Programs for Children
Young Musician Concerto Competition
This state and regional competition is open to instrumental music students through their senior year in high school and is designed to promote the growth of instrumental music in South Dakota and the region.
Entry
Contestants are required to submit an entry form, musical resume, and non-refundable $25 application fee. The musical resume should be a separate sheet and include a brief review of the applicant’s musical accomplishments including education, teachers, awards, recitals, and orchestral experience.
Entry deadline is January 24, 2025.
Eligibility
The competition is open to any piano, string, brass, woodwind, or percussion student through their senior year in high school living within the state of South Dakota, or out of state within a 100-mile radius of Sioux Falls. The competition is open to soloists only. Applications for ensembles will not be accepted.
Past First Prize winners are not eligible to enter the competition.
Competition
Date: February 8, 2025
Location: Hamre Recital Hall at Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD
Winners will be announced immediately following the conclusion of the final entrant's performance.
The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the competition. The starting and ending times for the competition will be posted in late January 2025.
Video and audio recording is not permitted. Winners will be announced immediately following the conclusion of the competition.
Repertoire Requirements
Contestants should prepare a solo movement from a concerto, no more than 10 minutes in length.
All music should be chosen from classical or romantic standard repertoire and be of an advanced level of achievement. Memorization is encouraged but not required. Four copies of the piano score are required for the judges.
Accompanists
Piano accompaniment is required. Please secure your accompanist well in advance.
Prizes
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists.
1st Prize – $500
2nd Prize – $400
3rd Prize – $300
Henry Charles Smith Award for Spirit & Enthusiasm – $250
The 1st prize winner may be invited to perform their selection with the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra in the 2025-2026 season. This opportunity may be offered at the discretion of the SDSYO Music Director.
This competition, and the cash prizes awarded, are made possible by the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra League.
Questions
Please contact jeff.larsen@sdsymphony.org with questions about the South Dakota Symphony’s Young Musician Concerto Competition.
Entry Fee
