Tom Protat

Described as one of Australia's most promising emerging artists', Tom is a French/Australian Violist based in Melbourne, currently completing his Bachelor of music at the Melbourne Conservatory after finishing 6 years of studies at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Tom has played violin since he was 4 and picked up the viola when he was 11. He has an extensive performance portfolio in chamber music, solo and orchestral music, including: AYO programs such as National Music Camp, Young Symphonists and the Flagship orchestra Seasons, MYO programs and side by side projects with the MSO, along with performances at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Tom had also performed with the MCO as a guest artist in 2023 (Art of the Symphony) and 2025 (Fantasia.) and has made numerous appearances on 3mbs radio with several chamber music ensembles and on ABC classic with the AYO . Aside from studying at the Conservatory, Tom regularly performs around Melbourne as a freelance musician.

Tom has won multiple awards such as: 1st place at the Music Society of Victoria’s chamber music competition in 2023 and 2024 with a string quartet and string sextet respectively, and 1st place at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School Annual Chamber music competition in 2024 with his string sextet and 1st place in 2025 with his Vocal Nonet. Tom has also been awarded the John Hopkins Music award at VCASS in 2025 as well as the Robert Stolz Viennese Music Scholarship in 2024 and the Cate David Award for Excellence at Border Music Camp in 2022.