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Young Person's Concerto Competition

Fenimore Chamber Orchestra announces the 2025 YOUNG PERSON’S CONCERTO COMPETITION for students between the ages of 14 and 21 as of March 15, 2025, who play an orchestral instrument (see list below), and who are US residents. We will invite the winner to perform as a soloist with Fenimore Chamber Orchestra in a concert in the 2024-2025 season. The winner will also receive a $1,000 cash award. There will also be a $500 award for the runner-up and a Teacher Recognition Award equal to 50% of the winning students’ awards, given to the primary instrumental teachers of the winner and runner-up.

Eligible Instruments

  • flute
  • oboe
  • clarinet
  • bassoon
  • French horn
  • trumpet
  • violin
  • viola
  • cello
  • double bass

Age Limit

The Competition is open to US residents who are between the ages of 14 and 21 as of March 15, 2025.

Key Dates and Locations

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2025: Application Deadline
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025: Result Announcement Deadline
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025: Winners concert with Fenimore Chamber Orchestra, Christ Church, Cooperstown, NY.

Required Repertoire

For the full list of eligible repertoire click here: repertoire

Audition procedure

Fill in the application form. Each application must include a link to a video recording of the student performing one complete work from the Required Repertoire list. Fenimore Chamber Orchestra will supply the jury who will adjudicate the submitted videos and whose decision is final.

Prizes

  • $1000 for the Winner, who will perform the auditioned work as a soloist with Fenimore Chamber Orchestra at the March 15, 2025 concert in Cooperstown, New York.
  • $500 for the Runner-Up who must also be prepared and available to rehearse and perform on the above date to qualify for the award. In the event that the runner-up performs at the March 2025 concert instead of the winner, they will be named co-winner, and their award will be adjusted to $1,000.
  • A Teacher Recognition Award equal to 50% of the winning students’ awards will be given to the primary instrumental teachers of the winner and runner-up.

Terms and Conditions

For the full text of the 2025 Young Person’s Concerto Competition’s Terms and Conditions click here: terms-and-conditions

Further Information

Email us at: competition@fenimoreco.org