This December, hear the Melbourne premiere performance of the newly formed ÆON – the Antipodean Ensemble of the New Age.
Founded in late 2023 by ANAM alumni Lily Higson-Spence (violin 2017), and Molly Collier-O’Boyle (viola 2020), the ensemble both embraces and challenges the traditional boundaries of classical music through innovative programming, accessible performances and a commitment to shared artistic leadership across the ensemble.
Lily returns to her homeland for this performance; since graduating from ANAM she has been based in Europe, where she attended the prestigious Hochschule für Musik ‘Hanns Eisler’ in Berlin, and performed as a freelance musician in countless ensembles including the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Camerata Salzburg. After several years performing as a guest musician, she now joins Switzerland’s premiere string chamber ensemble Camerata Bern as a permanent member from mid-2025 onward, replacing another ANAM alum Suyeon Kang.
Molly has been forging a vibrant career as an active freelance musician, equally adept in orchestral settings as well as a chamber music collaborator. In recent years she’s held several contract positions as Guest/Acting Principal roles on viola with the Melbourne, Adelaide and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras and Auckland Philharmonia, and has also appeared with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, and Australian Chamber Orchestra. Her debut solo project Elva with AYO’s Momentum Ensemble last year showcased 11 world premieres by Australian composers, and she is also a member of ANAM alumni trio Violets.
In their upcoming performance with ÆON, Lily and Molly have embraced a program inspired by Xenia – the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, a sacred tradition built on courtesy and generosity towards those far from home.
“As classical musicians at this moment in creative history, I feel it’s our responsibility to reconnect to the purpose of making and sharing music,” Lily explains. “For me, this means fostering a sense of belonging with our audiences and community, and creating concerts and events where we can all relate to the stories being shared, no matter our background.”
So, no matter where you’re from, or your experience with classical music, expect a warm embrace of works familiar and new, with works by Mendelssohn, Holst and more. Regular ANAM audiences will recognise familiar faces of several alumni in the ensemble for this lush, strings-only program.
Xenia
Presented by ÆON
Wednesday 3 December 2025, 7pm
Gertrude Glasshouse, 44 Glasshouse Road, Collingwood VIC
Tickets $38 | $33
For more information about ÆON's upcoming performances visit aeonorch.com
Words by Laura Panther, Alumni Manager
Photo credit: Isabella St John