The Utah Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto Competition has been held annually since 2003. It is a statewide competition with open categories for all ages and all instruments and a separate category for vocalists. Winners of each category are invited to perform as soloists with the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra in the spring season concert, the Concerto Spotlight Spectacular, scheduled for April 27, 2024.
Guidelines
Eligibility
Eligibility to compete in the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto Competition is open to singers and instrumentalists of all ages and all instruments. 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 1st of the contest year.
Winner Categories
Youth – Primary - up to age 7
Youth - age 8-11
Junior - age 12-14
Senior - age 15-18
Open - age 19+
Vocalist – age 13+
Date and Location
The 2024 Utah Philharmonic Orchestra Annual Concerto Competition will be held on January 20, 2024 at Daynes Music (6935 South State Street) in Midvale, Utah. Individual contestants will be assigned a specific time for performance based on their performance category.
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 us 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. 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 2024 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
Each contestant should perform the movement or segment of the work intended for performance but will only be allowed a maximum of five to six minutes to perform at the competition. Contestants should make necessary cuts to fit the allotted time. Judges may lower the scores of contestants who go over this allotted time. Contestants will be assigned an audition slot based on scheduling and logistical considerations. Competition committee staff may attempt to accommodate general scheduling requests (i.e. early morning or early afternoon), especially for competitors involved in the Utah All State events the weekend of the competition; contact concerto@utahphil.org for details. A warmup room will be available for contestants' use immediately before they perform. Time in the warmup room will be limited, 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. There is no memorization requirement.
Contact Information
Contestants may contact the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra by email at concerto@utahphil.org.
Entry Information
Each contestant must submit a complete entry which consists of:
Entry Form
Completed and signed entry form (if minor, parent/legal guardian must sign). Registration will be completed through online form on the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra website. Contact concerto@utahphil.org if you are unable to register online.
Entry Fee
Utah Philharmonic Orchestra prefers payment of the Entry Fee online at the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra website. This fee is non-refundable. Registrations received after the deadline will be charged an additional $20.
Deadlines
Registration must be submitted online by January 5, 2024 for timely consideration. Contestants will be notified by email of contest time slots no later than January 12, 2024. Late entries will be considered after January 5 and may be accepted based on contest time slot availability.
