Alex Lindsay Award
The Alex Lindsay Award was founded in memory of former New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Alex Lindsay, who died in 1974
Administered by current players of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the award aims to support young musicians who are studying and wish to pursue an orchestral career. Since its inception in 1975, the award has granted more than $200,000 to young New Zealand musicians.
Please note the Giese Flute Grant and Michael Monaghan Award are also administered by the trustees of the Alex Lindsay Award.
Application dates: 01 Jun 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
Application
For further information, please contact the Alex Lindsay Awards Trust at
alex.lindsay.award@gmail.com
Your application must include:
- A completed budget of proposed expenses ([download the budget template])
- An unaccompanied audio recording of a concerto exposition
- Audio recordings of orchestral excerpts for your instrument
- A list detailing the name, duration and order of your recordings
- Two references, written within the last 12 months
- A CV outlining your future study plans and long-term career goals
- Proof of citizenship or permanent residency, if born outside New Zealand
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or resident
- Applicants must play an orchestra instrument
- Applicants must be 25 years of age or younger as of 30 September 2025.
Applying for the Giese Flute Grant instead? No audition recording is needed, just a written application covering your short and long-term musical goals and how you intend to use the grant.
Downloads
Bass Trombone
PDF (0.83mb) | May 2024
Bassoon
PDF (1.78mb) | May 2024
Cello
PDF (1.89mb) | May 2024
Clarinet
PDF (1.56mb) | May 2024
Double Bass
PDF (0.75mb) | May 2024
Flute
PDF (0.82mb) | May 2024
Harp
PDF (3.5mb) | May 2024
Horn
PDF (1.25mb) | May 2024
Oboe
PDF (0.77mb) | May 2024
Percussion
PDF (5.74mb) | May 2024
Saxophone
PDF (0.64mb) | May 2024
Trombone
PDF (1.13mb) | May 2024
Trumpet
PDF (1.23mb) | May 2024
Tuba
PDF (0.99mb) | May 2024
Viola
PDF (2.53mb) | May 2024
Violin
PDF (1mb) | May 2024
About Alex Lindsay
Alex Lindsay MBE was Concertmaster of the NZSO until his sudden death in 1974.
A violinist trained at London's Royal College of Music, he held principal positions with the London Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestras before returning to lead New Zealand's National Orchestra.
He was known for championing young musicians on the threshold of a professional career, a legacy this award continues.
Award trustees
Vesa-Matti Leppänen
First Violin
,
Concertmaster
Simeon Broom
Second Violin
Belinda Veitch
Viola
Bridget Douglas
Flute
,
Section Principal
Mark Carter
Trumpet
,
Sub-Principal
Matthew Allison
Trombone
,
Associate Principal
Previous winners
Tuba
Jonathon Baker
1992
Trumpet
Nina Noble
2024
Lewis Grey
2022
Toby Pringle
2019
Daniel Kirgan
2012
Bede Williams
2005
Bede Williams
2002
Benjamin Cooper
1996
Vance Woolf
1993
David Armstrong
1984
Grant Cooper
1977
Trombone
Natania Ngawhau
2025
Sarah Rathbun
2024
Julian Kirgan
2013
Mark Davey
2011
Mark Davey
2010
No previous winners yet
There are no previous winners to display.
Related programmes
National Youth Orchestra
Emerging Artists
