Eleven-year-old piano prodigy wins Marlborough music prize

Eleven-year-old Felix Huang is this year’s winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Music Award

One of the youngest recipients of the award, Felix was nominated by his music teacher, Linda Lloyd, for his amazing skills on piano and violin.

At yesterday’s ceremony at Council Chambers, Mayor Nadine Taylor said Felix’s achievements at such a young age were quite extraordinary and it was clear he had a musical future ahead.

“You are obviously really talented but also work very very hard to achieve excellent results,” she said.

Mayor Taylor listed Felix’s recent successes which include passing his Grade 8 in violin (ABRSM) and piano through the Trinity College of Music. He achieved distinction in both instruments in the last three months of 2024. He also completed his Grade 7 theory at the same time.

“To put it simply you nailed it,” she said.

The violin examiner noted his confident and well-projected performance and said technical challenges were consistently well-handled.

Felix was a dedicated and talented student who was diligent at practising and enthusiastic about his craft Mayor Taylor said.

He participated in local music groups, was a member of the Marlborough Civic Orchestra, the Upbeat Orchestra and String Talk as well as performing regularly at TEMPO on both piano and violin.

The QEII award is a regional one for musicians aged 18 or under living in the Kaikōura and Marlborough districts. It provides financial help for recipients to continue their musical training.

The award was established in 1963 following a visit to New Zealand by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It was set up with contributions from local bodies throughout the region and today is administered by the Kaikōura and Marlborough District Councils.