Satu Vänskä, Elina Faskhi, Konstantin Shamray

Konstantin Shamray is a world-renowned pianist celebrated for his exhilarating technique and deep musical intelligence. He achieved international fame as the first person to win both First Prize and the People's Choice Award at the Sydney International Piano Competition, launching a career that has seen him perform with major orchestras across Europe and Australasia.

A versatile soloist and chamber musician, Shamray is known for a vast repertoire that spans from the Baroque era to the contemporary. In 2025, he remains a prominent fixture on the international concert circuit, frequently collaborating with leading ensembles like the Australian Chamber Orchestra and performing at prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House.

In addition to his performance career, Shamray is a Senior Lecturer at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, where he helps shape the next generation of pianists. Whether on stage or in the studio, his artistry is defined by a rare combination of "dynamite" virtuosity and profound sensitivity.

Elina Faskhi is an acclaimed cellist celebrated for her "strikingly powerful and melodious" expression. A winner of numerous international competitions, she has performed globally as a soloist with major orchestras, including the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Born into a family of musicians in Russia, Elina graduated from the prestigious Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory. Her orchestral career includes positions with the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia and as Assistant Principal Cellist at the Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra in Japan.

Since moving to Melbourne in 2019, she has become an outstanding and significant figure in the Australian music scene, known for her superb musicianship and incredible sound.

Satu Vänskä is a world-renowned violinist and the Principal Violin of the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Born in Japan to Finnish parents and trained under the legendary Ana Chumachenco in Munich, she has earned international acclaim for her technical mastery and her ability to lead world-class ensembles with both grace and intensity.

Beyond the classical stage, Vänskä is a pioneering force in contemporary music and the founder of the electro-acoustic project ACO Underground. Her work seamlessly bridges 18th-century virtuosity with indie-rock and electronics, often featuring her own vocals alongside collaborations with artists like Jonny Greenwood and Jim Moginie.

In 2025, Vänskä continues to push the boundaries of her craft through global tours and cinematic soundtrack contributions. Performing on the 1726 "Belgiorno" Stradivarius, she remains one of the most versatile and transformative artists of her generation, dedicated to creating immersive, genre-defying musical experiences.