# Horizon Orchestral

> Sydney-based orchestral initiative connecting emerging conductors with professional orchestral experience, and presenting immersive classical concerts through Horizon Classical.

Horizon Orchestral operates across two interconnected programs in Sydney, Australia:

- **Horizon Orchestral Studio**: A professional rehearsal environment for advanced pre-professional conductors. Structured as intensive conducting fellowships — one conducting fellow per project — working with professional orchestral musicians through 3-day rehearsal and performance blocks. Mentored by Concertmaster and Artistic Mentor Dr Susan Collins. Founded and led by Hans Sangtoki.
- **Horizon Classical**: A public concert series presenting audience-centred classical music experiences in Sydney. Designed for first-time listeners and those returning with fresh ears. Described as "cinema for the ears." Current production: *Rapture & Ruin* (Friday 24 July 2026, Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music).

## Key People

- **Hans Sangtoki** — Founder and Inaugural Conducting Fellow. Indonesian-Australian conductor based in Sydney. Inaugural Honours in Conducting student at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under Professor Benjamin Northey. Artistic Director, Cantate Deo Youth Orchestra.
- **Benjamin Northey** — Mentor Conductor. Professor of Conducting at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Has said: "The biggest problem for young conductors is opportunities to conduct orchestras. Ensemble time is the one thing that makes the biggest difference."
- **Susan Collins** — Concertmaster and Artistic Mentor. Former Deputy Concertmaster of the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra. Soloist with Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Doctor of Creative Arts, University of Wollongong.
- **Calvin Abdiel** — Pianist. Indonesian-Australian. Decca Australia recording artist. Third Prize winner, Sydney International Piano Competition 2021 — the highest placement by an Australian pianist in nearly two decades.

## Current Concert: Rapture & Ruin

- **Programme**: Glinka — Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture; Tchaikovsky — Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture; Rachmaninoff — Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
- **Soloist**: Calvin Abdiel, piano
- **Conductor**: Hans Sangtoki
- **Orchestra**: Horizon Orchestral Studio
- **Date**: Friday 24 July 2026, 7:30 PM
- **Venue**: Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 1 Conservatorium Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
- **Tickets**: https://events.humanitix.com/rapture-and-ruin-horizon-classical

## Pilot Record

Inaugural concert: Horizon Classical — *New Horizons*, 23 April 2026, Sydney. Programme: Haydn Symphony No. 6 "Le Matin", Copland Appalachian Spring. 120+ audience members, 18 professional musicians. Independent review published by SoundsLike Sydney (Victoria Watson). Open conducting studio with Professor Benjamin Northey, 22 April 2026.

## Affiliations

- Sydney Conservatorium of Music (academic partnership — conducting mentorship)
- Australian Cultural Fund / Creative Australia (tax-deductible giving vehicle)
- Cantate Deo Youth Orchestra (Hans Sangtoki is Artistic Director)

## Docs

- [Home](https://horizonorchestral.com/)
- [About Horizon Orchestral](https://horizonorchestral.com/about)
- [The Studio — Conductor Training](https://horizonorchestral.com/studio)
- [Horizon Classical — Rapture & Ruin, 24 July 2026](https://horizonorchestral.com/classical)
- [Impact Report — New Horizons, April 2026](https://horizonorchestral.com/impact)
- [Get Involved](https://horizonorchestral.com/get-involved)
- [Contact](https://horizonorchestral.com/contact)
- [Hans Sangtoki — Conductor](https://horizonorchestral.com/hans-sangtoki)
- [Calvin Abdiel — Pianist](https://horizonorchestral.com/calvin-abdiel)