In 2025, the Ballarat Eisteddfod struck a powerful new chord.

For the very first time, we introduced an “Accompanist and Solo” section — created to celebrate the art of accompaniment and to nurture the next generation of collaborative pianists. Designed as both a performance opportunity and a skills extension pathway, the section culminated in an inspiring masterclass with renowned musician Daniel Tusjak. The result? An unforgettable, energizing experience for performers and audience alike.

Why We Created It

In recent years, we noticed a growing challenge: finding skilled accompanists for our classical vocal sections was becoming increasingly difficult. Rather than seeing this as a setback, we saw an opportunity.

What if we could grow our own talent?

Our hope was simple — to discover a young musician with both the passion and potential to step into paid accompanying work in the future. We wanted to create a real pathway. A stepping stone. A first professional opportunity.

And that’s exactly what happened.

A Star Steps Forward

Enter Poppy Robertson.

After beautifully accompanying local instrumentalist William Hinde in the new section, Poppy impressed not only with her technical skill, but with her musical sensitivity and collaborative instinct. So much so that she was invited to join us in 2026 as our Junior Vocal Accompanist.

Her answer?

A resounding YES!

This is exactly the story we hoped to tell — a talented young musician given the opportunity to extend her craft, step into professional work, and grow through real-world experience.

A Win for Everyone

For RSSS and the Ballarat Eisteddfod, the benefits are clear: we are building sustainability within our own musical community.

For Poppy, this role offers:

• The chance to refine and strengthen a skill she is deeply passionate about

• The challenge of learning new repertoire within performance timeframes

• The invaluable experience of collaborating and communicating with young singers

And for our vocal entrants?

This is where the magic truly happens.

Singing with a live accompanist is a transformative learning experience. It teaches young performers how to lead and listen, to respond and adapt — rather than relying on a predictable backing track. It builds musicianship, confidence, and artistry that will carry them throughout their singing journey.

Looking Ahead

In 2026, we are thrilled to run the “Accompanist of the Future” section again (with a fancy new name!) — and we can’t wait to see who might step forward for their very first paid gig.

The future of accompaniment in Ballarat is sounding brighter than ever.