Alumni Spotlight | Sola Hughes (Class of 2017)

Violinist | Australian World Orchestra Academy Player 2025

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of Canterbury alumni Sola Hughes, who has been selected as a 2025 Academy Player with the prestigious Australian World Orchestra (AWO).

Currently in her third year at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), Sola studies under the guidance of acclaimed violinists Adam Chalabi and Zoë Black.

She previously completed her Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where she studied with Michele Walsh and Natsuko Yoshimoto.

Reflecting on this exciting opportunity, Sola shared:

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to play with the Australian World Orchestra. I’m going to be absolutely star struck and I’m so excited to absorb as much knowledge as possible. I can’t wait to get into it and to hear and experience the sound. Also, Mahler 4 is my favourite Mahler Symphony!”

Sola’s musical journey has already included standout performances such as Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto with the Conservatorium orchestra, side-by-side collaborations with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and participation in chamber music festivals across Australia and internationally, including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival, and Musical Chairs in Montreal.

In 2021, her string trio took home the 4MBS Chamber Music Prize.

Known for her versatility and passion for chamber music, Sola continues to embrace new challenges and musical explorations.

We are incredibly proud of her achievements and can’t wait to see what’s next for her in the world of classical music.

Congratulations, Sola — your Canterbury community is cheering you on!