XO Brass Prize 2026 Tuesday 8 September – Ian Hanger Recital Hall Panel Professor Vanessa Tomlinson, Director, Queensland Conservatorium Nicholas Mooney Principal Horn, Queensland Symphony Orchestra Dr Ben Marks Head of Brass, Queensland Conservatorium Accompanist Mitchell Leigh Special guest from XO Brass Chris Baldwin
THOMAS FERREIRA-MONTAGUE (French Horn) Lamento d'Orfeo Concerto for Horn and Orchestra in B major, Op. 91, iii. Allegro Vivace
Volker David Kirchner Reinhold Glière
Thomas Ferreira-Montague is a dedicated horn player from Brisbane, currently completing his Bachelor of Music (Honours) at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University under the mentorship of Ms Ysolt Clark. A finalist in 2025 QCGU XO Brass Prize, Thomas enjoys playing a wide range of music that includes solo, chamber and symphonic works. Thomas has been fortunate enough to have performed with ensembles such as the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, Southern Cross Symphony, The Metropolitan Orchestra Brisbane, Ensemble Q, The Australian Youth Orchestra, Queensland Ballet and Opera Queensland (OQ). As well as that, Thomas is currently the Principal Horn of the Queensland Youth Symphony (QYS), a member of the Queensland Wind Orchestra, as well as playing principal positions with the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends, being outdoors and perfecting making coffee.
MITCHELL STEWART (Trumpet) Concerto De Aranjuez Rhapsody in Blue
Joaquin Rodrigo George Gershwin, arr. Rich and Brandon Ridenour
Having exposure from a young age with musical parents, Mitchell has been playing trumpet since the age of 7. He has fostered a love of playing the trumpet throughout his school’s instrumental music program. Mitchell has performed in Creative Generation – State Schools On Stage for the last three years, which has included playing lead trumpet in the James Morrison Big Band and playing Birdland alongside James Morrison in a duet in 2024. Mitchell has also attended youth programs such as MOST (Musically Outstanding Students), AHEP (Australian Honours Ensemble Program) and the Young Conservatorium. He has a keen interest in musical theatre pit playing after playing in many shows over the 5 years. Now Mitchell studies Music at the Griffith Conservatorium of Music specialising in both Jazz and Classical Trumpet and is currently in his second year of studying. He plays across different local bands including musical theatre groups, jazz bands, orchestras and other commercial performances.
THEO BURNETT (Bass Trombone) New Orleans, for bass trombone and piano (1962) Concertino for Bass Trombone Movt. 1 and 3
Eugène Bozza Ernst Sachse
Theo Burnett is an inspiring and emerging musician currently completing a Bachelor of Music specializing in Bass Trombone performance at the Griffith Conservatorium Brisbane Australia. Originally from Townsville North Queensland, Theo began to play euphonium in grade 5 at Belgian Gardens State school learning under Ms Suzane Darragin. In grade 9, Theo picked up the trombone as his second instrument, further studies continued to where he then started learning Bass Trombone. He has played for many community band and ensembles indulging a wide range of genres across Townsville, including Townsville Brass, Great Barrier Reef Orchestra, Stoke Nicholsen Big Band and the recent Jazz Pep Band Jam Sandwich. Theo has also entered many solo competitions, in particular the Yamaha Australian National Band Championships in 2024 and 2026, placing 5th in Open Euphonium and second on Open Bass Trombone. In 2025 Theo commenced his first year of study on Classical Bass Trombone, where he now learns from Dr Ben Marks, Mr Jason Luostarien and Principal Bass Trombonist of Queensland Symphony Orchestra Mr Nick Thomson his Primary Tutors. When he’s not practicing Theo can be found in the rugby fields either cheering for his favourite times or playing games with his friends.
ZACHARY HAYES (French Horn) Horn Concerto No. 1 Op.11 1st Movement En Forêt , op. 40 for Horn and Piano
Richard Strauss Eugène Bozza
Zac is a Brisbane based Horn player currently studying a Bachelor of Music at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, under the tutelage of Ysolt Clark. He regularly performs with ensembles around Brisbane including the Queensland Youth Symphony and the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra. Zac is also a recipient of the Vice Chancellor's Academic Achievement Scholarship and a member of Griffith University's Student Academy of Excellence.
MATTHEW REDMAN (Trombone) Romance for Trombone and Piano, Op. 21 Concerto for Trombone Op. 4 iii. Allegro Maestoso
Axel Jørgensen Ferdinand David
A dedicated and emerging classical trombonist born and raised in Brisbane, Matthew Redman is currently in his third year of study at the Conservatorium, refining his artistry and technique under the guidance of Dr Benjamin Marks. Alongside his studies, he performs with the Queensland Youth Symphony, gaining valuable orchestral experience while continuing to develop his musical voice. Passionate about sharing music with others, he also tutors multiple private students and is an active member of the Queensland Trombone Collective, a trombone quartet alongside aspiring trombonists from the Conservatorium. With aspirations of securing a full-time orchestral position, he is still committed to the long journey and competitive nature of the profession and is prepared to pursue further study abroad to achieve this goal.
MEGAN BARBER (Trumpet) Trumpet Concerto, Hob. Vlle/1, Autumn Leaves”
Joseph Haydn Joseph Kosma transcribed by Alison Balsom
Megan is a Brisbane-based trumpet player currently completing her Honours year of the Bachelor of Music in Classical Trumpet at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. She enjoys using her skills to teach instrumental music and regularly performs with many ensembles around Brisbane, including the Unladylike Big Band, the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra and Queensland Youth Orchestras.
Sponsorship Retail Partner
XO Brass Prize - Queensland Conservatorium XO began with the vision of Koichi Haido, Chief Instrument Technician at the Global Corporation in Japan. After many experiments and countless prototypes, the first XO trumpet was introduced to the market in 1995. Combining contemporary precision with traditional craftsmanship, XO brass instruments are ideal for professional players, developing students and serious amateurs. Through close consultation with both musicians and technicians, XO works towards building a more intimate connection between musician and instrument. The tremendous playability of every XO instrument ensures delivery of precise intonation and beautiful tonal quality: the perfect tool to achieve the performer's musical and artistic goals. XO, in conjunction with Orchestral Supplies Australia, is proud to sponsor this wonderful competition, and excited to play a part in fostering the development of the next generation of Australian professional brass musicians. A special thank you to our retail partner Brass Music Specialists for their continued support, and to the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University for allowing us to be involved in this event.