Violinist and 2026 Emerging Artist Benjamin Lam has spent the past 10 months being mentored by ACO Violin Aiko Goto. We spoke to both musicians about what they've learned from each other and why the ACO Emerging Artist (EA) Program continues to shape the next generation of Australian string musicians.
You have been an EA mentor for 21 years - what makes this program so rewarding, and something you keep coming back to?
Aiko Goto: After 21 years, what keeps me coming back is that I love, so much, seeing all the Emerging Artists grow and develop their skills. It’s truly rewarding to be part of their journey and to see them develop their own style and ideas. I’m also very proud of all our former Emerging Artists and what they have achieved in their careers, wherever they may be now.
Why does the EA Program have so much success in producing professional musicians?
AG: All the ACO musicians are deeply dedicated to their music and passionate about supporting the next generation of young musicians.
The Emerging Artist Program gives young musicians the opportunity to learn from experienced musicians and gain real experience. They receive guidance, support, and the chance to develop their skills and confidence. It also helps them understand what it takes to work as a professional musician.
Most importantly, the ACO musicians truly love and enjoy sharing the joy of making music with young musicians.
You have been an EA mentor for 21 years - what makes this program so rewarding, and something you keep coming back to?
Aiko Goto: After 21 years, what keeps me coming back is that I love, so much, seeing all the Emerging Artists grow and develop their skills. It’s truly rewarding to be part of their journey and to see them develop their own style and ideas. I’m also very proud of all our former Emerging Artists and what they have achieved in their careers, wherever they may be now.
Why does the EA Program have so much success in producing professional musicians?
AG: All the ACO musicians are deeply dedicated to their music and passionate about supporting the next generation of young musicians.
The Emerging Artist Program gives young musicians the opportunity to learn from experienced musicians and gain real experience. They receive guidance, support, and the chance to develop their skills and confidence. It also helps them understand what it takes to work as a professional musician.
Most importantly, the ACO musicians truly love and enjoy sharing the joy of making music with young musicians.
Being a mentor for the ACO Emerging Artist Program is a wonderful opportunity to share my experiences, helping the Emerging Artists as they grow as musicians.Aiko Goto
What does the Emerging Artist Program look like, for the Emerging Artist?
Ben Lam: We get to perform in three programs this year: two are with ACO Collective, and we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to perform a national tour with ACO, directed by Richard Tognetti. It’s truly an awesome experience performing in an ensemble who I have admired for so long. We each have a mentor – mine is Aiko Goto, who is very supportive and generous with her time and energy.
What were your first thoughts when you found out you would be mentored by Aiko?
BL: When I found out that I would be mentored by Aiko this year, I was over the moon! I first had the opportunity to meet and play for Aiko when I was in year 10 or 11 and it was such an exciting experience for me to have met someone from the ACO. But also it made me start to think about music as something I may want to pursue professionally. To have the opportunity to spend a year learning from and with Aiko, who made me excited to learn and play the violin when I first met her while I was still in high school, is something I am very grateful for.
What moment with Ben has been a highlight of your year together?
AG: I have had the pleasure of working with Ben through several lessons and performing together for two ACO projects so far: the ACO Collective Tour in May and the ACO’s From Winter’s Stillness tour in July. I am also looking forward to performing with him again at the Vasse Felix Sound & Sense Festival, the final project of this year’s ACO Collective.
Ben Lam: We get to perform in three programs this year: two are with ACO Collective, and we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to perform a national tour with ACO, directed by Richard Tognetti. It’s truly an awesome experience performing in an ensemble who I have admired for so long. We each have a mentor – mine is Aiko Goto, who is very supportive and generous with her time and energy.
What were your first thoughts when you found out you would be mentored by Aiko?
BL: When I found out that I would be mentored by Aiko this year, I was over the moon! I first had the opportunity to meet and play for Aiko when I was in year 10 or 11 and it was such an exciting experience for me to have met someone from the ACO. But also it made me start to think about music as something I may want to pursue professionally. To have the opportunity to spend a year learning from and with Aiko, who made me excited to learn and play the violin when I first met her while I was still in high school, is something I am very grateful for.
What moment with Ben has been a highlight of your year together?
AG: I have had the pleasure of working with Ben through several lessons and performing together for two ACO projects so far: the ACO Collective Tour in May and the ACO’s From Winter’s Stillness tour in July. I am also looking forward to performing with him again at the Vasse Felix Sound & Sense Festival, the final project of this year’s ACO Collective.
Every time I attended one of Ben’s concerts this year, I have felt so happy and proud to see how much he continues to grow as a violinist.Aiko Goto
I first met Ben when he was in high school. I gave a masterclass and private lesson arranged through his violin teacher. Even then, I was impressed by his concentration, understanding, and enthusiasm for learning. Since becoming an Emerging Artist, he has continued to work hard and create his own path. This September, he took another important step in his journey by moving to Salzburg to continue his studies.
What do you most admire about Aiko’s attitude towards music making?
BL: She is always taking inspiration from everything and everyone. Everything she does is treated with utmost professionalism and focus, and it is very inspiring to see.
What strengths do you see in Ben?
AG: Ben’s greatest strengths are his kindness, thoughtfulness, positive attitude, and determination to work hard. He never gives up on his goals. I am very proud to share this year with him, and I look forward to seeing how he continues to grow as a musician.
What lesson from Aiko will stay with you into your professional career?
BL: Aiko has taught me to always be open and curious about music – to never become complacent in the music making process.
What do you most admire about Aiko’s attitude towards music making?
BL: She is always taking inspiration from everything and everyone. Everything she does is treated with utmost professionalism and focus, and it is very inspiring to see.
What strengths do you see in Ben?
AG: Ben’s greatest strengths are his kindness, thoughtfulness, positive attitude, and determination to work hard. He never gives up on his goals. I am very proud to share this year with him, and I look forward to seeing how he continues to grow as a musician.
What lesson from Aiko will stay with you into your professional career?
BL: Aiko has taught me to always be open and curious about music – to never become complacent in the music making process.
