JOHN CURRO
ASPIRE FESTIVAL PATRON
John Curro AM MBE is both the founder and Director of Music for Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO), conducting the Queensland Youth Symphony since its beginning in 1966. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr Curro has received many prestigious awards including Member of the Order of Australia and Member of the British Empire.
SEAN O'BOYLE
ASPIRE FESTIVAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
An internationally renowned composer, conductor and performer, Mr O’Boyle was awarded the Order of Australia in 2015. Sean has collaborated with artists such as The Whitlams, Kate Ceberano, Tommy Emmanuel and James Morrison, and has written and produced music for more than 150 albums.
SARAH-GRACE WILLIAMS
ASPIRE FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR
Sarah-Grace Williams has received acclaim from audiences and critics alike for her vibrant energy, outstanding musicianship and dynamic presence on the podium with Limelight Magazine recently listing her amongst ‘10 of the Best Women Conductors – trailblazing talents that are leading the way for women conductors all over the world’.
A/PROF PETER LUFF
ASPIRE FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR
Associate Professor Peter Luff studied french horn at the University of Adelaide’s prestigious Elder Conservatorium. During his career as a professional horn player he has performed with most of Australia’s leading professional orchestras and arts organisations and is associate principal horn with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
JASON BARRY-SMITH
ASPIRE FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR
Jason Barry-Smith’s study in Brisbane, Munich, London and Rome led him to a singing career where he’s a familiar and commanding presence on the Australian operatic stage, and is equally in demand as a singing teacher, conductor, and arranger.
GRACE MORTON
ASPIRE FESTIVAL HEAD OF MUSIC TOURS, NEW ZEALAND
Travelling the world with Voices New Zealand and other choral groups has given Grace the opportunity to perform in some of the most sought after venues in the world such as St Paul’s Cathedral, London and The Musikverein, Vienna.
CHRISTIAN PEGLEY
ASPIRE FESTIVAL HEAD OF MUSIC TOURS, AUSTRALIA
Christians work has been showcased on local radio stations and as composer for a BBC documentary series. He has also established bands for corporate events, weddings and award ceremonies with acts from duo to 9 piece ensembles.
ISAAC HOLMYARD
ASPIRE Festival Events and Sponsorship Manager
Isaac and his team helped deliver an outstanding inaugural ASPIRE International Youth Music Festival in July 2017. Isaac's experience in Events Management is extensive and varied, running events across a number of industries.
STEPHANIE SCHWARZE
ASPIRE FESTIVAL MARKETING EVENTS ASSISTANT
Stephanie is very excited to be part of the prestigious ASPIRE International Youth Music Festival and is looking forward to creating an extraordinary and wonderful experience for the students and everyone else at the ASPIRE International Youth Music Festival 2019.
JAMIE WANSEY
ASPIRE FESTIVAL FOUNDER
Over the last thirteen years Jamie has proudly organised over 500 successful music trips, sports tours and educational trips. Jamie is owner – founder of Student Horizons and is proud the festival will help to promote and support the Student Horizons Foundation for disadvantaged youth.
BROOKE WANSEY
ASPIRE FESTIVAL CO-FOUNDER & ART DIRECTOR
If anyone on the ASPIRE team knows about music, competition and travel it has to be Brooke; an experienced alto Saxophone player. Brooke played Saxophone throughout her college years from training in Year 7 through to performing in the Concert and Jazz bands.
