Congratulations to Flutist Louise Shen who has been selected as a Christchurch Symphony Orchestra intern in 2025.
Louise, 15, began her studies in flute in 2017, after a year studying the recorder. In 2023, she passed her Grade 8 ABRSM flute exam with distinction and is now working towards her Diploma ABRSM. Louise also plays piccolo, alto flute, and piano, and is working towards her Diploma ABRSM for piano alongside flute.
She is in the Specialist Music Programme here at Burnside High School and plays in her school orchestra, Symphonic Band, and school chamber group.
Louise has performed extensively , including as Principal Flute and Piccolo in Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival, and with Toi Toi Opera and Cecilian Singers. For 2025, she has been selected to play with NZSSO and Canterbury Philharmonia.
Louise has received numerous awards over the years including first prize for 13/14 year olds in the Lyrical Flute International Championship 2023, and the Rachel Laurin Memorial Prize in the Lyrical Flute International Championship 2024. She also won the highest mark in the Christchurch School of Music May festival 2024.
Louise will receive lessons and coaching from CSO musicians as part of her Internship with CSO (sponsored by Irelands) and will perform with CSO at CSO & Rova Present: Matariki, 10 July, and at CSO & Rova Present: A Night at the Proms, 18 October.
We wish Louise well with all her performances this year and we looking forward to sharing her success again soon.
