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.

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra remains committed to supporting and celebrating the next generation of musicians through meaningful artistic and educational opportunities.

The The Young Artist Competition will pause for the 2026–2027 season and we look forward to its return in the 2027-2028 season and to once again showcasing the extraordinary talent of emerging young artists from here in Connecticut.

We are grateful for the continued enthusiasm and support surrounding this program. Please check back for future updates and additional information as plans develop in early 2027. 

Application deadline: TBA

Early application deadline: TBA

Semifinals: TBA

Finals Concert: TBA

  • 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.

The application deadline has passed

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

For more information, contact Jennifer Phipps, Manager, Learning and Social Impact, jphipps@hartfordsymphony.org 860-760-7310