The National Young Virtuoso Award is a flagship initiative of the Music Broadcasting Society’s community radio stations across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and South Australia. This program reflects 2MBS Fine Music Sydney’s ongoing commitment to nurturing live music and supporting emerging musicians within the Sydney community.
The 2MBS Young Virtuoso Award finals were held on Saturday 27 September 2025. 15-year-old trombonist Elijah Baker of Woodcroft, NSW, is the 2025 2MBS Young Virtuoso Award winner. Elijah will represent New South Wales at the Fine Music Network National Young Virtuoso Award Finals, to be held at St John’s Anglican Church, Halifax Street, Adelaide, on Sunday 23 November.
A Year 9 student at the Sydney Conservatorium High School, Elijah has already distinguished himself nationally and internationally. In July, he was invited to perform in the finals of the ITA Gilberto Gagliardi Competition at the International Trombone Festival in Canada. His 2025 accolades include the KPO Players’ Award, multiple Sydney Eisteddfod titles, and First Prize in the Lane Cove Community Bands Young Soloists’ Competition. Elijah is also the Australian National Junior Tenor Trombone Champion (2023–2025) and 2023 Junior Brass “Champion of Champions.”
The overall winner of the National Young Virtuoso Award is selected from the state-level winners. The overall winner of the National Young Virtuoso Award is selected from the state-level winners.
There is one YVA winner from each state: 2MBS (Sydney), 3MBS (Melbourne), 4MBS (Brisbane), 5MBS (Adelaide) and ArtSound Canberra
The judges select one National winner. This year, it will be held in Adelaide on Sunday 23 November 2025 at St John’s Anglican Church Halifax Street.
The National Young Virtuoso Award is a prestigious recognition given to exceptionally talented classical instrumentalists under the age of 25 years and classical singers under the age of 30 who demonstrate outstanding skills and artistry in their performance.
Please note that 2025 Young Virtuoso Award State Finals will be held on Saturday 27 September 2025 at the 2MBS Fine Music Sydney Studios. See below to register for the 2025 2MBS Young Virtuoso Award.
The winner of each participating state will attend the National Fine Music Network Young Virtuoso Award Finals which will be held on Sunday 23 November 2025 at St John’s Anglican Church Halifax Street, Adelaide.
For over thirty-five years, the Young Virtuoso Award has celebrated emerging classical talents, offering invaluable career opportunities and substantial prizes.
Winners also enjoy a performance with the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and a representation in the National Fine Music Network.
Prizes
- $3,000 for the winner
- $1,000 for the runner-up
- $500 Adjudicator Encouragement Award.
- A performance opportunity with the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
- The NSW YVA winner will represent 2MBS in the National Fine Music Award.
Award Partners
- Family Frank Foundation
- North Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Eligibility
We invite applications from classical instrumentalists under the age of 25 years and classical singers under the age of 30.
Applicants must be Australian citizens, with a principal residence in Sydney and its environs.
Please note, applicants must be available to participate in the Young Virtuoso Awards state finals on Saturday 27 September 2025.
Applicants must also be available to attend the National Fine Music Network Young Virtuoso Award Finals which will be held on Sunday 23 November 2025 in Adelaide.
Instrumentation
Flute, Piccolo, Oboe, Cor Anglais, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Contrabassoon, Saxophone,
French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Percussion
Piano
Harp
Guitar
Voice (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone)
Application Process
$50 application fee.
Applicants must submit up to a maximum 10-minute audition video* by 5pm on Monday 1 September 2025 using the online submission form. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
The audition video must be one continuous recording of the applicant performing their selected music piece, without any form of editing or other manipulation applied.
*Applicants must provide a link to an un-edited video, maximum of 10 minutes, of their audition performance (participants can upload your video to Google Drive, YouTube or Vimeo, and then provide a link).
Adjudicators
Our prestigious adjudicators or “judges” will listen and evaluate performances and provide feedback based on the criteria for the performance. The criteria may include stage presence, accuracy, musical proficiency, interpretation, and other musical technicalities.
Find out more about the adjudicators:
To find out more about past Youth Virtuoso Award Recipients and Finalists, click HERE