Young Instrumentalist Prize

For over a decade, Queensland Symphony Orchestra's Young Instrumentalist Prize (YIP) has launched the performing dreams of many young musicians from across Queensland. It is an opportunity for exceptional Queensland secondary school instrumental students to audition for the opportunity to perform in the Young Instrumentalist Prize Finalists’ Recital held annually at the QSO Studio. Cash prizes and mentoring opportunities are available to each finalist, and an opportunity to play with the Orchestra in concert is available to the overall first place finalist.  

Students must be enrolled in a Queensland secondary school (Years 7 to 12), or home schooled in Queensland, in the year of the competition. Students must play an orchestral instrument (including saxophone but not including keyboard instruments) at a standard which is equivalent to AMEB Grade 8 or higher. Audition repertoire must be a movement or movements from a recognised concerto, or a work for solo instrument and orchestra, strictly between 8-10 minutes in duration. Please read the Young Instrumentalist Prize Application Guideline below for more detailed information about applicant eligibility requirements and the audition process. 

Brennan Keats Violin Loan Prize

One violinist will be offered a loan of an AE Smith 1961 Violin for one year. This instrument has been kindly donated to the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for use by an outstanding young violinist. The original donor, Brennan Keats OAM, entrusted the instrument to the National Instrument Bank created by Music Australia, and in 2020 ownership of the instrument was transferred to the Orchestra in its own right.