From Peak Hill to Carnegie Hall: Anabelle Van Wyk is going places

At just 14-years-old, local saxophonist Anabelle Van Wyk has already amassed an impressive collection of achievements, but in July she will fulfill many a musician's dream when she plays Carnegie Hall, New York.

“Not too long ago I found out I was the winner in the Intermediate category (13-15 years) of the ‘Golden Classical Music Awards’,” said an excited Anabelle, who plays at an Australian Music Board Examination Grade 7 level.

The ‘Golden Classical Music Awards’ purpose is to discover artists of outstanding personality and launch them on the international stage. Anabelle was among musicians from 33 countries to enter the awards in 2022. This July she will join other winners in a recital at New York City’s famous Carnegie Hall, considered the most prestigious concert stage in the United States.

Carnegie Hall is a long way from where the Kinross Wolaroi student first began her performing career; busking on the streets of Peak Hill!

“In Peak Hill, near where we lived, there was this competition, the Australian National Busking Championships. Mum was like, you should enter, and I did,” said Anabelle, who was 9-years-old at the time. 

“I didn't even have a mic or a speaker or anything! So I was just standing there singing and playing at nine!”

In 2020, Anabelle was named the Australian Busking Championships Junior Champion, and she has even earned enough change to buy her very own microphone and portable speaker.

“It is really fun just playing on the street,” said Anabelle, who enjoys busking in and out of competitions.

“You are not getting marked on it — usually. So you don't have to play it perfectly, it is just fun!” 

Following the win in the Busking Championships, Anabelle was offered a scholarship to join the Sydney Youth Orchestras Symphonic Wind Orchestra.

“It’s really good and there are a lot of good players with different skills and it is good to play with other woodwind players,” said Anabelle, who has been asked to remain with the orchestra for 2022.

Her success has not come about without a lot of hard work, but Anabelle is keen to encourage other young musicians in rural areas to follow their dreams.

“Keep playing and looking for opportunities and eventually you'll find them,” she said.