Start an Application

Narrow your Search

Applications are open for the 2023 Competition!

For more than thirty years, the Frances Walton Competition has provided a unique opportunity for Classical musicians ages 20 to 35 to audition for an award package including finalist awards and $3500 to each winning musician and ensemble member; a live performance on Classical KING-FM 98.1, one of the premier Classical music stations in the U.S.; and a residency outreach and recital tour of locations throughout the State of Washington.

2023 Frances Walton Competition
For Classical Musicians

Brass    |    Marimba    |    Piano    |    Recorder    |    Strings       Voice        Woodwinds
Small Ensemble

Application Deadline
March 1, 2023
A maximum of 200 applications to the 2023 FWC will be accepted.

Finalists will be invited to:

Frances Walton Competition Finals
Saturday, June 3, 2023

AND

Frances Walton Competition Winners Concert

Sunday, June 4, 2023, 2:00 PM

AT

University Congregational United Church of Christ
4515 16th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105-4201
 

Award Package

Finalists receive:

A Finalist Award of $250 for EACH musician, including each member of ensembles

Professional photography and video of their competition performance
Winners (two solo and one ensemble) receive:
$3,500 for each solo winner
$3,500 for EACH member of the winning ensemble ($7000 for duos; $10,500 for trios; $14,000 for quartets)

Professional photography and video of the Winners’ Concert

Residency tours to be held in Washington State September 7-15, 2023,including outreach performances to public schools K-12 and public concerts


Live performance on Classical KING-FM 98.1, the Pacific Northwest’s premier Classical radio station

________

Questions? Contact the FWC Committee at awards@lmcseattle.org

Check out our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages!

For technical support, please refer to the Acceptd Applicant Support Help Desk.

Click the links to get FWC Finals Information and the FWC Tour Information

The FWC is presented by the Ladies Musical Club, a 501(c)3 organization based in Seattle, Washington. The LMC was formed in 1891 by a group of classically-trained women musicians who wanted to provide music to Seattle and continue developing their substantial musical skills. For over 130 years, the LMC has been successfully delivering on its mission of fostering classical music in the community through education, performance, and awards. 

To see videos of past FWC winners produced in the Classical KING-FM 98.1 studio by Sean MacLean and Matt Ogaz after their live performances, go to:

Dana Jackson, bassoon, 2016
Aaron Conitz, viola, 2014 
Trio Brillante (now using the name Aristeia Trio), 2016
Meta Weiss, cello, 2012 
Equus Saxophone Quartet, 2015 
Sophie Baird-Daniel, harp, 2015