Rising Stars

Three to look out for…

Yoav Levanon Pianist

Born: Tel Aviv, Israel Career highlight: Performing Chopin’s

First Piano Concerto at the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples when I was 11, my first solo recital at the Verbier Festival, and signing with Harrisonparrot Management. I’m also really excited to release my first album, A Monument to Beethoven, this year with Warner Classics.

Musical heroes: I’m honoured to be working with two of them: pianists Murray Perahia and András Schiff. Their dedication to exploring and attention to detail is inspiring. Dream concert: A concert signalling the end of the Covid pandemic, streamed worldwide and uniting millions of people in celebration. Samuel Mariño Male soprano

Born: Caracas, Venezuela Career highlight: My first appearance in Handel’s Berenice at the Halle Handel Festival.

The applause was huge. After I did an improvised high note, people started screaming and clapping before I’d even finished the aria. Just thinking about it still gives me goosebumps!

Musical hero: Maria Callas wanted to show a different way of singing opera. Just as she did, I want to be open to the audience and give a multi-dimensional experience of listening to music.

Dream concert: A multicultural concert, uniting different artforms and cultures from different communities.

Olivia Clarke Conductor

Born: London, UK

Career highlight:

When conductor Martyn Brabbins offered me the ENO Mackerras Fellowship, he had to ask me to stop screaming down the phone into his ear. Another highlight was when the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra asked me to be one of its new assistant conductors. Musical heroes: I am always most inspired by my colleagues in rehearsal. When you first find those unexpected spine-tingling moments together is an unbeatable feeling. Dream concert: One in which a truly diverse spectrum of people can be seen throughout the concert hall – and it feels normal. That includes the audience, musicians, creative team and composers.