The Talent 2026 Season 1 Episode 7 - Flautist Joseph Hourigan and Pianist Jayden Wayne

For Joseph, music is a magical thread that weaves together the imagination, the mind and the heart. He strives to bring together each of these elements every time he performs. When given the opportunity to hear orchestral instruments for the first time he was immediately drawn to the flute’s luminous sound, and the pursuit of its varied colours still keeps him very well occupied today. Joseph is a graduate of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music who is currently building a varied career in music as a performer, arts administrator and teacher. 

Joseph will perform: 

- Toccatina (Mvt I) from Divertimento for flute and piano by Jean Francaix 

- Oodnadatta Who (an existential duo for one) by Anne Norman 

- Final (Mvt IV) from Suite for flute and piano by Charles-Maree Widor 

Jayden Wayne is a 12-year-old pianist and harpist, and a Year 7 music scholarship student at Scotch College, Melbourne. He began piano studies at the age of five and was awarded his AMusA diploma in 2023. He is currently developing his artistry under the guidance of renowned pedagogue Glenn Riddle. In 2025, he achieved his LMusA diploma at the age of 11. He is also studying the harp with Mr Yee Chern Chu and is currently preparing for his ARSM diploma. An accomplished young musician on both piano and harp, Jayden has won more than 50 First Prize awards at eisteddfods across Australia and in international competitions. His recent achievements include First Prize at the 2025 Vietnam International Piano Competition & Festival; the prestigious Des Stephenson Award from the Musical Society of Victoria in 2025; finalist in the 2025 Sydney Eisteddfod Kawai Junior Piano Scholarship; First Prize in the Open Piano section at the 2025 Ringwood Eisteddfod; the Audience Prize at the 2025 Preston Youth Concerto Competition; First Prize at the 2025 Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival Competition; and Second Prize at the 2026 WPTA Australia International Piano Competition. Beyond solo performance, Jayden is a passionate ensemble musician who actively participates in his school’s orchestra, chamber groups, and choir. He also enjoys composition and arranging, often drawing inspiration from video game soundtracks. Outside of music, Jayden is an avid reader and enthusiastic sportsman. He enjoys swimming, rowing, running, table tennis, and fencing.