Isaac comes from a musical family: his mother is a pianist, and his sister, a violinist. He was given a cello at the age of six, and within a few months, playing it was his favourite thing to do. Isaac attended Sydney’s Conservatorium High School and then completed two years at the Sydney Conservatorium with Julian Smiles.
Since commencing at ANAM, his passion for chamber music has grown immensely. Isaac’s highlights include winning the 2022 ANAM Concerto Competition, resulting in a performance of Shostakovich Cello Concerto No.1 with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, Issac was awarded the Ursula Hoff Award for the Most Outstanding Chamber Music Performance and enjoyed performing the fourth movement of Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as part of their Ears Wide Open program.
In 2024, Isaac relocated to Perth to undertake a one-year position as Associate Principal Cello with West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO). During this period, Isaac also acted as Principal Cello for a variety of programs, including Beethoven Symphony No.9, Shostakovich Symphony No.12, Elgar Symphony No.2 and Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.
Isaac’s repertoire interests fluctuate regularly, but he remains loyal to Schumann and Brahms. Despite finding comfort in the 19th century, Isaac is always interested in diversifying. During the ANAM Chamber Music Festival in 2023 he performed George Crumb’s ‘Vox Balaenae’ which quickly became his favourite memory of the year.
Isaac returns to ANAM in 2025, undertaking third year under the tutelage of Howard Penny.
Outside of music, and under Perth’s influence, Isaac has become a beach lover and enjoys reading, keeping fit and playing chess.
FROM: NSW. Lands of the Gadigal people.
Photo by Pia Johnson