2026/27 Concerto Competition
Presented in partnership with Classical WNIU
The annual RSYO Concerto Competition is open to talented young musicians up to 18 years of age. The top three finalists receive cash prizes, and the 1st prize winner will be the featured soloist with the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra during its spring performance on Sunday, May 2, 2027. The performance will be recorded for broadcast on Classical WNIU.
Competition Guidelines
- Entries will be accepted in: Piano, Strings, Voice, Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion.
- The competition piece, for the purpose of the audition, should not exceed 10 minutes (excerpts acceptable) and must be appropriate to perform with a youth orchestra, such as a movement from a concerto, or an aria for voice.
- The RSYO reserves the right to determine suitability and may contact the applicant if their piece is deemed unsuitable for any reason. The final performance piece may be up to 15 minutes.
- The competition piece need not be memorized.
- The applicant is responsible for obtaining their own accompanist.
- The applicant must bring three copies of their music for the judges.
- An entry fee of $50 is payable online.
- Deadline to apply: November 1, 2026 (Competition is limited to 20 contestants).
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