About
Violinist Samuel Hooper is 16 years old and 2026 is his third year with AYO. Samuel was taught by Dan Evans for 10 years and now studies with Emma McGrath. In 2025, Samuel was Associate Concertmaster of AYO’s Young Symphonists and he participated in AYO’s Cultural Leadership Program.
Samuel was awarded first place in the 2025 Melbourne Recital Centre Baroque Competition and also won the 2024 Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Rising Star Award. Earlier in 2022, Samuel received the Sydney Eisteddfod Most Promising Young String Player Award.
In 2025, Samuel performed in recitals around Tasmania, presented by Virtuosi Tasmania. Whilst touring with Virtuosi Tasmania, Samuel was able to bring even more music to the regions in a number of chamber performances together with players from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
In 2024, Samuel performed as a soloist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra as the Rising Star. Other cherished highlights include performing at the acclaimed Melbourne Recital Centre and participating in Sydney Eisteddfod’s 90th Anniversary Alumni Orchestra.
Samuel also plays clarinet in his school band, leads the string ensemble and plays violin for musical productions. Samuel is pursuing a career as a violinist and is looking forward to future tertiary studies. He is grateful for the support of a number of Tasmanian musicians and others.
Photo credit: Lisa Maree Williams
