FOUR outstanding Year 12 musicians from Coffs Harbour schools will perform at the sold-out matinee concert for Bravissimo 2026, “Long Way to the Top”.
They will take to the Glasshouse Theatre stage in Port Macquarie on Tuesday, 17 February, in the prestigious regional HSC concert, having been selected from the best Year 12 music performers.
The Coffs Harbour musicians will join 15 other performers from Tamworth, Armidale, Casino, Goonellabah, Gloucester, Tuncurry, Maclean, Wingham and Taree.
The Bravissimo Concert began as an annual event in 2012 and quickly became established as the premier HSC music showcase on the Mid North Coast.
In 2026, over 68 students received a Bravissimo nomination, a 30 per cent increase for the second consecutive year.
This reflects the growing standard of musical achievement across the region and includes two new participating schools, Summerland Christian College and Maclean High School.
“Not only is the standard of musical performance exceptionally high, but the diversity of styles and genres is equally impressive,” Bravissimo Concert Founder Leanne Johnson said.
Performers draw on a wide range of composers and artists, from Poulenc and Hindson to Chick Corea, Van Halen, Tool and performers’ own compositions.
Makayla Beatty, from St John Paul College, achieved Band 6 in the HSC as a singer.
She is excited to pursue musical theatre at university.
In 2025, as well as finishing Year 12, she represented Australia in the Music Theatre International (MTI) Junior Aussie All Stars program, training in New York with industry professionals, and competed at the Atlanta Junior Theatre Festival.
Jet Puata, an electric guitarist from John Paul College, achieved an Encore nomination for his performance in the HSC.
He is “so excited” to perform at the Glasshouse.
Noah Yardley, bass guitarist from Coffs Harbour Christian Community School, is also an Encore nominee.
Noah achieved 98.6 out of 100 in the Music 1 HSC course.
As well as performing at the Glasshouse for Bravissimo, he will join the Encore concert at the Sydney Opera House.
Camble Scott, a clarinet player at Bishop Druitt College, achieved 50 out of 50 in his HSC Music 2 Extension course, performing a highly technically demanding repertoire with agility and outstanding expression.
Daisy Sully, an electric guitarist at Coffs Harbour Senior College (HSC Band 6), was nominated for Bravissimo 2026 but is unfortunately unavailable to perform as she is heading to university.
By Andrea FERRARI
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