17-year-old violinist Sharon Zhao is the victor of the Australian competition, following in the footsteps of violinists including Ray Chen, Richard Tognetti, and Emily Sun
The John Curro National Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, holding its final round on 12 October at the Old Museum in Queensland, Australia. The competition is named for the founder of the Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO), John Curro AM MBE, and is open to string soloists up to the age of 18.
This year’s winner is 17-year-old violinist Sharon Zhao from New South Wales, receiving AUD3,000. She performed Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No.2 in the final round. The other two finalists were 17-year-old cellists Clara Moloney and Vincent Zhu, also from New South Wales, who each received AUD1,200. All three finalists were accompanied by the Queensland Youth Symphony, conducted by QYO assistant conductor Zachary Miezio and QYO artistic director Simon Hewett.
Zhao is currently completing her high school studies on a full music scholarship and is the recipient of the Victor Cromack and Melba Alma Harris Scholarship as part of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Rising Stars program, where she studies with violinist Ole Bøhn. Zhao described the win as ‘an incredible honour’:
‘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.’
From the judging panel, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s principal double bassist Phoebe Russell praised all three finalists as ‘extraordinary musicians’, especially lauding Zhao’s performance:
‘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!’
This year’s jury comprised Russell, Elizabeth Morgan, Patrick Murphy, and Natsuko Yoshimoto. Previous violin winners of the competition include Ray Chen, Richard Tognetti, and Emily Sun.
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