Elizabeth Dawson began her musical journey at the age of 9, being drawn to the trumpet’s bright sound and shiny bell. Growing up as the daughter of two music teachers, and frequently attending Sydney Symphony concerts, Elizabeth decided then and there that one day she would make it onto a professional orchestral stage.
In 2024, Elizabeth completed her Bachelor of Music in Performance with Honours at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, under the tutelage of Leanne Sullivan and David Elton. Elizabeth regularly performed as Principal Trumpet for the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Brass Ensembles. She was selected for international tours to Europe and China with the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra and Brass Septet in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, Elizabeth was awarded the Sydney University Dean’s List of Excellence in Academic Performance.
A highlight of her degree was winning the Brass Concerto Competition in 2024, leading to a performance of John Carmichael’s trumpet concerto with the Conservatorium Orchestra in 2025.
Elizabeth has frequently been a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO), performing as Principal Trumpet for their behemoth programs in 2024, consisting of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. She will continue performing with the AYO in 2025 in their Summer Season and International European Tour.
Elizabeth has played with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra having been selected for the ASO Fellowship in 2024 and has performed on natural trumpet with the Pinchgut Opera. She has also had wonderful opportunities to perform in masterclasses for Jeffrey Segal, Jeroen Berwaerts, Murray Grieg, and John Miller.
In 2025, Elizabeth begins an exciting first year at ANAM under the tutelage of Yoram Levy and David Elton.
When Elizabeth isn’t practising her long tones, she enjoys ‘paint-by-numbers’ kits, pottery, and keeping up to date with musicology on Gustav Mahler and his use of the trumpet.
FROM: NSW. Lands of the Eora people.
Photo by Pia Johnson