ABC Classic Presents: Joshua Han

The ABC Young Performers Awards is Australia's most prestigious and longest-running classical music competition, which has for decades provided a national platform for emerging artists to launch their professional careers. In 2026, in celebration of ABC Classic's 50th anniversary, the competition has returned with a renewed commitment to fostering the next generation of exceptional young artists.

The twelve semi finalists have just been announced and ABC Classic invites you to be a part of the audience in their ABC Young Performers Awards journey. To learn about each semi finalist, head to the ABC Young Performers Awards website.

About Joshua Han:

Winner of the 2024 Australian National Piano Award, Joshua Han has been praised for “complete mastery of his instrument and complete empathy with the music” (Sydney Arts Guide). He has performed across four continents, including concertos with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra and Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra, with conductors including Benjamin Northey, Ken Takaseki and Daejin Kim.

In April 2026, Joshua stepped in at short notice for Alexander Gavrylyuk, performing Strauss’ Burleske with The Orchestra Project and Fabian Russell. His 2025–26 season includes concertos with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Harbour Ensemble, and recitals at ACO On The Pier and Albury Chamber Music Festival.

Joshua’s international successes include First Prizes at the International Piano Competition J.S. Bach; Aarhus International Piano Competition; and Ettlingen International Piano Competition. As the Australian National Piano Award winner, Joshua also received Audience Prize and awards for interpreting Bach, Chopin and Beethoven.

Born in 2002, Joshua began piano studies aged four and received his Licentiate Diploma (LMusA) aged ten. He is undertaking a Master of Music Studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under Paul Rickard-Ford, supported by the Theme and Variations Foundation, Cope-Williams Arts Foundation and Ian Potter Cultural Trust.

Program:

Peter Sculthorpe Djilile

Bach/Busoni Chaconne in D Minor, BWV 1004

Unsuk Chin Piano Etudes

I. In C

Mozart Twelve Variations on "Ah vous dirai-je, Maman", K. 265/300e

Kreisler/Rachmaninov Old Viennese Dances

I. Liebesfreud

II. Liebesleid

Stravinsky/Agosti The Firebird Suite

Please be advised that this performance forms part of the Semi-finals for the ABC Young Performers Awards 2026.

The performance will be recorded and filmed, and attended by a live adjudication panel.

Guests are kindly requested to arrive at least 10 minutes before the event start time as lockouts may apply for late arrivals.