Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition

2024-25 JSO*YAC | Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition
65th Concerto Competition for Orchestral Strings, Guitar and Harp

Round 1 Submission Deadline: Monday, September 30, 2024
Round 2 Live-Finals Competition: Saturday, January 11, 2025
QUICK CLICK: JSO*YAC info page

The JSO*YAC committee is now accepting applications for our 2024-25 concerto competition. The JSO*YAC amplifies the solo careers and musical talents of aspiring young artists, ages 23 and under, from national and international music institutions. Each year the instrumental focus changes; the 2024-25 cycle is for orchestral strings—musicians performing a full concerto or similar repertoire on the violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, or harp.

The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra and YAC committee invite you to the Front Range of Colorado! Our competition — now in its 65th year — offers cash prizes and exceptional performance opportunities for rising musicians. 

JSO*YAC CASH PRIZES

• Grand Prize - $5,000
• Second Prize - $2,000 
• Third Prize - $1,000

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
The top three finalists (Grand, Second, and Third Prize) perform in a Winners' Recital following the competition on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Each musician plays one movement/section of their repertoire for symphony patrons and attendees.

As the JSO*YAC Grand Prize winner, your awards include two spotlight performances: a solo chamber recital of your choice repertoire, and your concerto performance with the Jefferson Symphony during the 2024-25 Season. March 2025 Young Artist rehearsals and performances are scheduled:

• Thursday, March 27 / 7:00 PM: Dress Rehearsal with JSO
• Friday, March 28 / 7:00 PM: Young Artist Recital (~45 solo recital, artists' choice of repertoire)
• Saturday, March 29 / 10:00 AM: Dress Rehearsal with JSO
• Sunday, March 30 / 3:00 PM : Young Artist Concert with JSO and Dr. J. Arturo González, conductor

JSO*YAC KEY DATES
Round 1 is open now through September 30, 2024. Visit our JSO*YAC info for full details. [Click here]

• Monday, September 30, 2024: Round 1 submission deadline for application, audio and video recording, and registration fees via Acceptd.
  • All movements of your selected concerto must be uploaded via Acceptd by our Round 1 deadline.
  • Types of video files must be one of the following: MP4, M4V, AVI, FLV, MOV, WMV, MPG, MPEG, M2V, MKV, WEBM.
  • Your recorded piece must include audio and video of an entire concerto performance with accompaniment. Orchestral accompaniment and piano reductions with a collaborative pianist are both acceptable. 
  • Concerto submissions will be adjudicated by a panel of two judges.
  • Notifications will be sent by October 7, 2024, to all applicants and the twelve finalists selected for Round 2.

Round 2 is a live-audition competition with your collaborative pianist.

• Saturday, January 11, 2025: all-day live finals and Winners' Recital at Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver.
  • Each performance will be adjudicated by a panel of three judges. 
  • Competition results are announced in the afternoon. 
  • The Winners' Recital featuring the top three finalists is scheduled on that same Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m

The 2025 Young Artist will need to be available March 27-30, 2025: Dress Rehearsals, Young Artist Recital, and Young Artist Concert.

INFO + QUESTIONS

• Visit our Young Artists Competition page for full guidelines and competition details. [Click here]
• Contact our committee for any further questions. [Email jso.yac@gmail.com]