Sydney Secondary Schools Concerto Competition Winners named
-Overall winner was announced as Amily He of Allawah
Media Release-Sydney 09 July,2025
The Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra (KPO) is thrilled to announce the winners of Sunday’s final of the annual concerto competition, which featured an incredible array of young musical talent.
This 41st edition of the competition – which attracts more than 100 entries annually throughout NSW – took place at the Concourse Concert Auditorium in Chatswood and was attended by a sell-out house of family, friends and music fans.
MC was harpist and ABC Classic FM presenter Genevieve Lang, with adjudicators internationally recognised musicians, clarinettist and educator Deborah de Graaff and Timothy Kantor, the newly-appointed Senior Lecturer of violin at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Mirabelle Chen
Winner of the Dual Crescendo Award for Potential ($800) was 17yo oboist Mirabelle Chen, (Chatswood) – a year 11 student at Barker College.
Diana Kim pictured above
(Recipient of the 2025 Barbara Cran Award ($1000) was 13yo harpist Diana Kim, (Beecroft) – a year 8 student from Wahroonga Adventist School, competing in the Junior section.)
Amily He pictured above
After a thrilling concert, the overall winner was announced as Amily He of Allawah (pictured above) 16yo flautist and Year 11 student at the Conservatorium High School. She gave a flawless performance of the first and second movements from the Flute Concerto in D minor Op.69 by Molique. She won a cash prize of $5000 as well as an engagement to play with the orchestra in next year’s concert season.
Recipient of the 2025 Barbara Cran Award ($1000) was 13yo harpist Diana Kim, (Beecroft) – a year 8 student from Wahroonga Adventist School, competing in the Junior section.
Recipient of the 2025 Barbara Robinson Award ($1000) was 17yo violinist Jessica Ma, (North Sydney) – a Year 12 student from Abbotsleigh.
Winners of the Multiple Instrument Concerto Award were 16yo violinist Connie Liu (Ermington) with 14yo Symphony Shi, piano (Carlingford) – from Meriden School, winning $400 each.
Winner of the Dual Crescendo Award for Potential ($800) was 17yo oboist Mirabelle Chen, (Chatswood) – a year 11 student at Barker College.
Winner of the 2025 KPO Players’ Award ($500) for best work in rehearsal was 14yo trombonist Elijah Baker, (Woodcroft) – a year 9 student at the Conservatorium High School.
Other finalist was extraordinarily talented youngest competitor, 12yo Tong Wu, violin (Chiswick) – from Meriden School. All finalists also won a $250 cash prize and tickets to Musica Viva concerts.
KPO Conductor and Artistic Director Paul Terracini said it was inspiring to see so much young talent. “The future of music in Australia is in very good hands.”
Adjudicator Deborah De Graaff praised the poise, beauty, intonation and commitment to many hours of work of the performers. “You are all already winners because you love music.” She also acknowledged and thanked the support of parents and teachers. Fellow adjudicator Timothy Kantor said “the musicians’ depth of artistry was stunning – at any age.”
