The Winter Sisters

Emily and Anna Winter are currently studying cello under tutelage of Patrick Murphy at the University of Queensland. The sister duo will perform Centre, a work of new Australian music by composer-violist Sophia Mackson, recently arranged for two cellos. In Mackson’s own words, the piece speaks to “the concept of centring oneself, but also the beauty of being surrounded by motion; by seeing things happening around you and being able to observe. Just being allowed to exist, in a way.” Mackson’s piece will be complemented with Julie-O by American composer Mark Summer. This contemporary work fuses elements of rock and guitar technique with classical cello playing and is guaranteed to get your head banging!

Emily is a returning performer to the Soirée, having played her solo debut in 2021 as part of the Vocalise Duo with Fiona Chen. She spent two years with the Queensland Youth Symphony, and currently plays with the Pulse Chamber String Ensemble, UQ Symphony Orchestra, and Sketch Ensemble, as well as gigging with the newly formed Pianta String collective. Emily enjoys delving into the world of contemporary classical music and has performed alongside artists such as Nonsemble and Deline Briscoe. Accolades include receiving first place for the 4MBS Musica Viva Sid Page Prize in Chamber Music as a member of the Heiterkeit Trio in 2021 and progressing to the finals in 2022 with the Spiccato Trio.

This year she is joined by her sister Anna. Anna played in Queensland Youth Orchestras from 2018 to 2022, and the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra last year. She is currently part of the Pulse Chamber String Ensemble at the University of Queensland. Anna enjoys playing chamber music and taking part in small chamber ensembles. She currently is playing with two trios: a cello trio and a piano trio with clarinet, at her university.