Staff will nominate finalists and repertoire for a performance in a public audition in the Qpact rooms on January 18.
The winner will play with the orchestra during its ASB Classical Sparks outdoor concert in Hagley Park on February 5.
QVSS student Hiroo Fukuoka (19), of Whangarei, said he was excited about the opportunity.
"I've always wanted to try out solo with an orchestra. It'll be a good experience."
Student Lydia Harris (17), of Christchurch, said: "It's in front of a huge audience so it could be a bit nerve-racking."
In the meantime, resort residents and visitors will get the opportunity to hear some of the brightest young stars in classical music over the next 10 days.
Students aged between 13 and 25 will work with professional music teachers in daily lessons, masterclasses, concerts and Feldenkrais Method movement awareness classes.
They were chosen by audition and this year include youngsters from Dunedin, Oamaru, Invercargill, Gore, Christchurch, Nelson, Blenheim, Wellington, Cambridge, Hamilton, Auckland, Whangarei and Australia.
"What we're focusing on is presenting what we're doing to the community," artistic director and violinist Kevin Lefohn, of Christchurch, said.
"One of the ways we're doing that is having staff musicians present a chamber music concert for the first time during the summer school in St Peter's Church on January 20.
"Students have their final concerts on January 23 and 24 and they play evening concerts to develop their skills."
Classic music by Bach, Beethoven, Handel, Mozart and Lalo would be performed.
Dunedin violinist Annabel Drummond (14) was attending the summer school for her sixth year.
"It's a real privilege to train with international teachers . . . and it's good to see old friends as well."
Programme
Masterclasses: January 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23. 4.30pm to 6pm. St Peter's Church, 2 Church St, Queenstown.
Evening concerts: January 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 8pm to 9pm, St Peter's Church. Staff Chamber Music Concert: January 20, 8pm, St Peter's Church.
QVSS nominated student audition for solo performance with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra: January 18, 2pm, Qpact rooms, Ballarat St.
Showcase Concert: January 23, 8pm, Queenstown Memorial Hall.
Grand Finale Concert: January 24, 8pm, Memorial Hall.
