Eligibility
Eligibility to compete in the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto Competition is open to singers and instrumentalists of all ages and all instruments. Winners from previous Utah Philharmonic Orchestra competitions may not compete again in the same age category. Competitors will be divided into age categories based on age as of January 1st 2025.

Winner Categories
Youth - age 8-11
Junior - age 12-14
Senior - age 15-18
Open - age 19+
Vocalist – age 13+

** All Vocalists must enter the Vocal category. Vocalists entering any other category will be disqualified. 

Date and Location
The 2025 Utah Philharmonic Orchestra Annual Concerto Competition will be held on January 25, 2025 at Daynes Music (6935 South State Street) in Midvale, Utah. Individual contestants will be assigned a specific time for performance based on their performance category.

Repertoire
Contestants should prepare a single movement from a concerto, aria from an opera or oratorio, or another standard solo with orchestral accompaniment. Orchestral scores and parts must be readily available through standard commercial sources and free from performance restrictions. (If you have any questions about the suitability of your contest repertoire, contact us about it before entering the contest. Failure to meet these criteria is grounds for disqualification, and the entry fee is non-refundable.)

 

Please note that “Broadway” or “Pops” selections do not generally meet the above guidelines. Musical selections are ineligible if they have won in ANY category in the last 2 years of the competition. Movements of works not on the List of Ineligible Pieces may be performed. Please review the list of winners and corresponding pieces or the list of ineligible pieces for 2025 BEFORE submitting your entry form. 

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The concerto competition committee reserves the right to exercise discretion regarding pieces that call for unconventional or impractical instrumentation.

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Contest Performance

• Live performances are required (no video auditions)

• Each contestant should perform the movement or segment of the work intended for performance - Maximum of 6 minutes - Contestants should make necessary cuts to fit the allotted time. Judges may lower the scores of contestants who go over this allotted time.

• Contestants will be assigned an audition time based on the category entered. Please set aside the entire day (9am-6pm) for this event. Requests for alternate times are for emergencies only with no guarantees. Contact concerto@utahphil.org for details.

• A warmup room will be available for contestants' use immediately before they perform. Time in the warmup room will be limited, so contestants should arrive prepared to play with minimal preparation.

• Judges will be selected for a number of factors including formal musical education, experience teaching music, and experience with music auditions and competitions.

• Providing a score or copy of the soloist's music for judges' reference is required. 

• There will be a piano available for accompanists, but contestants must provide their own accompanist. Any contestant may choose to perform unaccompanied; however piano entries MUST play unaccompanied. 

• Memorization is not required but encouraged. 

Contact Information
Contestants may contact the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra by email at concerto@utahphil.org.

Entry Information
Registration for the competition is completed via Eventbrite, linked below. Each contestant must submit a complete entry which consists of:
 

Entry Form

Completed and signed entry form (if minor, parent/legal guardian must sign). Registration will be completed through online form on the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra website. Contact concerto@utahphil.org if you are unable to register online.

Entry Fee

Utah Philharmonic Orchestra prefers payment of the Entry Fee online at the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra website. This fee is non-refundable. Double Concertos and Ensembles must submit a registration form and fee for each individual. Registrations received after the deadline will be charged an additional $20.

Deadlines
Registration must be submitted online by January 3, 2025 for consideration. Contestants will be notified by email of contest time slots no later than January 12, 2025. Late entries may be considered after January 3, and possibly accepted based on time slot availability.