The John Curro National Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition marked its 50th anniversary with a final round held on 12 October at the Old Museum in Queensland, Australia. Established in honor of John Curro AM MBE, the founder of the Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO), the annual competition invites string soloists aged 18 and under to compete.
This year, 17-year-old violinist Sharon Zhao from New South Wales emerged as the winner, securing a prize of AUD 3,000. Zhao captivated the judges and audience alike with her rendition of Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 during the final performance.
Joining her in the finals were two other 17-year-old cellists, Clara Moloney and Vincent Zhu, also representing New South Wales. Both finalists were awarded AUD 1,200. All three performed alongside the Queensland Youth Symphony, under the baton of Queensland Youth Orchestras’ assistant conductor Zachary Miezio and artistic director Simon Hewett.
Currently a full music scholarship recipient completing her high school studies, Zhao is also honored with the Victor Cromack and Melba Alma Harris Scholarship supported by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Rising Stars program, where she studies under violinist Ole Bøhn. Reflecting on her achievement, Zhao said, “I’m deeply grateful to Simon Hewett for his inspiring leadership, and to the entire QYO team for making this competition so meaningful. Sharing the experience with such talented fellow finalists was just as rewarding — I’ve formed real friendships and felt truly honoured to be among them. I’m also thankful to the audience and judges for their support and enthusiasm.”
The judging panel included Phoebe Russell, principal double bassist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, who praised the finalists for their exceptional musicianship, singling out Zhao for her outstanding performance. Russell commented, “Sharon was consistent across the entire performance. She demonstrated technical proficiency, musicianship and stage presence. Musically, she was moving really beautifully with the music, but she also constantly connected with the orchestra and the conductor. It was very impressive to see someone so young being able to connect like that!”
The jury for this year’s event also featured Elizabeth Morgan, Patrick Murphy, and Natsuko Yoshimoto. The competition boasts a prestigious history, with past violin winners including renowned artists such as Ray Chen, Richard Tognetti, and Emily Sun.
Source: The Strad
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
