05/27/2026
MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS! Today, say hello to violist Hayley Lau, who recently joined while subbing with the .
Hayley says, “Joining Local 802 allows me to connect with a community of musicians working together to protect equitable practices and maintain a sustainable, accessible profession.”
She adds, “I’m excited to join the union because it connects me with a community of musicians who also value collaboration, fairness, and the collective support that helps sustain our work and artistry. Unions give musicians a collective voice, safeguard fair treatment, and help create a more accessible and sustainable profession.”
Hayley is originally from Sydney, Australia. She is enjoying an emerging international career, performing across various solo, orchestral and chamber music settings. She’s collaborated with ensembles including the and regularly enjoys performing for community outreach projects. Festival highlights have included and , and she won an Australian Music Foundation Classical Award from the to support her professional development.
Hayley has performed at esteemed venues, including the Sydney Opera House, as well as Lincoln Center. In fact, she frequently performs as a substitute violist with the .
“Each time I’ve played with the New York Philharmonic has been incredibly special, and the raw, uncompromising nature of this suite made the performances of this especially meaningful to me,” Hayley says. “My favorite performance with the Phil was Manfred Honeck’s arrangement of Strauss’ ‘Elektra.’”
Hayley also continues to expand her performance career internationally. She currently studies with and Patinka Kopec in the Zukerman Performance Program at .
“Music is important to me because it lets me give to others, transforming shared space into something alive, emotional, and deeply connecting,” she says.
Welcome to the union, Hayley! Musicians can join Local 802 at local802afm.org/join (link in bio) and there is NO INITIATION FEE for students or those 21 and younger.
