Young Instrumentalist Prize

Young Instrumentalist Prize

#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. All finalists receive a combination of cash prizes and complimentary tickets to select QSO concerts of their choosing. The first prize winner will also have the opportunity to perform with Queensland Symphony Orchestra in concert.

Applicants must be enrolled in a Queensland secondary school (Years 7 to 12), or home schooled in Queensland. Applicants must play an orchestral instrument (including saxophone but not including keyboard instruments) at a standard which is equivalent to AMEB Grade 8 or higher. This year, audition repertoire must be strictly 8-12 minutes of played music and be from a recognised concerto, or a work for solo instrument and orchestra. The Young Instrumentalist Prize is proudly supported by the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Brisbane and YFG Shopping Centres.

#Brennan Keats OAM 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.

#2025 Young Instrumentalist Prize

2025 applications are now closed and finalists have been selected. Thank you to all applicants. 

View 2025 Application Guidelines

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2025 Young Instrumentalist Prize
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#Questions?

Please contact QSO Connect, our Community and Education department
07 3833 5045 or edcom@qso.com.au

#Previous First Prize Winners:

2024 Eric Kim, violin

2023 Ein Na, violin

2022 Chantel Chen, marimba

2021 Andre Oberleuter, bassoon

2021 Anna Suzuki, violin

#Stay informed about QSO Connect activities and news


#Partners

Frazer Family Foundation

Frazer Family Foundation

The Birtles Family Foundation

The Birtles Family Foundation

Supporting Partner - YFG Shopping Centres

Supporting Partner - YFG Shopping Centres

Queensland Symphony Orchestra respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which the Orchestra works, plays, and creates music, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.