Penrith Conservatorium of Music is excited to announce Wesley Stormer has been selected for the 2025 Young Composers Program.
The Young Composers Program at Penrith Conservatorium is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of composers. The program offers young composers aged 18–35 an exceptional opportunity to engage in workshops, receive feedback, and see their compositions performed live and recorded.
ABOUT WESLEY STORMER
Wesley Stormer, a Blue Mountains based composer, is a highly regarded emerging talent in the Australian music scene. He holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours in Composition) from Western Sydney University and has previously collaborated with various Australian and international ensembles.
Wesley’s compositions have earned significant recognition, including winning Veridian Symphony Orchestra’s 5th annual composition competition and North State Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Beethoven Idol’ competition.
Locally, Wesley was awarded the Penrith Symphony Orchestra’s Young Composer Prize and participated in Penrith Conservatorium’s Street Notes program, where he collaborated with performers and composers to create innovative new music for Western Sydney.
As part of the Young Composers Program, Wesley’s new work, Distant Bells, Still Humming, will be performed by Richard Bonynge Ensemble (RBE) this November. Commissioned by Penrith Performing & Visual Arts, the piece explores the complexities of memory. Wesley explains, “It delves into how echoes of the past unexpectedly resurface through sensory triggers like music, fragrance, or food.” Distant Bells, Still Humming will be developed and workshopped with the RBE musicians, under the guidance of Penrith Performing & Visual Arts’ Head of Music, Brian Kjim, and a team of mentors.
“Supporting local musicians and composers is essential to the continued cultural development of our community,” said Brian Kjim. “Programs like the Young Composers Program not only provide young composers with invaluable professional opportunities but also contribute to the broader enrichment of the arts in Western Sydney. By investing in these emerging talents, we foster a thriving cultural environment that benefits us all.”
Penrith Conservatorium of Music’s Young Composers Program aims to create a dynamic and supportive space for composers to grow and refine their skills. With opportunities for public performances, exposure through the conservatorium’s online platforms, and the chance to work with gifted young musicians, this program is shaping the future of music in Western Sydney and beyond.
ABOUT RICHARD BONYNGE ENSEMBLE
Established in 2021, Richard Bonynge Ensemble has the goal of enriching the community through music. The ensemble performs a wide variety of repertoire, from well-known pieces to long-forgotten works deserving revival, and new works by local emerging composers.
By blending the expertise of seasoned musicians and mentors with the fresh talent of young instrumentalists, the ensemble aims to cultivate a distinctive style and unique culture while nurturing the next generation of classical musicians.
Comprising some of the finest young talents in Penrith, Richard Bonynge Ensemble gives serious and skilled early career musicians the opportunity to work with industry professionals through workshops and mentoring sessions, and to collaborate with professional chamber ensembles to develop their performance and musicianship skills.
Penrith Conservatorium of Music is dedicated to providing high-quality music education and performance opportunities for the people of Western Sydney. With a commitment to fostering local talent and encouraging artistic growth, the conservatorium offers a diverse range of programs for musicians of all ages and skill levels.
The following programs are available.
- Workshops and ensembles for emerging musicians and vocalists
- Commissions for emerging composers
- Music educator pathway program
- Arts administration training
- Stage and orchestral management training
For more information and to send an expression of interest, please visit our OPPORTUNITIES page