ABC

Young violinist Chloe Chua in a black and white gown performing in front of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in Sydney.

Child prodigies speak about the importance of just being kids

The story of Australian child prodigy Geoffrey Tozer follows a familiar arc.

In the 60s and 70s, Tozer seemed set to be one of Australia's biggest international success stories. By age 16, Tozer had performed on some of the world's most famous stages and met the who's who of classical music.

But away from the piano, Tozer seemed to lack any other skills. In later life, he dealt with alcohol addiction, dying in penury in 2009.

Tozer described his experience of being a child prodigy like "an old man with no future. I wouldn't wish it on anybody."

But unlike Tozer, many prodigies have gone on to have happier lives and successful music careers as they've grown up, including Australian pianists Andrea Lam and Grace Kim.

They speak about their experiences navigating the label of child prodigy and how to support the next generation in their musical journeys.

Chloe Chua on violin and Pei-Sian Ng on cello perform on a concert stage at the front of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Watch Australian classical concerts on ABC iview

Front Row with Megan Burslem presents concerts from around Australia, including Singapore Symphony Orchestra's Australian debut featuring teen violin sensation Chloe Chua, cellist Abel Selaocoe with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Simone Young conducting Elgar and Vaughan Williams and more.

Front Row with Megan Burslem

Black and white photo of Eric Whitacre resting his chin on his hand, looking straight at the camera

Eric Whitacre's unexpected journey into the world of choirs

Vanessa Hughes speaks with choral composer and conductor Eric Whitacre about his unexpected journey into the world of choirs, sparked by a reluctant teenage encounter with Mozart that ultimately transformed him into a self-proclaimed choir obsessive.

Classic Drive

Classic 100 in Concert Simon Tedeschi and Andrea Lam stand in front of an orchestra and hold hands with their arms raised.

Watch the Classic 100 in Concert

The Classic 100 in Concert returns to celebrate Australia's favourite piano pieces, performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Led by Benjamin Northey and a stellar line-up of guests including Andrea Lam from ABC's The Piano.

Watch now

Raphaela Gromes leans against a white wall with an arm around her cello. She wears a white top and gold trousers.

Cellist Raphaela Gromes

Raphaela Gromes is a stand-out in her generation of talented cellists. Next month, she makes her Australian debut with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Mairi Nicolson speaks with Gromes about her career, work recording music by women from Hildegard von Bingen to Billie Eilish, and her long connection to the Dvořák Cello Concerto.

Legends

Memories of Tomorrow: The New Köln Concert

Hear a unique take on Keith Jarrett’s famous 1975 Köln Concert recording, in this performance by the German WDR Radio Orchestra as a suite for solo piano, jazz quartet, and orchestra.