2026–27 Season
Annual Concerto Competition
The AYO Annual Concerto Competition is open to all current AYO musicians on orchestral instruments. This year brings two firsts: a new Junior Division, and a live final round open to the public.
Application opens Tuesday, December 1
Key Dates
- Tue, Dec 1
Application opens
The online application and video upload open on this page.
- Wed, Dec 23
Pre-screening videos due
Submit your video with the online application.
- Fri, Jan 1
Finalists announced
Judges choose finalists in each division from the videos.
- Wed, Jan 27
Live final round
5:00–8:00 pm, Bates Recital Hall. Open to the public, free admission.
Winners Recital: date to be announced.
About the Competition
The AYO Annual Concerto Competition gives young musicians an opportunity to challenge themselves through the preparation and performance of major solo repertoire. Participants develop their artistry, technical skills, and performance confidence while receiving feedback from a panel of professional musicians.
The competition includes a preliminary video round followed by live finals, offering students valuable experience preparing for and performing in a competitive musical setting.
Who Can Enter
Current AYO musicians on any orchestral instrument. Piano and voice are not eligible.
- Junior Division: 8th grade and under. New this year
- Senior Division: 9th grade and up.
- Repertoire: One movement of a concerto, or a concert piece for soloist and orchestra, up to 15 minutes. Talk with your private teacher about choosing a piece.
How It Works
- 01
Submit your application and video
Apply online between December 1 and December 23 and submit a video of up to 8 minutes from your competition piece, recorded in one unedited take. You may skip orchestral interludes. Piano accompaniment is welcome but not required.
- 02
Finalists announced
On Friday, January 1, the judges announce the finalists in each division, chosen from the videos.
- 03
Live final round
On Wednesday, January 27, finalists perform their full movement or piece (up to 15 minutes, the same piece as the video) from memory, with piano. Finalists provide their own pianist. If you need a recommendation, contact us.
- 04
Winners announced
Judges may name more than one winner in each division. Every finalist receives a certificate, and winners are featured in a Winners Recital, date to be announced. Additional prizes may be announced.
Come Hear the Finalists
For the first time, AYO’s Annual Concerto Competition Finals are open to the public! Join us for an evening of outstanding solo performances as our finalists share the music they’ve worked so hard to prepare.
Families, friends, teachers, and music lovers throughout Central Texas are warmly invited to attend.
- Wednesday, January 27, 2027 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
- Bates Recital Hall · The University of Texas at Austin
- Free admission · Open to the public
Entry Fee & Financial Assistance
The competition entry fee is $50, payable with the application.
AYO offers need-based fee waivers to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent students from participating. Families may request a waiver directly by contacting education@austinyouthorchestra.org.
All requests are handled confidentially.
Apply
The application and video upload open Tuesday, December 1. Videos are due Wednesday, December 23.
Application opens Tuesday, December 1
Questions? Email education@austinyouthorchestra.org.
Co-Winners 2025–26 Annual Concerto Competition
Last Year’s Winners
Cellist Lydie Scott and violist Ellie Washecka were named co-winners of the 2025–26 Annual Concerto Competition after performing for the judges at Bates Recital Hall.