YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION

The HSO’s Young Artists Competition is an elite concerto competition open to students in grades 9-12 that are Connecticut residents and/or students enrolled at a Connecticut school. Contestants compete for cash awards and a chance to solo with the HSO at The Bushnell.

Check Back for updates about the 2026 Young Artists Competition.

Application deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026

Early application deadline: Friday, November 15, 2025

Semifinals: Saturday, February 26, 2026 (Snow Date 3/7/26) 8 AM – 3 PM

Finals Concert: Saturday, April 11, Autorino Great Hall (Bushnell Center,  166 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106) 2:00 PM

  • Contestants must be in grades 9-12 that are Connecticut residents and/or students enrolled at a Connecticut school for the current academic year
  • Contestants must be available from 8 AM – 4:30 PM for both the semi-final round and final round of competitions.
  • Previous first-place winners of HSO’s Young Artists Competition are not eligible.
  • Contestants must perform on one of the following instruments:
    • Flute
    • Oboe
    • Clarinet
    • Bassoon
    • Horn
    • Trumpet
    • Trombone
    • Tuba
    • Saxophone
    • Percussion
    • Harp
    • Piano
    • Violin
    • Viola
    • Cello
    • Bass
    • Guitar

Complete applications must include:

  • Online application form
  • 1 Performance video (no more than 15 minutes)
  • $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • Optional: headshot and bio

Scholarships are available to cover the application fee. If you are in need of financial assistance, please email us at yac@hartfordsymphony.org and include “Scholarships” in the subject line.

Apply here

First Round of Competition

  • Contestants must submit a video recording of one (1) piece using the digital application form. Click here for tips about recording your videos. 
    • The piece must be a movement, or excerpt of a movement, of a concerto or similar large-scale work for solo instrument and orchestra.
    • The concerto excerpt must be recorded with live piano accompaniment. Please contact us if you need assistance finding an accompanist.
  • The recording should be your best 5-7 minutes of your concerto performance, and to state your measure numbers. Once you apply, a link will be sent to you for upload directions.
  • The recording (piece) must be unedited. Only single-take recordings will be considered.
  • All music must be memorized.

* Repertoire is subject to approval by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Semi-Final Round of Competition

  • Selected contestants must perform their entire concerto movement with piano accompaniment.
  • You must perform the same concerto as you recorded for the First Round.

Final Round of Competition

  • Finalists will perform their concerto movement live with a piano accompanist.  The recommended performance time is 10 – 12 minutes and should not exceed 15 minutes.
  • Each finalist that performs will receive $250 to assit in payment for the accompanist
  • The overall winner will perform a solo encore piece.
  • The 1st Place winner will be offered an opportunity to perform with the HSO.

1st Place $1000

2nd Place $750

3rd Place $500

Each finalist that performs will receive $250 to assit in payment for the accompanist

We are deeply appreciative of our sponsors that make the Young Artist Competition possible.  To become a sponsor click here to make a donation

Frequently Asked Questions

Any piece that features a solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment.

Yes, please upload separate videos for each piece.

Clearly label your files in the following format: “Your Name, Title of Work” (including movement).

For example, “Timothy Brown, Gershwin Concerto in F, First Mvmt.”

Please email yac@hartfordsymphony.org and we’ll be happy to assist you.

We’re happy to help you! Email us at yac@hartfordsymphony.org for further assistance.

For more information, contact Jennifer Phipps, Manager, Learning and Social Impact, jphipps@hartfordsymphony.org 860-76-7310