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.
2024 Young Instrumentalist Prize Finalists
Daniel Hsieh, Marimba, age 16
Patrick Phillips, Cello, age 15
Eric Kim, Violin, age 16
Ellie Kyoung, Violin, age 14
Lisa Walsham, Clarinet, age 16
Gabin Won, Flute, age 15
Brennan Keats Violin Loan Recipient
Jasmine Eo, age 16
2024 YIP Finalists' Recital
Book tickets to the 2024 Young Instrumentalist Prize Finalists' Recital now.
"Winning the QSO’s Young Instrumentalist Prize was an unbelievable experience full of nervous anticipation and excitement.
-Ein Na, 2023 Young Instrumentalist Prize Winner
Performing in front of so many friends, family and professional musicians made the night truly unforgettable. It made me realise how special music is to me, and I believe the wonderful opportunity of playing solo with the QSO will be a cornerstone in my musical journey."
"Being awarded the Brennan Keats Violin Loan Prize helped me further explore the different colours which could be created through music. Not only did it provide me with a chance to play on this wonderful instrument, but it made me realise how much more potential my actual instrument had."
- Eric Kim, 2023 Brennan Keats Violin Loan Prize Recipient
#Previous First Prize Winners:
2023 Ein Na, violin
2022 Chantel Chen, marimba
2021 Andre Oberleuter, bassoon
2021 Anna Suzuki, violin