12/10/2026
Next up in our introductions to the 2026 VOSE Memorial Concerto Competition finalists is violinist Siobhan Makinson, currently completing her Bachelor of Music at UWA under Riley Skevington.
Siobhan began playing violin at just five years old and has since performed with the Sydney and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras, toured internationally with the Australian Youth Orchestra, and appeared in some of Europe's most celebrated concert halls.
A recipient of several scholarships and prizes during her studies, Siobhan is passionate about orchestral performance, arts outreach and the power of music to bring people together.
We caught up with Siobhan ahead of Friday's performance.
➡ How did your musical journey begin, and where has it taken you so far?
🎶 I started playing the violin at five years old, having been exposed to classical music from a young age. I continued to play violin into my school years, and eventually picked up piano as well. I started studying at the Con in 2024 under Riley Skevington. I’ve since participated in some amazing projects, numerous AYO programs, performed across venues in Europe and have appeared with the Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras.
➡ What drew you to Korngold's Violin Concerto?
🎶 I was first introduced to the Korngold Violin Concerto when I was in youth orchestra, accompanying a soloist performing it. After this, it quickly made its way to my personal bucket list of pieces. To me, it is the epitome of everything that I love about the violin. It’s incredibly lush and Romantic, expressive and full of lyrical nuances. It has that old-school Hollywood sound world that is so full of character. It really is one of those pieces where I feel I can explore everything that the violin is capable of.
➡ What's been your favourite part of studying music at UWA?
🎶 My favourite thing about studying music at UWA is the people that I’ve met. I have met some of my closest friends through studying at the Con, and without a doubt, will take these friendships and connections well into my professional career.
➡ Is there a UWA performance that particularly stands out?
🎶 It’s hard to choose just one performance that I can call a favourite! If I were to choose, I’d say the 2024 Side-by-Side collaboration with WASO and Paul Rissman, where we played Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. This was my first real taste of working with a professional orchestra, and I’ve since discovered a passion for orchestral playing.
➡ Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
🎶 My dream dinner party guests would be Dimitri Shostakovich, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Stanley Tucci and Janine Jansen. A potentially destructive dinner party, but full of stimulating conversation!
➡ And finally, what might people be surprised to learn about you?
🎶 Outside of music, I enjoy solving puzzles, and I can’t go to bed without solving a sudoku first! I also used to be a competitive swimmer, but these days, swimming is just for leisure!
