Chisholm St: Royal South Street Stars 2025

Chisholm St is a live performance space on Wadawurrung country, Ballarat. We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and recognise that their sovereignty was never ceded.

Hosted by Bronwyn Blaiklock, Chisholm St is an intimate foray into fascinating corners of classical music. The platform was launched in March 2021 and offers a diverse series of concerts by regional musicians and spoken word performers. The intimate space gives you a rare glimpse into creative music-making, up close and personal.

Chisholm St: Royal South Street Stars 2025

This very special program features two pianists from the Schimmel Pianoforte competition at the 2025 Royal South Street Society Eisteddfod, held in Ballarat in July. Angelina Wang and Benjamin Bi are talented pianists who shone in the eisteddfod, taking out several awards between them. Part of their prizes included an invitation to perform at Chisholm St. This performance gives these young pianists a special professional development opportunity, one that will broaden their profile and give them a pay cheque. Chisholm St is very proud to sponsor the Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod in this way and help young musicians on their journey.

Stay for refreshments afterwards - it's included in the ticket - meet the performers and enjoy the community at Chisholm St. 

The performers

At just 13 years, Angelina Wang is a passionate and dedicated musician who has already achieved success in local and interstate competitions, showcasing artistry and technical command well beyond her years. She attends Methodist Ladies’ College in Melbourne, and studies piano with Melbourne piano pedagogue Glenn Riddle. Angelina has received top prizes at prestigious competitions including the Royal South Street Society Eisteddfod and the Sydney Eisteddfod, among others. Angelina's commitment to musical excellence is evident in her expressive interpretations. She aspires to continue sharing her music with audiences both in Australia and internationally.

Benjamin Bi is an enthusiastic and skilled pianist who has recently completed AMEB Grade 8 Piano under the tutelage of Bronislaw Sozanski. He is currently in Year 10 at Ballarat Clarendon College and as a frequent competitor at Royal South Street Society Eisteddfod, Benjamin has won numerous awards and medals over many years. In addition to piano, he also enjoys basketball, cello and chess.

The host

Bronwyn Blaiklock grew up in Alice Springs. She graduated from the Elder Conservatorium (University of Adelaide) a lifetime ago with a double degree in Performance (Honours in piano) and a Humanities. Following that, she studied in Germany at the University of Freiburg on a DAAD scholarship. She has worked in the arts and music education industry for over 25 years, achieving high-profile activity in performing arts and professional writing across three states through work as a pianist, writer, artistic director, arts administrator, adjudicator, and educator. Bronwyn’s poetry has appeared in various Australian anthologies and she has read her work at festivals including the Newstead Short Story Tattoo, the Words in Winter Festival, Castlemaine Poetry Readings, Clunes Booktown and the Overload Poetry Festival. Bronwyn’s first collection, 'Etching my Initials', was published in 2016 by Melbourne Poets Union in the New Poets series.

The venue

Seating
Bespoke reupholstered deck chairs and lounge suite awaits you, however, be sure to dress warmly as seating extends to an external covered deck and this is Ballarat, after all.

Children
Young children are welcome at Chisholm St, although paid ticket-holders have priority of seating. Children are welcome to enjoy the garden and cubby house during daytime performances.

Refreshments
You are invited to join the performers for refreshments afterwards. This includes wine, cheese, gluten-friendly snacks, light drinks, tea and coffee at no extra charge. You are welcome to bring a bottle of your favourite beverage.

Illness/Covid-19
Please do not attend if you are unwell. If you are unable to attend due to illness, we may be able to arrange a transfer of your ticket. Consider sending a friend in your place if you can't make it for any reason. Please use the hand-sanitiser supplied at the entrance and practice safe distancing where possible.