20-year-old percussionist Katrina Soares has been crowned the 2025 City of Joondalup Young Musician of the Year.

The grand final of the competition run by the Perth Symphony Orchestra, which was held at Prendiville Catholic College on October 12, showcased some of WA’s brightest emerging performers.

Katrina performed Blues for Gilbert, Suomineito and Asventuras on a mallet instrument, the vibraphone, captivating the audience and impressing the judges.

Her win earned her the $2500 first place prize and an opportunity to perform with the PSO in 2026.

Katrina, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Music at UWA, said her music journey began at just four years old, and she took up percussion in Year 8.

She said she could not wait to perform with the PSO.

“It’s definitely surreal. I don’

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