Hayley Lau, a Year 11 violist from Wenona Girls' School, emerged as the winner of the 2023 NSW Secondary Schools Concerto Competition organized by the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to winning the competition, Lau also received the $500 KPO Player's award for her outstanding performance during rehearsals. As a result, she received a total prize of $5,000 and the opportunity to perform with the orchestra in 2024, showcasing her talent through Paganini's Sonata per la Grand Viola.

During the competition, each finalist and the winning duo performed their compositions accompanied by the Ku-ring-gai Orchestra, led by Artistic Director Paul Terracini. The performances were evaluated by a panel of judges, which included Robert Johnson, the former Principal horn of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Emily Sun, a renowned violinist who had previously been a finalist in the competition.

Among the other winners, Clara Molony from Fort Street High School received the $1,000 Barbara Cran Award for Junior runner-up for her exceptional rendition of Elgar's Cello Concerto. Teresa Yang, a violinist from Meriden Girls' High School, was awarded the $1,000 Barbara Robinson Award for Senior runner-up, showcasing her talent through Korngold's Violin Concerto.

Isabelle Teo (double bassist) and Nicole Wang (violinist) were recognized in the Duo section, winning $400 for their remarkable performance of Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante.

The remaining finalists, Sharon Zhao and Sean Weatherly from Meriden Girls' and Sydney Grammar respectively (both violinists), along with Titan Sclavenitis (horn player) from the Conservatorium High School, received $250 vouchers and concert tickets for Musica Viva Australia.

In an interview with Limelight, Hayley Lau expresses her future plans, the significance of Paganini's work to her, and her excitement about her victory in the competition.