Young Instrumentalist Prize

#Young Instrumentalist Prize

For over 25 years, 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 chance 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. 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 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.

#2026 Young Instrumentalist Prize

The 2026 Young Instrumentalist Prize Finalists’ Recital was a memorable evening celebrating the extraordinary talent of young musicians from across Queensland. Held at the QSO Studio, the recital showcased performances of an exceptionally high standard, reflecting the dedication, artistry, and musical excellence of all finalists.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the support of YFG Shopping Centres, whose ongoing sponsorship helps make the Young Instrumentalist Prize possible and supports the development of emerging young artists.

1st Place
Kexin Li | Violin
Lalo Symphonie espagnole in D minor, Op.21, Movement 1
St Peters Lutheran College

2nd Place
Ellie Kyoung | Violin
Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.1 in D Major, Op.19, Movement 1
Brisbane State School

3rd Place
Honoka Hidai | Bassoon
Weber Andante e rondo ungarese, Op.35
Ferny Grove State School

4th Place
Iroha Matsui | Viola
Bruch Romanze in F major for Viola and Orchestra, Op.85
Cairns State High School

5th Place
Louis Cheung | Trombone
Rimsky-Korsakov Trombone Concerto
Mansfield State High School

6th Place
Liam Beak | Violin
Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No.3 in B minor, Op.61, Movement 1
Brisbane Boys' College

7th Place
Nicholas Shi | Cello
Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op.22, Theme and Variations 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
St Peters Lutheran College

The following applicants were highly commended:
Natalie Austin (Clarinet)
Oscar Borrego-Losada (Violin)
Cade Brown (Marimba)
Yuna Cho (Flute)
Hunter Luostarinen (Flute)
Alessandro Martinese (Violin)

Queensland Symphony Orchestra also acknowledges the outstanding contribution of the recital accompanists, Mia Huang, Reuben Tsang, Gloria Shin, Carmen Pierce, and Mizusa Wang, along with the teachers and mentors who supported the finalists throughout their preparation. Their guidance and artistry played an integral role in the success of each performance.

Special thanks to Eliza Scott for hosting the evening, and to adjudicators Matthew Wood, Jason Redman, Katie Betts, and Evan Lewis for their expertise and support of the next generation of Queensland musicians.

QSO looks forward to continuing the success of the Young Instrumentalist Prize in 2027.