Yanna Talpis

Musical & Artistic Director/Conductor

Yanna was trained in the Russian tradition of fine classical music. Born into a musical Moscow family, she was considered a child prodigy on piano at age five. At age 14 she was among just 21 Russian children to be awarded a scholarship to the famous Gnessin College (Russian Academy of Music) and was later awarded a Masters of Music (Piano Performance & Conducting).

Her career took Yanna to New Zealand where, from the mid 1990s, she taught and studied for more than 5 years. She began as a piano and vocal teacher in the music departments of several distinguished colleges, and was then appointed Assistant Conductor of the Kapiti Chamber Choir for which she also performed as a concert pianist. Continuing to offer her expertise on the piano, Yanna went on to work as a Repetiteur for the Opera Department of the Wellington Conservatorium of Music. She also undertook the roles of Tutor and Accompanist at the renowned International Conducting Summer School in Wellington. 

Yanna moved to Melbourne in 2000 and, in 2003, after intensive studies under the guidance of renowned conductor and distinguished orchestral statesman Professor John Hopkins OBE, she was the first woman to graduate from the University of Melbourne with a Master's degree in Orchestral Conducting. Professor Hopkins saw extraordinary talent in Yanna and encouraged her to form a professional group; it was this wonderful mentorship and encouragement that sowed the seeds for the GCSO.

Prior to her recent move to the Gold Coast, Yanna pursued her passion for conducting in Victoria. She was Conductor of the Southeastern Philharmonia and worked with the Mornington Peninsula Chorale and the Frankston Symphony Orchestra, Maroondah Singers (was awarded a John Williams Conducting Scholarship in 2003), the Melbourne Chamber Choir, the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Music Symphony Orchestra & Choir. Her impressive performance repertoire includes orchestral, oratorio and operatic works.

Yanna pursues her passion for conducting on a global level, frequently attending international master classes and festivals. In 2008 Yanna attended the Gergiev Festival in Rotterdam and the Klarafestival in Brussels. And she has recently been accepted to present at the International Academy of Advanced Conducting (IACC) After Ilia Musin to be held in New York in January 2009.

"The idea of starting the Gold Coast Symphony Orchestra began earlier last year, when I came to visit Gold Coast and I realised that there was musical talent and culture on the Gold Coast. Yet there was no professional Symphony Orchestra that the Gold Coast could call its own even though the Gold Coast was Australia's 6th largest city."

Together with a Melbourne doctor, Josef Goldbaum, Yanna decided to establish a professional  Gold Coast Orchestra, using local talent and giving local musicians the chance to perform in their home city.

"There is such a talent drain out of the Gold Coast. Classically Trained musicians and students usually have to leave the area and go interstate and overseas if they want jobs. Alternately they must obtain other day jobs."

With Dr Goldbaum as CEO, Yanna registered the name Gold Coast Symphony Orchestra and in July 2007 began holding auditions. Over 40 musicians were selected to perform in the first concert.  

The first concert' "the Christmas Concert" was a great success and signified the ‘birth of the orchestra'. Mayor Cr. Ron Clarke addressed the audience welcoming the Orchestra to the Coast.

The appreciative audience was very impressed with the standard of the Orchestra and the talent of its conductor. Many thought the concert was of international standard; and one of the best concerts held on the Gold Coast.

The second concert , The Valentines - "Love and Passion" brought together over 50 musicians. The quality of sound was outstanding; the performance again of world class standard.

"My vision is to form an orchestra with a group of professional, enthusiastic musicians who are passionate about their music.

In a friendly and positive environment, we will create our own unique style by developing balance, musicality and precision of interpretation, to produce an orchestral performance that is appreciated by its members and audiences alike.

Eventually I hope to build the GCSO into an orchestra of international standing; one that is capable of astounding and inspiring."