The Talent 2026 Season 1 Composer Special Episode

Eliza Henson is a young Naarm based Composer and Performer who is currently studying a Bachelor of Music Performance (Violin) at Monash University. She is passionate about composing in various different genres, and specialises in neoclassical pieces. In her composing, Eliza is particularly inspired by nature, human connection, and poetry, which she aims to reflect in works that seek to connect deeply with listeners. In 2024, Eliza was awarded the Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarship for Composition, and was a finalist in the Monash Australian Music Prize (2025, 2026), performing two premieres of her original compositions. Eliza wishes to continue exploring new ways of conveying emotion and meaning through music, and aspires to continue developing a distinctive compositional voice grounded in emotional storytelling, while exploring the intersection of classical tradition and contemporary expression. 

You can find Eliza @is_this_espe on Instagram, and her accompanist Filip Fulco @filipfulco 

Eliza will showcase:

Noreen is an Indonesian pianist and emerging composer, currently completing her third year at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music under the guidance of Glenn Riddle. She is a recipient of the Grace Funston Scholarship, the Frederick Harlock Scholarship and the Grathelms Piano Award, awarded by the University of Melbourne in recognition of her excellence in music performance. Noreen began learning the piano at 5 years old, under the guidance of various teachers. However, her true interest for piano only peaked after she was introduced to Ms. Vanessa Tunggal. In a span of two years, Noreen's dedication to the piano led her to achieve several notable milestones, including passing the ABRSM Piano Performance Exam for Grade 8 with just one point shy of a perfect score. She also had the opportunity to place 3rd in the Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra and 2nd in the International Grand Music Festival, among other recognitions. 

You can find Noreen on instagram @noreensuy and on her website www.noreensuyudy.com 

Noreen will showcase:

Kylie Cheah is an emerging composer based in Naarm (Melbourne), currently in her final year of composition at the Melbourne Conservatorium. Growing up surrounded by both classical music and jazz fusion, she incorporates sounds from both of these worlds into her style. Kylie has studied under jazz musicians such as Lachlan Davidson and Nick Mulder, as well as classical composers such as Elliot Gyger, Stuart Greenbaum, and Melody Eotvos.  

Kylie's works have received numerous accolades, including being selected for Top Class Sound 2023, winning Member's Choice award from the Athenaeum Club, and receiving the Allan Zavod Composition Award. Her works have been performed by a number of groups, such as Ensemble Liason, MYRIAD (Melbourne Conservatorium Percussion Ensemble), and Leading Edge (Melbourne Conservatorium Guitar Ensemble).  

Find Kylie on instagram @kylia_cheah or on her website https://sites.google.com/view/kylie-cheah/ 

Headshot by Oliver Muller 

Kylie will showcase:

- Inheritance Patterns 

- The Scenic Route