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
Oboe
Gregory Pharo
2008
Rainer Gibbons
2000
Robert Orr
1992
Victoria Still
1989
Horn
Henry Close
2025
Henry Close
2024
Kate King
2023
William McNeil
2018
Emma Richards
2006
Philip Foster
1992
Nicola Averill
1987
Peter Sharman
1981
Melanie Harris
1979
Heather Clark
1977
Flute
Hugh Roberts
2012
Lucy Anderson
2010
Leah Channon
2010
Hannah Darroch
2009
Liam Mallett
2004
Kirsten Johnstone
2000
Kirsten Eade
1997
Julia Grenfell
1996
Simone Madden-Grey
1995
Bridget Douglas
1993
Karen Batten
1992
Catherine Bowie
1987
Alexa Still
1983
Marya Martin
1977
No previous winners yet
There are no previous winners to display.
Related programmes
National Youth Orchestra
Emerging Artists
