Young Artist Competition

The St. Louis Philharmonic Society is pleased to announce its 7th annual Young Artist Solo Competition. String, wind, brass, and percussion players who are high school seniors or younger are invited to compete for the opportunity to perform with the

St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra on November 21, 2025.

Competition Rules

The initial stage of the competition is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria below. Simply record your performance, upload it to YouTube, and send us the link using this form.

Videos must be submitted by September 14, 2025
Up to 10 performers will be selected for a second round
Multiple cash prizes may be awarded

The winner will be the Guest Soloist with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra on November 21, 2025, performing the same concerto movement that was heard during the competition.

Eligibility

The competition is open to young string, wind, brass, and percussion players (high school seniors or younger) within a 100-mile radius of St. Louis. Unfortunately, we are unable to include pianists at this time.

Previous finalists of the competition are welcome to re-enter; however, previous winners are ineligible.

The winner must be available for rehearsal with the St. Louis Philharmonic on November 19, a dress rehearsal on November 20, and the culminating performance on November 21.

Performance Criteria

All applicants must perform the same piece for all rounds of the competition

The selected piece may be any solo work with an orchestral accompaniment, EXCEPT the following:

Dvořák Violin Concerto (first movement).
Dvorak Cello Concerto (complete)
Lalo, Symphonie Espagnole
Korngold, Violin Concerto
Muczynski, Concerto for Alto Saxophone

First Round – Video Submission

Due by September 14
An accompanist is not required for the YouTube video submission
The video must be a single, unedited take without interruption
Only one submission per applicant is allowed

Second Round – Live Performance

September 28, 2025, from 9 am to 12 pm
Performance before a panel of judges (not blind)
Must be performed from memory without cuts or modifications
An accompanist is required for this round
- Assistance in finding an accompanist is available upon request
Cuts in the tutti or accompaniment sections of the music will be permitted

– Entry Fee –

A $30 entry fee is required

Payment may be made via PayPal

Or by check made payable to:

St. Louis Philharmonic Society

PO Box 220437

St. Louis, MO 63122

Entry and submission form available here.

If you have any questions regarding the competition, please feel free to contact us at stlphilmarketing@gmail.com