2025 Young Artist Concerto Competition Application Process

How to Apply

STEP ONE

Download and complete the 2025 YAC Entry Form below.

Download YAC Entry Form

STEP TWO

Pay non-refundable entry fee of $100 (accepted by mail or through online payment below).

Pay Now

STEP THREE

Submit the following application materials by August 1, 2025 at 4 pm (PST):

  1. Completed entry form
  2. Non-refundable entry fee of $100 (use the online payment option above or mail a check/money order to the address below)
  3.  YouTube performance link (see criteria section below)
  4. Copy of legal document which provides proof of age and USA citizenship or legal residency (passport or birth certificate)

SEND ALL MATERIALS TO:

E-mail: YAC@vancouversymphony.org

Mail: 
Young Artist Competition
Attn: Orchestra Manager
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 525
Vancouver, WA 98666

Categories

Piano, Strings, Woodwinds/Brass

Awards

1st place - $5,000 and the opportunity  to perform with the VSO on January 17 and 18, 2026 under the baton of Maestro Brotons

2nd Place - $2,000

3rd Place - $1,000

Eligibility

Open to all students 18 years of age or under as of January 1, 2026, who are citizens of the United States of America or legal residents.

Criteria

Contestants will prepare a movement of a standard concerto (concert-piece) and orchestra for their instrument (with piano accompaniment) for their submission. The video should only include the performance of the applicant and piano accompanist for the piece. The duration must be no less than 8 minutes and no greater than 20 minutes. A high-quality YouTube link of the work to be performed must be received at the VSO office by 4 pm PST, August 1, 2025, along with the completed entry form, entry fee of $100, proof of residency and copy of birth certificate. The student must possess the temperament and professionalism to perform before a large audience. The selection performed in the audition video will be the same selection that is intended for the finalist competition and concert performances. The final round of competition must be performed from memory.

Scores and orchestra parts must be readily available through major music publishers for purchase or rent.

Important Dates

Young Artist Finalists Competition
Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 2 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98663

YVSO Concerts and Rehearsals (Gold Medalists)
January 15, 2026 / 7 pm Rehearsal with Full Orchestra (Skyview Concert Hall)
January 16, 2026 / 7 pm Dress Rehearsal (Skyview Concert Hall)
January 17, 2026 / 7 pm Concert (Skyview Concert Hall)
January 18, 2026 / 3 pm Concert (Skyview Concert Hall)
Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA 98685

Schedules and locations subject to change.