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.
SARAH-GRACE WILLIAMS
ASPIRE FESTIVAL ARTISTIC CO-DIRECTOR
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 listing her amongst ‘10 of the Best Women Conductors – trailblazing talents that are leading the way for women conductors all over the world’.
SEAN O'BOYLE
ASPIRE FESTIVAL ARTISTIC CO-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.
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.
GRACE MORTON
ASPIRE FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR
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.
CHRISTIAN PEGLEY
ASPIRE FESTIVAL COORDINATOR
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.
STEPHANIE SCHWARZE
ASPIRE FESTIVAL MARKETING EVENTS COORDINATOR
Stephanie is very excited to be part of the prestigious ASPIRE International Youth Music Festival and is looking forward to creating extraordinary experiences for the students and everyone else involved.
Cristina Patane
ASPIRE FESTIVAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
Cristina was born in Brisbane but has spent most of her life on the Gold Coast. She has a keen interest in event management, and holds a Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management from the University of Queensland.
ISAAC HOLMYARD
ASPIRE Festival Events Coordinator
Isaac 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.
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.
Diana Alfonso
ASPIRE Intern
Diana is very proud to be part of ASPIRE 2019 and aims that every student that participates in the festival gets an unforgettable experience.
Megan Gersekowski
ASPIRE Intern
Megan was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia. She is currently completing a double degree in Business Management and International Hotel & Tourism Management with a passion for marketing and events management.
