Young Artist Competition

To enter the Chippewa Valley Symphony Young Artist Competition:

Entries and fees must be received by January 2, 2027, for consideration.

YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

Young Artist Competition Rules

  • Contestants must be 14 years of age by the date of the performance and no older than 18 years of age at the date of the application deadline. Contestants must live in the United States. Previous winners cannot reapply. Those who have been runners-up or have received honorable mentions in previous years are encouraged to re-enter the contest.

    • Winner: $1300 and the opportunity to perform with the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra

    • 1st Runner Up: $300

    • 2nd Runner Up: $200

    • 3rd and 4th Runners Up: $100

  • Music selections eligible for the competition are (1) a movement of a concerto or (2) an aria of similar difficulty. Length should be approximately 8 to 16 minutes. For comparable length, singers may choose to perform two arias. Any cuts in the score must be approved in advance. The orchestral material must be readily available for the orchestra to obtain.

    Recordings must include audio and video. The video and audio quality is the responsibility of the contestant.

  • Youth Artist Application Consists of:

    • Submitting your entry form

    • Submitting audio and video recording

    • $50 entry fee by clicking here. Alternatively, fee may be paid by a check made out to “CVSO” and mailed to 131 S. Barstow St., Suite 101, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

  • Applications must be submitted electronically by January 2, 2027.

  • In-person finals will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Saturday, January 30, 2027, at 2:00 p.m. The Finals are open to the public and free to attend.

    Finalists are responsible for providing their own accompanist. A three-judge panel will observe the performances and determine the outcome of the competition. The judges’ decisions will be final. No winner may be declared should the judges find no contestant worthy of the honor. The judges may award honorable mentions should they so desire. Failing to adhere to the rules of this contest will result in dismissal from the contest.

  • The winner will perform as the featured soloist with the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, May 8, 2027 at 2:00 p.m. in the RCU Theatre at Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. A dress rehearsal will be held on Friday, May 7, 2027, at 7:00 p.m.

QUESTIONS? REACH OUT.