Every year, usually on the last weekend in April, the Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony holds its Concerto Competition, open to members of the orchestra. One or two winners are chosen to perform their pieces with the full orchestra in the Fall or Spring Concerts the following season. In 2026 the Concerto Competition will take place on April 25. A schedule will be created once all entry forms are received. The application deadline is April 7, 2026.
Guidelines for participation:
1) The Concerto Competition is open only to musicians who have been members of the Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony for at least one year. Orchestra members may choose to audition on secondary instruments (e.g., piano, percussion, etc.) if desired but may only audition one time on one instrument per year.
2) Candidates should choose one movement of a concerto for the competition. The concerto may be selected from any period of classical music. Before preparing a work for the Competition, please consult with the Music Director regarding the choice of concerto. Though it would be rare for a piece to be unfeasible, some particularly difficult works, or works that call for especially large or unusual instrumentation, may be unsuitable.
3) Auditions are to be performed with piano accompaniment (including piano concertos). The accompanist must be a professional pianist. SCCYS staff will be happy to help put students in touch with excellent accompanists upon request. A high quality piano will be available at the audition site. It is strongly recommended that auditioners arrange multiple rehearsals with their accompanist before the competition.
4) Candidates in 2026 should submit an official entry form no later than April 7. A schedule for auditions will be created and distributed to participants two weeks prior to the audition date.
2026 Competition
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Where: UCSC Music Department
How: Please print out and complete the entry form below. Bring it to the Music Director at rehearsal or email it to Operations Manager Ina Lee and she will pass it along to the Music Director. The registration deadline is April 7, 2026.