It was close to the end of high school when Po Goh realised that most things in life are dull when compared to making music. This unshakeable yearning (and an unsuccessful interview for medicine) compelled him to pursue music study at both Monash University and the University of Melbourne, where he received guidance from an array of tutors, including Dr Kristian Chong, Dr Aura Go, Len Vorster, Robert Chamberlain and Dr Kenji Fujimura.
At Monash University, Po received the Anna Chmiel Memorial Prize and Joan Earle Prize in two consecutive years and found what would be his third concerto opportunity with the Monash Academy Orchestra under the baton of Jessica Cottis. Po came first place in season one of 3MBS The Talent in 2019, which led to numerous performance opportunities around Melbourne.
An obsession for theatre brought him to the role of Musical Director for small theatre productions around Melbourne, most recently collaborating on a production of A Year with Frog and Toad with Beaumaris Theatre. In 2022, Po joined the Australian Contemporary Opera Company as a Young Artist Repetiteur, where he worked as both keyboardist in performances and repetiteur through the rehearsal process. Not limited to the pit however, he also found himself on stage originating the role of ex-virtuoso concert pianist Xiao-jun in La Mama Mobile's chamber opera The Gang of Five, written by Noel Fidge.
Outside of piano, Po spends time indoor bouldering, learning languages, and thinking about coffee, his next meal, and the meal after that.
Po is currently in his second year at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) under the tutelage of Timothy Young.
FROM: Melbourne, VIC. Kulin Nation
Po is supported by ANAM Syndicate donors Kim Low and Gina Fox
Photo by Pia Johnson