Eligibility

• Eligibility to compete in the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto Competition is open to Utah Musicians only including vocalists and instrumentalists of all ages and all instruments. 

• Students presently attending any Utah University/College but who may not be originally from Utah are eligible to compete.

• Winners from previous Utah Philharmonic Orchestra competitions may not compete again in the same age category. 

• Competitors will be divided into age categories based on age as of January 1, 2026.

Winner Categories
Youth - age 8-11
Junior - age 12-14
Senior - age 15-18
Open - age 19+
Vocalist – age 13+

** All Vocalists must enter the Vocal category. Vocalists entering any other category will be disqualified. 

Date and Location
The 2026 Utah Philharmonic Orchestra Annual Concerto Competition will be held January 31, 2026 at Daynes Music (6935 South State Street) in Midvale, Utah. Individual contestants will be assigned a specific time (9am-6pm) for performance based on category entered.

Repertoire

• Contestants should prepare a single movement from a concerto, aria from an opera or oratorio, or other standard solo with orchestral accompaniment.

• Orchestral scores and parts must be readily available through standard commercial sources and free from performance restrictions. (If you have any questions about the suitability of your contest repertoire, contact the UPO about it before entering the contest. Failure to meet these criteria is grounds for disqualification, and the entry fee is non-refundable.) 

• Please note that “Broadway” or “Pops” selections do not generally meet the above guidelines but are permitted in the Vocal Category. 

• Musical selections are ineligible if they have won in ANY category in the last 2 years of the competition. 

• Movements of works not on the List of Ineligible Pieces may be performed. Please review the list of winners and corresponding pieces or the list of ineligible pieces for 2026 BEFORE submitting your entry form.

​

​

​

The concerto competition committee reserves the right to exercise discretion regarding pieces that call for unconventional or impractical instrumentation.

​

Contest Performance

• Live performances are required (no video auditions permitted).

• Each contestant should perform the movement or segment of the work intended for performance (six minute limit). Contestants are to make necessary cuts to fit the allotted time. Judges may lower the scores of contestants who go over this allotted time. 

• In the event of a tied score in any category, the winner will be chosen using prioritized adjudication rubric indices.

• Contestants will be assigned an audition time based on the category entered. Please set aside the entire day (9am -6pm) for this event. 

• Requests for alternate performance times are for emergencies only with no guarantees that requests can be accommodated. Contact concerto@utahphil.org for details.

• A warm up room will be available for contestants' use immediately before they perform. Time in the warm up room will be limited (approx 5-10min) so contestants should arrive prepared to play with minimal preparation.

• Judges will be selected for a number of factors including formal musical education, experience teaching music, and experience with music auditions and competitions. 

• Providing a score or copy of the soloist's music for judges' reference is required.

• There will be a piano available for accompanists, but contestants must provide their own accompanist. 

• Any contestant may choose to perform unaccompanied.

• All piano entries MUST play unaccompanied. 

• Memorization is not required but encouraged.

Entry Information

• Each contestant must complete an entry form and submit the fee payment to be a registered and eligible contestant.

• For minor contestants a parent or legal guardian must provide their contact information

• Registration will be completed through an online form https://forms.gle/CDKGpLA7L2C4RnUP9

• Please contact concerto@utahphil.org if you have any questions or are unable to register online

 

 

Entry Fee

• Early Registration Fee (paid before December 1, 2025) : $55. 

• December Registration Fee (paid between December 1 - 30, 2025) : $65. 

• The fee will be paid online via Venmo

• Registration fee is non-refundable

• Double Concertos and Ensembles must submit a registration form and fee for each individual. 

• Registrations received after the deadline will be charged an additional $20 and are not guaranteed for an eligible spot.

​

 

 

Deadlines

• Registration (form AND fee) must be submitted online by midnight December 31, 2025 to be considered for the competition.

• Contestants will be notified by email of audition time slots no later than January 17, 2026. 

• Late entries may be considered after December 31, and possibly accepted based on time slot availability. 

 

Contact Information

Contestants may contact the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra by email at concerto@utahphil.org