Flautist Amily He, 16, has won the 41st annual Secondary Schools Concerto Competition. Performing the first and second movements of Molique’s Flute Concerto in D minor, the Allawah teenager wins a cash prize of $5,000 and an engagement with the Ku-ring-Gai Philharmonic Orchestra in its 2026 concert season.

Amily is a year 11 student at the Conservatorium High School who began learning the fife at age six.

Amily He performing at the Secondary Schools Concerto Competition. Photo © Rez Bagheri

“The concerto competition was truly one of my most exhilarating experiences! It was my first time ever playing with an orchestra, and was so much fun getting to work with the orchestra and observe the rehearsal process – I’m really grateful for all the members… who worked really hard to give all the finalists the best performance opportunities possible,” said He.
“Performing with the orchestra was definitely an invaluable experience that taught me much about performing, and I think really helped me grow as a musician. I’m absolutely thrilled to have been selected as the winner for this year as the competition was super tough with all the finalists giving such...