Application Deadline: Monday, January 31, 2022

Final Round of Competition: Date and location TBD

Questions? Contact the Hartford Symphony Orchestra at yac@hartfordsymphony.org

• Contestants must be Connecticut residents in grades 9-12 during the 2021-2022 academic year.
• 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

Click here for the online application form.

Application deadline: All materials must be received by 12:00 PM (noon) on Monday, January 31, 2022.

First Round of Competition

• Contestants must submit video recordings of (2) pieces.* Click here for tips about recording your videos. 
• One piece must be a movement – or excerpt of a movement- of a concerto or similar large-scale work. The second piece must be a work for solo, unaccompanied instrument. 
• Each piece should be a maximum of five (5) minutes. Please indicate measure numbers for any excerpts on your application form. 
• Each recording (piece) must be unedited. Only single-take recordings will be considered. 
• The recorded works must represent contrasting musical styles (e.g., Baroque and Contemporary). 
• The concerto movement must be recorded with live piano accompaniment. Contestants are responsible for securing their own accompanists.
• All music must be memorized. 

* Repertoire selection is subject to approval by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

Final Round of Competition

• Final Round of Competition—The Final Round will be held live in Spring 2022.

1^st Place $1000

2^nd Place $750

3^rd Place $500

The 1^st Place winner may have the opportunity to perform with members of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. The 2^nd and 3^rd Place finalists may be featured in a performance on HSO To Go.

Thank you to our 2020-2021 Young Artist Competition Sponsors! 

Jeffrey & Nancy Hoffman, Prize Underwriters of the Young Artists Competition

With additional support from:

Q: What qualifies as a “concerto movement” or “large-scale” work?

A: Any piece that features a solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment.

Q: Do I upload two separate videos for the concerto movement and solo works?

A: Yes, please upload separate videos for each piece.

Q: How should I label the video files?

A: 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.”

Q: I’m having trouble uploading my application. What should I do?

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

Q: I don’t have an accompanist for my audition. What should I do?

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