Supporting emerging artists
CLO has always been about community, and that includes giving emerging artists the opportunity and space to grow.
From dazzling soloists, to ambitious young conductors leading a symphony orchestra for the first time, we’re proud to provide opportunities that are exciting for audiences and invaluable for emerging artists.
We know how rare it is to perform with a full symphony orchestra in such a supportive, community-led setting — so creating that space has become a key part of who we are. In recent years, we’ve welcomed RAM soloists, worked with conductors from the International Conductors Academy, and even begun commissioning new works from emerging composers. It’s our way of making sure that CLO is not just an orchestra for today, but a place that helps shape the music of tomorrow.
Past Collaborations
Violin
Bjørg Pas
Studying at the Royal Academy of Music, Bjørg Pas is one of Norway’s most talented young musicians. She has performed with world-renowned orchestras including the Oslo Philharmonic and the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra.
Bjørg performed the Brahms Double Concerto in A minor with CLO in 2025.
Cello
Riya Hamie
Brighton-born cellist Riya Hamie is currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music and the recipient of the Sir Elton John Award, studying with John Myerscough.
Riya performed the Brahms Double Concerto in A minor with CLO in 2025.
Conductor
Tim Tian
Originally from China and now based in
London, Tim is a composer and conductor
currently pursuing his Master’s degree in
composition at the Royal Academy of Music.
Tim conducted CLO for Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 8 in G major in 2025.
Conductor
Anna Maria Tabor
Anna Maria Tabor studied conducting at
The Guildhall School, Surrey University
and most recently with the International Conducting Academy led by Jonathan Mann. She currently is the Musical Director of CapelChoral Society and North Downs Community Orchestra.
Anna conducted CLO for Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor in 2025.
Piano
Arthur Kokerai
Arthur Kokerai studied at the Royal Academy of Music, having begun his training at Moscow’s renowned Gnesin School. He has performed in major Russian venues including the Moscow Conservatory and Zaryadye Concert Hall, and won Bronze Medal at the XI International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.
Arthur performed George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with CLO in 2024.
Violin
Matteo Hager
Czech-American violinist Matteo Hager graduated from the Music Gymnasium in Prague, and was awarded a full scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music. He has appeared as a soloist at numerous
concerts and renowned music festivals, as well as being commissioned to compose music for both theatre and film.
Matteo performed Khachaturian’s Violin
Concerto in D minor with CLO in 2023.
Mezzo Soprano
Chloe Harris
Australian Chloe Harris is a graduate of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (MCM) and the Royal Academy of Music (RAM). Chloe was a finalist in 2019’s Herald Sun Aria, where she was a winner of the Richard Divall Prize.
Chloe performed at CLO's 'A Night at the Opera' concert in 2023.
Soprano
Madison Horman
New Zealand lyric soprano Madison Horman was a Bicentenary Scholar at the Royal Academy of Music, and previously attained both her Masters of Music and Postgraduate Diploma: Advanced Studies in Performance with Distinction from the Royal Northern College of Music.
Madison performed at CLO's 'A Night at the Opera' concert in 2023.
Tenor
Samuel Stopford
British tenor Samuel Stopford was an ABRSM post-graduate scholar at the Royal Academy of Music before joining Royal Academy Opera as an esteemed Bicentenary Scholar.
Samuel performed at CLO's 'A Night at the Opera' concert in 2023.
Baritone
Vitor Bispo
Brazilian baritone Vitor Bispo was awarded First Place at the 19th edition of the Maria Callas Singing Competition, the Revelation Singer Prize at the Linus Lerner International Singing Competition, and the First Placeat the Blyth-Buesst Operatic Prize at the Royal Academy of Music.
Vitor performed at CLO's 'A Night at the Opera' concert in 2023.
Piano
Anjulie Chen
A dual recipient of the DAAD scholarship, Anjulie Chen's playing has been praised
for its “subtlety, stylishness and warmth”. Anjulie graduated from her undergraduate degree at the Royal Academy of Music in 2022 and went on the pursue a Master of Arts programme.
Anjulie performed Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor with CLO in 2022.
Viola
Simon McKenzie
Simon McKenzie is both a musician and a medic, having studied at Junior Guildhall before beginning a degree in medicine at the University of Edinburgh. During his time working as a junior doctor, Simon applied to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and received a scholarship to complete a performance masters.
Simon performed Berlioz' Harold in Italy with CLO in 2022.