Oriana is thrilled to present our Emerging Composer in Residence for 2026, Sebastian Allen. 

Sebastian “Bas” Allen (they/them) is a young aspiring musician based in nipaluna/Hobart. Bas performs regularly as a singer and clarinettist with several choral, orchestral and chamber ensembles, including Allegri Ensemble, Gondwana Chorale, the National Youth Choir of Australia, the Secret Orchestral Society, SMC Chamber Players, St. Davids Cathedral Choir, and the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra. In 2025, Bas was a founding member and curator for Sonus Lux in their debut concerts ‘Resounding Light’ and has curated several programmes for the Tasmanian Student Music Collective in their 2024/25 performances.  

In their compositions, Bas strives to write music for the people they know and love, taking inspiration not only from the musician or ensemble’s favourite pieces to play or listen to, but also from their personality and Bas’ relationship to them. Bas’ music takes influence from minimalism and contemporary choral music from around Australia and the world, and has been performed by a range of musical organisations including Allegri Ensemble, the Hedberg Ensemble, the Secret Orchestral Society, and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.