Willoughby resident and year 11 student at Wenona Girls’ School, Hayley Lau, emerged as the overall winner of the NSW Secondary Schools Concerto Competition.
Her performance of Paganini’s Sonata per la Grand Viola impressed the judges and the audience during the final held at Chatswood’s Concourse Concert Hall.
In addition to claiming the top prize, Hayley was also honoured with the orchestra’s award for the best musician in rehearsal. Ku-ring-gai Council Mayor, Jeff Pettett, presented her with the award receiving $5,000 and a Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra (KPO) concert engagement in 2024.
Sean Weatherley of Wollstonecraft, a student at Sydney Grammar School, was also among the finalists with his performance of Chasson’s Poeme Op 25 for Violin (Senior). He received $250 in vouchers and Musica Viva Concert Tickets.
The event, organised by the KPO for the 39th consecutive year, featured six individual finalists and a sensational duo. Accompanied by the KPO, these talented musicians showcased their skills to an enthusiastic audience.
The competition, open to secondary school students in NSW and the ACT, attracts numerous participants each year and has served as a launchpad for aspiring musicians to achieve national and international recognition.