Radio station’s hunt for the best emerging classical artist begins second series.

Building upon the success of the program’s inaugural season, radio station 3MBS will begin broadcasting the second series of The Talent today. The live-to-air show features emerging classical artists from across the country competing to be crowned The Talent Winner 2015.

Over the coming months a selection of Australia’s most gifted young performers will give recitals at the 3MBS studios in Melbourne, which are broadcast live, before receiving a critique of their performance by some of the country’s most respected musicians. Season two’s 24 episodes will feature 30 young, up-and-coming instrumental soloists, vocalists and ensembles who are all either currently in tertiary education or recently graduated. The program represents one of Australia’s best platforms for showcasing and championing young musicians at such a crucial point in their professional development.

The program will be hosted by Kiera Stevens who is joined by Resident Panellist cellist Blair Harris. Each new episode will see a visiting panellist join Harris to assess the performances of the contestants. Listeners will also be able to vote for their favourite performances via The Talent website, and the combined votes of the public and the panellists are collated to decide the final ten performers who are put forward for The Talent 2015 Final in August next year.

The first episode of the second series will feature performances by pianist Ann Nguyen playing works by Scarlatti, Debussy and Chopin. Nguyen will be going head to head with string ensemble Quartet Non Troppo who will be tackling Brahms’ Quartet in C minor. Joining Blair Harris on the judging panel for the season premiere is violinist Rachael Beesley, a regular soloist and guest concertmaster with ensembles such as the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Opera Australia.

The Talent, season 2, begins this evening, 7pm on 3MBS. Visit the The Talent website to find out how to vote.

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