Dr Daniel Rojas is an award-winning composer specialising in the rich and vibrant Latin American aesthetic, as well as an acclaimed pianist specialising in Latin and tango music, and stunning improvisations at the keyboard.

Graduating with the University Medal and obtaining a doctorate in composition from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where he is on faculty as Associate Professor, Rojas’ accolades include the Fellowship of Australian Composers Award, Frank Albert Prize, and Miriam Hyde Memorial Award. A finalist in Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s 21st Century Young Composers program, he has received commissions from Prima La Musica Chamber Orchestra of Ghent (Belgium), The Metropolitan Orchestra, Kammer Ensemble, Omega Ensemble, percussionist Claire Edwardes, soprano Jane Sheldon, and pianist Zubin Kanga. Among his works, he has composed two piano concertos commissioned by Ars Musica Australis and performed by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, North Sydney Symphony, Sydney Youth and Sydney University Symphony Orchestras and most recently, a suite for piano and orchestra. As a performer, now widely recognised as Australia’s tango piano specialist, Rojas won second prize in the prestigious international 2021 Piazzolla Music Competition, and performs his own arrangements of iconic and popular Latin American songs alongside his own compositions, sharing with audiences the original spirit of each work as he plays it.

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STEPHEN CUTTRISS is one of Australia’s leading exponents of the mystifying and obtuse instrument, the bandoneón. Beginning its life in 19th century Germany, the bandoneón quickly became the quintessential instrument of Argentinian tango. However, its versatility is unmatched. Stephen brings to life the many moods and voices of the bandoneón - from traditional tango to Bach and beyond. And of course, the formidable music of Ástor Piazzolla! As a soloist, Stephen has performed and recorded with some of Australia’s most sensational classical music figures including the Nexas Quartet and pianist-composer Daniel Rojas. As co-founder and director, Stephen also performers regularly throughout Australia with the Mendoza Tango Quartet and the Melbourne Tango Orchestra. He has performed at numerous festivals across the country including the Orange Chamber Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, National Folk Festival, Lorne Festival of Performing Arts, MONA FOMA, Cygnet Folk Festival, Australasian World Music Expo, Queensland Music Festival and the Brisbane Festival.