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.

Award eligibility

 You are eligible to apply for a 2024 Alex Lindsay Award if:

• You are a New Zealand Citizen or resident

• You play an orchestral instrument

• You are under 25 years of age as of 30 September 2024.

Entry process

Applications open on 01 June 2024 and close on 31 July 2024.

Contact us

For further information about the Alex Lindsay Award, please get in touch with the Education team: alex.lindsay.award@gmail.com.

Michael Monaghan Award

Michael Monaghan was a first violinist in the NZSO who recognised the need to provide performance opportunities for young musicians. Michael passed away in 1996 and later that year the Michael Monaghan Foundation (MMYMF) was formed in his memory.

Led by Peter van Drimmelen (NZSO violist 1987-2014) the MMYMF encouraged young talented musicians in the Wellington region to audition for an opportunity to play as a soloist with a professional orchestra made up of volunteers from the NZSO and Wellington Orchestra. Peter van Drimmelen, Peter Walls and Ken Young conducted these concerts.

This opportunity was given to over 100 teenagers over 14 years of MMYMF concerts. The last concert was in 2009 and in 2015 it was decided that the remaining funds were to be transferred to the Alex Lindsay Award, administered by NZSO players. From 2016 the Michael Monaghan Award has been granted to a promising orchestral instrumentalist to assist them to undertake further study.   

Giese Flute Grant

An annual grant for a promising young NZ flutist, in memory of former NZSO Principal Flute, Richard Giese, was founded in 2015. The Giese Flute Grant is administered by the Alex Lindsay Award Trustees, all current NZSO players.