Purposes
The AYO Concerto Competition serves two functions to further AYO’s goal of building a community where music education and performance are valued and shared:
- Encouraging and showcasing the musical excellence of young musicians in Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska.
- Providing an opportunity for exceptional young musicians to perform alongside a full symphony orchestra (the Anchorage Youth Symphony).
Important Dates:
October 4, 2026 – ONLINE APPLICATION DEADLINE
November 7, 2026 – CONCERTO COMPETITION AUDITION, Time To Be Announced
NOTE: Any questions regarding the AYO Concerto Competition should be directed to the AYO Operations Manager at: OC@AlaskaYouthOrchestras.org
Rules
1. Application Deadline: All prospective competitors must submit an online application by the Oct. 4, 2026, deadline.
2. Competition Date: Competitors must participate in the live Concerto Competition, which will take place on Nov. 7, 2026 in front of a jury.
3. Jury: A jury including the AYO Music Director and professional musicians/music educators (selected by AYO Staff) will judge the live Concerto Competition. All decisions of the jury are final.
4. Eligibility: The Concerto Competition is open ONLY to current AYS musicians in high school. Musicians may compete with any instrument (or voice) so long as the chosen piece meets the Repertoire criteria. Previous AYO Concerto Competition Winners are not eligible to compete again. Participants may only submit a single entry.
5. Repertoire: The AYO Music Director must approve of the repertoire selection of each submission – though most repertoire will likely be approved. Prospective Competitors are encouraged to confirm their repertoire choices with the Music Director early. Questions concerning repertoire may be directed to dplatt@AlaskaYouthOrchestras.org.Â
Repertoire Guidelines:
- Pieces must have a readily available orchestral accompaniment within the technical and musical capabilities of the orchestra.
- Pieces must be approximately under 15 minutes in length (without cuts) with an appropriate beginning and conclusion (such as any self-contained movement or showpiece).
- Participants must perform their piece memorized (without music) and with cadenzas (if applicable) for both the competition and performance unless granted an exception.
6. Accompanist: Participants must arrange to perform with an accompanist (at your own expense) during the live competition. The collaborative pianist will not be judged and may make judicious cuts in the orchestral (non-solo) passages as they see fit.
7. Honorable Mentions: The jury may choose any number of Honorable Mentions. Competitors receiving an Honorable Mention may be asked to perform with their accompanist in a public AYO Showcase Recital. The date and location of the 2026-27 season recital is currently to-be-determined.
8. Grand Prize: Winners will receive a $250 cash prize and will be invited to perform their competition entry with the Anchorage Symphony during the 2026-27 season. The selected winner(s) are expected to coordinate with the AYO Music Director to rehearse with the Anchorage Youth Symphony several times prior to the concert. Winners who are unable to rehearse an adequate number of times with AYS will forfeit their performance opportunity altogether. The jury may select more than one Grand Prize Winner or, if deemed necessary, select no winners.
9. Limitations: Participants may only perform the work with which they competed – no substitutions will be allowed. Winners may not perform the same work with another Anchorage/Southcentral Alaska area orchestra (unless for a school event) during the same concert season.