Concerto Competition 2026

We're excited to announce our Concerto Competition for members of the ASYO!

REGISTER HERE

This competition is open to current ASYO members. High school Seniors may participate with the understanding that if they are unable to return to perform, the honor will be passed to the “first runner-up".

Cost:

The is NO entry fee for ASYO members this year thanks to the incredible philanthropy of our Friends of the ASYO!

Prizes:

First Place: Performance with ASYO at a Concert in the 2026-2027 Season.
First Runner-Up: If applicable, the runner-up will be considered for performance, should the first-place winner be unavailable.

Audition Date/Location:

PRELIMS: March 15, 2026 - Location TBD
FINALS: March 29, 2026 - Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville

Application/Submission Deadline:

February 15, 2026

Repertoire Requirements:

Selections must be approved by Dr. Alexandra Dee, ASYO Music Director, and submitted at least one month in advance of the competition (February 15, 2026).
Students should work with their private teacher or Dr. Dee to ensure the piece is suitable for performance with ASYO.
The piece should be no longer than 10 minutes. Movements from larger works are acceptable. Cuts are acceptable to fit within the 10 minute timeframe.
Any work with available orchestral accompaniment is acceptable, not necessarily a concerto.
A piano accompaniment is required for the audition (ASYO will provide one rehearsal with an accompanist and an accompanist for the competition). Students may use their own accompanist if desired.
The piece does not need to be memorized.
The competition is open to solo orchestral instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double-Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, and Voice). At this time we are not accepting piano contestants.

Additional Scholarships and Recognition:

First Place: Full scholarship for the following season.
First Runner-Up: Full scholarship for the following season.
Honorable Mention: Half-scholarship for the following season (if applicable).

We will announce the First Place winner and First Runner-Up, with the possibility of an Honorable Mention based on the number of participants. No cash prizes are being awarded at this time.

Additional Guidelines:

Spectators are not permitted during the PRELIMINARY competition. FINALS will be open to the public.
ASYO reserves the right to suggest an alternative piece for performance if the selected work is deemed unsuitable for the ASYO's concert setting, based on orchestral accompaniment availability or other factors.
ASYO reserves the right to withhold the "First Place" performance component if no performance is deemed suitable for staging with the ASYO.
Once again the ASYO is pleased to provide accompanist services to participants of the competition. Students will receive one rehearsal with their assigned accompanist. You are welcome to secure your own accompanist as well.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse

Concerto Competition 2026

We're excited to announce our Concerto Competition for members of the ASYO!

REGISTER HERE

This competition is open to current ASYO members. High school Seniors may participate with the understanding that if they are unable to return to perform, the honor will be passed to the “first runner-up".

Cost:

The is NO entry fee for ASYO members this year thanks to the incredible philanthropy of our Friends of the ASYO!

Prizes:

First Place: Performance with ASYO at a Concert in the 2026-2027 Season.

First Runner-Up: If applicable, the runner-up will be considered for performance, should the first-place winner be unavailable.

Audition Date/Location:

PRELIMS: March 15, 2026 - Location TBD

FINALS: March 29, 2026 - Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville

Application/Submission Deadline:

February 15, 2026

Repertoire Requirements:

Selections must be approved by Dr. Alexandra Dee, ASYO Music Director, and submitted at least one month in advance of the competition (February 15, 2026).

Students should work with their private teacher or Dr. Dee to ensure the piece is suitable for performance with ASYO.

The piece should be no longer than 10 minutes. Movements from larger works are acceptable. Cuts are acceptable to fit within the 10 minute timeframe.

Any work with available orchestral accompaniment is acceptable, not necessarily a concerto.

A piano accompaniment is required for the audition (ASYO will provide one rehearsal with an accompanist and an accompanist for the competition). Students may use their own accompanist if desired.

The piece does not need to be memorized.

The competition is open to solo orchestral instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double-Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, and Voice). At this time we are not accepting piano contestants.

Additional Scholarships and Recognition:

First Place: Full scholarship for the following season.

First Runner-Up: Full scholarship for the following season.

Honorable Mention: Half-scholarship for the following season (if applicable).

We will announce the First Place winner and First Runner-Up, with the possibility of an Honorable Mention based on the number of participants. No cash prizes are being awarded at this time.

Additional Guidelines:

Spectators are not permitted during the PRELIMINARY competition. FINALS will be open to the public.

ASYO reserves the right to suggest an alternative piece for performance if the selected work is deemed unsuitable for the ASYO's concert setting, based on orchestral accompaniment availability or other factors.

ASYO reserves the right to withhold the "First Place" performance component if no performance is deemed suitable for staging with the ASYO.

Once again the ASYO is pleased to provide accompanist services to participants of the competition. Students will receive one rehearsal with their assigned accompanist. You are welcome to secure your own accompanist as well.