People Group: Guest Artist

Hyung Suk Bae, internationally renowned cellist celebrated for his captivating performances and multifaceted artistry, currently serves as the Principal Cellist of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Bae has received much praise for his profound musicianship and technical mastery. His playing has been critically acclaimed as transcending “beyond technical excellence and into the realms of artistry,”(Gisborne Herald).

As a sought-after principal cellist, Bae has collaborated with esteemed ensembles such as the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra. In addition to his orchestral engagements, Bae is a dedicated educator, holding faculty positions at both the University of Queensland and Queensland Conservatorium.

Bae’s performances have graced prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Centre, and the Sydney Opera House. Among his recent achievements, his rendition of Richard Strauss’s “Don Quixote” with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra was particularly lauded for its compelling storytelling.

Bae’s musical journey began at The Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees on full scholarships under the mentorship of Joel Krosnick, former cellist of the Juilliard String Quartet.

Playing on a Giovanni Grancino cello from 1700 (Milan) and Vettori cello from 2023 (Florence), Bae’s instruments are prized for their rich tonal qualities and historical significance. His performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences, solidifying his place as one of the leading cellists of his generation.

Keyboardist Anthony Romaniuk’s unique artistic voice flows from his continuous exploration of a vast range of musical styles. A natural musical polyglot, his classical training is complemented by his improvising prowess, allowing him to fluidly traverse the borders between genres.

Growing up in Australia as a jazz obsessive, he studied classical piano and contemporary music in New York (Manhattan School of Music). Later, he spent several years specialising in early music (harpsichord and fortepiano) in the Netherlands and, since then, has continued to evolve through the realms of improvisation and electronic music.

As a recitalist, his repertoire stretches from Byrd, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Brahms (often on historical instruments) to Ligeti, Adams and contemporary music. He works regularly with violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja and is also a core member of Vox Luminis. Other noteworthy collaborators include clarinettist Reto Bieri, Camerata Bern, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and Danish indie rock group Efterklang.

He has played at many important concert venues in Europe, including Wigmore Hall (London), the Philharmonie de Paris, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Berliner Konzerthaus, Bozar and Flagey (Brussels) and at the Bachfest Leipzig, as well as frequent engagements in the U.S.A., Australia and Japan.

His two solo albums on Alpha Classics push the boundaries of classical orthodoxy through their blend of innovative programming, timbral diversity and improvisation. Perpetuum, released in February 2023, features six keyboard instruments colouring a programme based around music in perpetual motion. Bells, his debut solo recording, was released in 2020 to widespread acclaim.

His third solo album, On Modes, will be released in March 2026 on Alpha Classics.