String Orchestra Concerto Competition

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

The winner

• performs as soloist, accompanied by members of their ensemble in their final spring performance of the season, unless otherwise notified.

Application and deadlines

• Please use the online application form at the bottom of this page and submit your information no later than FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12.
• You will receive an emailed confirmation of your online application. Print out this email, and obtain signatures of the applicant, a parent, and the applicant’s private teacher.
• The signed email printout containing parent and private teacher signatures must be received in the MYSO office no later than MONDAY, DECEMBER 15.
  • scan and submit it here OR
  • mail to:  325 West Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
• Private teachers may email Mr. Duffy in support of your application if you are not able to obtain a signature from your private teacher at this time.
• You will be notified of your audition time by January 1. Please call 414-267-2946 if you do not receive your audition time by that date.

Eligibility

• This competition is open only to musicians in MYSO’s String Orchestra; previous winners of the String Orchestra Concerto Competition are ineligible.
• Musicians may audition only on his/her instrument played in String Orchestra.
• Musicians must be in good standing and up-to-date with all membership fees in order to compete.
• Musicians who fail to show up for the competition without a phone call notification to the MYSO office at least 24 hours in advance of January 10 may be considered ineligible to compete in 2027.

Music

• Memorization is preferred but not required.
• Piano accompaniment is required. Families must make their own arrangements. Call our office if you need assistance.
• Musicians are expected to prepare the entire movement.
• Musicians are expected to procure their own music. The MYSO office will not provide copies.
• Required repertoire:

Violin

Scheduling

• MYSO is not able to guarantee audition times. Please note times that you can’t make.
• Consider your accompanist’s schedule.
• All MYSO concerto competitions will occur simultaneously on January 11.

Questions? Use this form.