In 2025, the Music Performance Unit is thrilled to again offer students an opportunity to be showcased in concert, accompanied by the UNSW Orchestra. The winning performances have been selected based on artistic and performance proficiency, repertoire choice and the orchestration of their chosen concerto.
Following a competitive audition and selection process, we congratulate Zoe Walton who will perform Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto with UNSW Orchestra in Term 3.
We caught up with Zoe to chat about her performance preparations and personal musical journey so far:
With a musical journey that started when she was just three years old, Zoe's passion for music has led her to incredible achievements, including winning first prize at the Premio Crescendo International Competition in Italy and performing with renowned orchestras across Europe. Currently balancing her love for music with a pursuit of a Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering at UNSW, Zoe is proof that students can thrive in multiple avenues.
A Musical Journey That Began Early
Zoe’s love for music has been a constant throughout her life, beginning when she started playing both the violin and piano at just three years old. “Music has always been such an important part of my life” Zoe shares. Her talent quickly blossomed, and by eleven, she joined the Rising Stars program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Zoe also studied at the Zakhar Bron School of Music in Switzerland, where she further developed her skills.
As a passionate performer, Zoe has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the best musicians and orchestras across Australia and Europe. One of the highlights of her musical career was her performance with the West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra in Czechia, where she performed the first movement of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Vivaldi’s "Winter."
A Passion for Mendelssohn
Zoe’s upcoming performance of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto is one she is familiar with. “I first played the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Western Bohemian Symphony Orchestra in Czechia when I was 14, but it was only the first movement, so I am so grateful to have the opportunity to play the whole concerto now with such a great supportive group of people,” she says.
Balancing Music and Engineering
In addition to her musical pursuits, Zoe is also studying Renewable Energy Engineering at UNSW. It’s a challenging balance, but she’s found that the two passions complement each other in unexpected ways. “Initially, when starting university, I took time off my lessons to concentrate on my degree. However, being focused on studying engineering made me appreciate music all the more. I really missed it and began to look at music in a different light, as I found it a stress reliever and wanted to practice and perform more,” Zoe reflects.
Words of Wisdom for Fellow Student-Musicians
For other students trying to juggle their academic and musical passions, Zoe has some valuable advice: “My advice to student musicians is to join the UNSW Orchestra! It’s a fantastic way to keep up music whilst studying, every week brings a new challenge. The orchestra is a great place to meet like-minded people in a very supportive environment.”
Campus Hideaways
When she’s not rehearsing or studying, Zoe has a favourite spot to relax on campus. “A hidden gem is the Tyree Building on the lower side of campus. As a renewable energy engineering student, most of my classes have taken place in this building so I may be a little biased, but I find it's the best spot to relax or study”.
Zoe Walton’s journey is a perfect example of how passion, hard work, and a willingness to embrace opportunities can lead to remarkable achievements. Whether performing on stage or innovating in the field of renewable energy, we are delighted to welcome Zoe as our 2025 Concerto Winner.
Zoe will perform with the UNSW Orchestra in Term 3, at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium. More details to follow closer to the event.
