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With applications now open for the 2026 Baroque Competition, we sat down with violinist Samuel Hooper, last year’s first prize winner. We found out about his love of cooking and travel, winning the Rising Star Award, and pop-up performances for unsuspecting travelers at Launceston Airport.
When did you start playing the violin?
I started at age 3 and became more serious about the violin in late primary school.
Why did you choose this instrument?
Playing the violin was my parents’ choice but I am entirely happy with it and, these days, can’t imagine life without it!
What was it like to win the 2025 Baroque Competition?
Performing in the Competition alongside so many talented musicians was an inspiring experience and I am grateful to the sponsors and supporters who make these incredible opportunities available. Winning was exciting and a great honour. I felt a sense of accomplishment that my music had connected with the judges and the audience as this is something that a musician always strives to do.
What has been your performance highlight so far?
The chance to perform at the acclaimed Melbourne Recital Centre in 2025, with its incredible acoustics, was a prize in itself! I vividly remember testing out the violin during my rehearsal on the stage and realising that the acoustics would allow me to perform my Bach Partita exactly as I wanted to, and in a way that spoke to me.
There have been many other performance highlights, each of them special for different reasons.
For example, performing as a soloist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in 2024, as the winner of the Rising Star Award, was an exciting and valuable experience.
Equally rewarding was a chance to bring music to the regions in Tasmania in 2025. As well as performing in recitals presented by Virtuosi Tasmania, I particularly enjoyed giving a pop-up concert of chamber music at Launceston Airport alongside two members of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Even though there wasn’t a large audience at the airport, it felt great bringing classical music right into the heart of the community as people drank their coffees and waited for their flights.
I’ve also performed with the Australian Youth Orchestra several times now and this is always a highlight: playing wonderful music, with outstanding tutors and conductors alongside many valued colleagues and friends.
What is your favourite piece from the Baroque era to play?
Bach's Preludio from Partita No.3 in E is considered one of the great Baroque showpieces and I have loved performing this. I have also begun learning the Devil's Trill Sonata by Tartini in a more Baroque form than is usually performed and this has been extremely interesting, although I have yet to complete the famous third movement.
What piece are you working on now? And what do you like about it?
I am currently studying Faure’s Violin Sonata No.1 in A and am enjoying exploring the tone, articulation, and phrasing found in a Romantic sonata. I particularly love the surging emotion, the melodic and lyrical beauty and the true partnership with the piano.
What do you like to do outside of practicing music?
I played a lot of sport growing up and still enjoy it, mostly tennis and running these days. I especially enjoy travelling, including the opportunity to travel as a musician, as well as cooking.
What are your musical aspirations for the future?
I’d like to complete tertiary studies in music and develop my own artistic voice as a soloist and chamber musician. I would love to travel and perform for people in Australia and around the world.
Any advice for 2026 Baroque Competition applicants?
My best advice is to go ahead and enter because you never know what might happen! When I entered, I made my audition video as professional as possible - such as by dressing in concert blacks and playing in the best location that I could. However, I did not have a professional video recording, so please don’t let that deter you. Having been through the process, I think it’s really important that great preparation and a connection with the music shines through.
Applications for the 2026 Baroque Competition close on Wednesday 15 April.
For more info and to apply click here.