The 2023-24 application timeline will be announced shortly. Check back soon!
SYSO holds an annual Concerto Competition each year for students that are placed in an Academic Year Orchestra or participating in Seattle Conservatory of Music. There are two divisions of the competition.
DIVISIONS
Intermediate
Symphonette Orchestra and Debut Symphony Orchestra students are eligible*
Advanced
Junior Symphony Orchestra and Youth Symphony Orchestra students are eligible
Students participating in Seattle Conservatory of Music will be placed in a division appropriate to their skill level.
*Special Note to 2022-23 Debut Students:
If you are enrolled in Debut for the 2022-23 Season but advance to Junior for the 2023-24 Season, your entry will be considered for the Advanced Division.
IMPORTANT DETAILS & TIMELINE
Students will prepare the following:
- A live, unedited video recording of an entire concerto (or selected movements) or a similar solo instrumental work with orchestra of no more than 30 minutes in length. Recording must be in video format as an unlisted YouTube link. Recordings with evidence of editing or cuts will be disqualified.
- A letter of recommendation from your music teacher or other professional musician
- A brief resume of your musical and educational history.
Students are encouraged to submit contemporary works, as long as these works have an arrangement for full orchestra. Double check details with your private instructor, or reach out to us at info@syso.org if you have questions.
Timeline
May 2 – August 15, 2022: Applications available on SYSO website
Monday, August 15, 2022: Application portal closes
Monday, August 29, 2022: Notification to applicants of acceptance
Sunday, September 18, 2022: Concerto Finals, location TBD
Monday, September 19, 2022: Competition winners will be notified
Adjudication
Panels include conductors from the Academic Year Orchestra Program, as well as a guest adjudicator: David Rahbee, Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Washington.
The Prize
Performing Opportunities
Competition winners will be invited to perform live in-person at a SYSO concert either at the end of the 2022-2023 season, or during the 2023-24 season, with an orchestra appropriate to the experience level of the soloist’s repertoire.
Founded in 1942, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra is the largest youth orchestra training program in the United States.
