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2025 Young Artist Concerto Competition

 

The 2025 Young Artist Concerto Competition is open to high school students in Maryland and presents these rising stars the opportunity to learn from and perform as a soloist with established and acclaimed members of the Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra.

“The musical caliber of the high school students who compete each year is astounding,” said Music Director/Conductor Dr. Anna Binneweg. “We can see that classical music has a bright future in Maryland.”

Prizes

We will feature the winners during the 2024-2025 season in a Naptown Philharmonic Concert. There is also a cash prize of $250 that we will award to each winner.

The application deadline is Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Audition Date

Auditions will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, beginning at 2 pm, at Anne Arundel Community College, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, Maryland, Cade Fine Arts Center, Room 224. Warm-up rooms will be available on the lower level. Snow date: Sunday, January 19, 2025

Performance & Rehearsal Dates

Performance: Saturday, June 7, 2025, 7:30 pm (sound-check time, TBA) at Maryland Hall, Annapolis, where the concert will be held.

Required rehearsals with orchestra will be on Monday, June 2 and Friday, June 6 from 7-8:30 pm at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park in Severna Park.

Eligibility Requirements

Each young artist must be a Maryland resident in grades 9-12, and not over the age of 19 as of the competition date, January 12, 2025.

Repertoire Requirements

All works must be in the standard repertoire for solo instrument and orchestra. Concertos are limited to a single movement. All proposed selections are subject to approval by the NPO Music Director. Applicants must provide their own accompanist. One original copy of the music must be provided for the panel of judges. Pieces must be performed from memory.

Panel of Judges

A panel of four judges, including NPO Music Director Anna Binneweg, will choose the winners from three categories: 1. Piano 2. Strings 3. Brass, Winds, Percussion. The panel reserves the right not to select a winner from each category.

Application Information, Fees and Submission Instructions

Your application may be submitted by mail to:

Young Artist Concerto Competition
Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra
Post Office Box 926
Edgewater, MD 21037

You may submit the application electronically. See below.

Application Fee

All applications require a non-refundable $50 entry fee. Please enclose a check payable to the Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra or submit your fee online using the form below.

Late applications will not be accepted. Application Deadline is Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Questions?

Applicants will be notified of the receipt of their application packet, audition time and location by email. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Dr. Bill Bloomquist, Competition Director at 443-623-8699 or drbill88@comcast.net.

To enter the Young Artists Competition, you may fill out this on-line application form or download the application and submit via U.S. mail or via email to Competition Director Dr. Bill Bloomquist, drbill88@comcast.net.