The talented musicians who moved to major cities in pursuit of a professional career will be showcased in a concert ranging from Bach to Jazz.

In hopes of inspiring other young, local musicians to further pursue their talents, the musicians will also perform at Eden Marine High School on Friday, February 7 at 11.30am to which all local schools have been invited.

SEMC public officer Gina Lennox said they wanted families, friends and the local community to be inspired by the musicians’ achievements.

“To achieve such a high standard of music with very few teachers around the local area means the musicians to be where they are had to show determination to their music,” Ms Lennox said.

“They have had to go away to the big smoke to be where they are now and we wanted to bring them back to play together so they had the opportunity to show everyone how much they had achieved.

“Secondly we wanted to do this so they have the opportunity to establish bonds with one another, which they can use in future and lastly to inspire other young people that this is possible even with the difficulties of nearby music teachers,” she said.

Returning musician Jack Hobbs plays the cello and said he is excited for the concert and it is always a pleasure to come back to the valley from Canberra.

“I think the musical resources are certainly less and further apart in regional areas…my parents did a lot of running around for my music,” he said.

“Being from a small town however, in many ways I had a lot of playing opportunities.

“I spent four years studying a Bachelor of Music at ANU and I spent this year teaching and playing at interesting gigs.

“I’ve decided to continue my studies in New Zealand where I’ll do a yearlong course with the String Quartet.”

Mr Hobbs sister Eleanor Hobbs is 22-years-old and said it is a great opportunity to come back to Bega to perform.

“There weren’t many music programs or a regional conservatorium to go to when I was there, but a small group of us loved playing classical music and it was great to have them around me, especially my brother,” she said.

“I guess I’m thinking about a teaching career.”

Musicians returning for the concert include Eleanor Hobbs on flute, Jack Hobbs on cello, Naomi Lennox on clarinet, Sam McMahon on guitar, didgeridoo and percussion, Sarah Pettigrove on oboe, Oisin Smith-Coburn on tenor saxophone, Mishi Stern on violin, Thea Turnbull on viola, Amy Turnbull on piano and violin, Caleb Wearne on double bass and percussion and Tim Willis on violin and viola. They will be joined by Lucus Allerton on classical piano, Kade Brown on jazz piano and Georgi Hargraves on oboe.

The projects have been given a helping hand by funding from the federal and state Governments and the Country Arts Support Program.

For more information about the Coming Home concerts and workshop and tickets visit Magpie Music, Bega.