriana secured First Prize at the Stretto International Piano Competition, a victory that led to her acclaimed concerto debut with the Israel Chamber Orchestra.
Her competitive success in Australia is extensive; she is a two-time recipient of the Eileen Johnson Memorial Award for most outstanding performer, she has been honoured with the Lady Cross and Petr Divis Award, the Anne Thompson Encouragement Award, and the Lucy Harkness Prize. Oriana has consistently triumphed in open and age-advanced categories, claiming first prize in the Geelong and Warrnambool Eisteddfod Open Sections, the Hobart Eisteddfod Diploma Section, and the Bendigo Competition 23 & Under Solo Piano.
A multifaceted artist, Oriana complements her piano studies with intensive ballet training. She also explores diverse cultural traditions through the SENES Flamenco group, where she trains in Spanish vocal technique, Cajun, castanets, and Flamenco dance.
Oriana performed:
- Sergei Rachmaninoff: Études-Tableaux, Op. 33, No. 9 in C-sharp minor
- Roy Agnew: Study (Australian Composer)
- Enrique Granados: Quejas, o la Maja y el Ruiseñor
- Olivier Messiaen: Vingt Regards sur l"Enfant Jésus no. 14 Regards des anges