Flutist Louise Shen is one of three CSO 2025 Young Soloists! She will feature as a guest soloist at CSO & Rova Present: Festive Christmas on Saturday 13 December.

A student at Burnside High School, Louise 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 (SMP) at Burnside High, 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.

She was also appointed as a CSO Irelands Intern in 2025, proudly supported by Irelands Real Estate!

Join us in welcoming Louise to the stage in December.

Book tickets to CSO & Rova Present: Festive Christmas here.