Jonathan Wong – Joint Sieben-Scott Prize Award
Jonathan is 13 years old, attends Prince Alfred College and started playing the piano aged five. He studies piano with Monica Laczofy OAM and has been awarded the AMEB
Licentiate Diploma for his playing. He has won numerous 1st prizes and awards in Adelaide and International piano competitions, including the Ethel Cooper Scholarship in 2021 and 2022, plus MMCSA Scholarship prizes in 2024 and 2025. Jonathan has also been invited to perform for the S.A. Governor at Government House as well as performances by Recitals Australia since 2021 in lunch hour series on Radio 5MBS or 99.9 FM.
Mia Huang – Joint Sieben-Scott Prize Award
Mia is 15 years old and attends Pembroke School. She started playing piano at the age of four and has completed the AMEB Certificate of Performance with High Distinction. During this year, she’s been working towards her AMusA Diploma exam. In 2024, she was awarded a prize in the Singapore International Music Competition, and in 2025 was awarded a prize in the World Piano teachers’ Association Finland International Piano Competition. She has also received numerous prizes at Adelaide Eisteddfod, including First Prize for Junior Piano Recital in 2024. Mia performs frequently in concerts, competitions, and school ensembles.
Linghan Zhao – Special MMCSA Encouragement Prize
Linghan is 16 years old, attends Marryatville High School and studies piano with Dr Debra Andreacchio. He enjoys a broad repertoire of music but especially bright and vibrant pieces. In 2024, not only did he receive a High Distinction for his AMEB Certificate of Performance but also the Prize for the highest achievement in that grade. In 2025, Linghan completed his AMEB AMusA piano exam. Linghan has also been awarded prizes at Adelaide Eisteddfod Competitions and has performed at the Flinders Street Baptist Church for their “Tuesdays at Lunchtime” concert series.
Melanie Cavanagh – June Genders Award
Melanie is 17 years old and has been taking voice lessons since she was five years old. She is a member of the Elder Conservatorium Chorale and will tour with them to Sydney later in 2026. She is currently learning online with Jennifer Kneale, as well as studying with Stephanie Acraman at the Elder Conservatorium of Music. Her tertiary extension at the Con extend to German Language and Diction, as well as attending masterclasses. In 2025 while in year 11 at school Melanie completed her year 12 SACE Stage 2 subjects and received Subject Merits in both Solo and Ensemble Performance. She also competes regularly in the Balaklava and Adelaide Eisteddfods, and last year she was awarded the Ralph Hatcher Memorial Scholarship for Best Classical Vocalist.
Melanie loves being on stage, from performing pantomimes with the Busselton Repertory Club in WA, to the junior chorus of the Southwest Opera Company, playing “Flounder” in the Balaklava Community Arts’ production of The Little Mermaid and performs annually at the Balaklava Community Christmas Carols, and sings at the Classical Singer Sunday bi-monthly concerts. She attends masterclasses with State Opera South Australia, and loves composing in her free time. Melanie plans on studying Classical Performance and Music Education at Adelaide University in 2027.