Young Instrumentalist Prize

#Young Instrumentalist Prize

The Young Instrumentalist Prize has launched the performing dreams of many young musicians. It is an opportunity for exceptional Queensland secondary school students to audition for a panel of Queensland Symphony Orchestra musicians and artistic staff. Cash prizes and mentoring opportunities are available to each finalist, and an opportunity to work with the Orchestrais available to the winner.

Students must be enrolled in any Queensland secondary school (years 7 to 12), or home schooled, in the year of the competition (2022). 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, between 8-10 minutes in duration. Please read the Young Instrumentalist Prize 2022 Information document below for more detailed information about eligibility requirements and the audition process.

The Young Instrumentalist Prize is proudly supported by Brisbane Airport Corporation, CP Morris, and Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (ADFAS), Brisbane.

Applications for the 2023 Young Instrumentalist Prize Competition will open in October 2022.

#2022 Finalists

WINNER
Chantel Chen, marimba

EQUAL 2ND PRIZE
Leonardo Lynch, violin

Ivy Han, cello

FOURTH PRIZE AND 2022 VIOLIN LOAN AWARD
Sophia Jones, violin

FIFTH PRIZE
Nathan Kim, alto saxophone

SIXTH PRIZE
Haydn Li, viola

SEVENTH PRIZE
Sterling Hall, cello

"Performing as a finalist in QSO’s home studio reminds me why I love what I do. Being able to share my passion before an esteemed panel of judges and a huge audience allowed me to develop more confidence and maturity into my playing. I will remember that night for a long time.”
Andre Obereuter, 2021 Joint Winner

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#Curriculum link

Document

Young Instrumentalist Prize - Instrumental Music Levels 9 and 10

Each year, one violinist is offered a loan of an AE Smith 1961 Violin, 'Brennan Keats'. An additional string instrument loan may be offered. The AE Smith 1961 Violin, “Brennan Keats” has been kindly donated to the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for use by an outstanding young violinist. The original donor Brennan Keats 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.