Copland’s concerto proves the perfect choice for the 24-year-old Brisbane-born clarinettist.

Brisbane-born clarinettist Lloyd Van’t Hoff has won the Grand Final of the 2015 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards with what has been described as a stunning performance of Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto. Former QSO Chief Conductor Johannes Fritzsch conducted the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra throughout the finals at Federation Concert Hall in Hobart on Saturday night.

“I’m sincerely humbled to be considered for this incredibly significant accolade within Australia’s classical music landscape, and even more delighted to be named the winner of this year’s ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards,” said Van’t Hoff following the announcement. “I’m really looking forward to what this might mean for my journey into the future and would like to extend my gratitude to the ABC and Symphony Australia for providing this fantastic opportunity to many young Australian musicians.”

Among the prizes in what is the competition’s 71st year, the winner receives $25,000 cash as well as opportunities to perform with one of the Australian state Symphony Orchestras, media training, a photo shoot and a feature interview in Limelight magazine. The Copland...