Young Artist Competition 2026

​NOTE:
We are unable to accept piano submissions this year due to not having access to a suitable performance instrument. 
 

• The YAC is Open to students and residents of eastern and central Washington, eastern and northern Idaho, and eastern Oregon.

• Entrance Fee: $50.00

• The competition will have THREE performance categories, and ONE composition category:

  • ​HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION: Students attending high school (or home schooled) aged 18 and younger at the time of the application deadline. 

  • UNDERGRADUATE DIVISION: College students ages 18 to 22 at the time of the application deadline, with a high school diploma.

  • GRADUATE DIVISION: College/University students above age 22 at the time of the application deadline, and an earned (1st) degree of any sort.

  • COMPOSITION: all entrants must be either high school student, college student, or college graduate student studying at a college/university. Compositions should be written for full symphony orchestra.

• Winners will receive a cash prize each and the opportunity to perform twice or have his or her piece performed twice on a Washington-Idaho Symphony Orchestra subscription series concert. (Dates listed above)

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Description and Rules: 

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Entrants should prepare a movement of a concerto or an aria (operatic, oratorio, or mass selection, or from the standard orchestral lieder repertoire) not to exceed 15 minutes in length.  Concerti/Arias should be chosen from the standard orchestral repertoire. ***All repertoire not in the public domain (E.g., music only available by rental) is subject to the final approval of the Music Director.***

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The selection of finalists will be by recorded audition. Recordings can be submitted electronically (E.g., mp4 file emailed to info@wa-idsymphony.org) or a website link (E.g., personal website, YouTube) submitted online at https://wa-idsymphony.org/youngartist-competition or by email.  The recorded audition should be of the same work you intend to perform if you were selected as a competition winner. Instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers selected for the final round of competition to be held on January 26, 2026, are required to provide their own accompanist.  (There are many available through both Washington State University and the University of Idaho). Recordings and application forms/ fees must be received at the Washington Idaho Symphony Office NO LATER than end of the day, December 31, 2025.  

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Washington Idaho Symphony office at (208) 874-4162, or by email at info@wa-idsymphony.org.

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Entrants will be notified of the results of the recorded auditions via email.  Winners will be selected at the Young Artists’ Competition Finalists Recital on January 25, 2026, and announced publicly by the Washington Idaho Symphony shortly thereafter.  Music must be memorized and the time limit for the live performance is 15 minutes.   

 

Each contestant (including pianists) must provide: 

• His/her/their own accompanist,

• a copy of his/her/their music for the adjudication panel,

• and audition with the music that he/she/their proposes to perform with the orchestra.

 

The Washington Idaho Symphony will make every effort to present the winners of the  Competition in the best possible manner.  Individuals named as winners are expected to perform with the orchestra on April 12, 2026, and to attend at least one rehearsal in consultation with the Music Director, and the dress rehearsal(s) on April 11, 2026.  The Washington Idaho Symphony reserves the right to make performance adjustments concerning rehearsal time and availability of musicians.  

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Please note that the decisions of the Jury will be final.  The Jury will have the sole right to not give an award in any category if the entries in said category are deemed to have insufficient artistic merit.