2027 · 23RD ANNUAL
Concerto Competition
The Utah Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto Competition has been held annually since 2003. It is a statewide competition with open categories for all ages and all instruments, plus a separate category for vocalists. Winners of each category are invited to perform as soloists with the UPO in the spring Concerto Spotlight Spectacular usually held in May.
Registrations for the 2027 Concerto Competition will open in early fall. Please check back for further details. Thank you.
2027 Ineligible PiecesEligibility
- Open to Utah musicians only, including vocalists and instrumentalists of all ages and all instruments.
- Students presently attending any Utah university or college but who may not be originally from Utah are eligible to compete.
- 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 1, 2027.
Competition Categories
- Youth — age 8–11
- Junior — age 12–14
- Senior — age 15–18
- Open (Winds and Brass) — age 19+
- Open (Strings and Piano) — age 19+
- Vocalist — age 13+
** All vocalists must enter the Vocal category. Vocalists entering any other category will be disqualified.
Date and Location of Competition and Spotlight Concert
The 2027 Utah Philharmonic Orchestra Annual Concerto Competition will tentatively be held January 23, 2027 at location TBD. Individual contestants will be assigned a specific time (8am–6pm) for performance based on category entered.
Winners will perform with the UPO at the Spotlight Spectacular Concerto Concert on Thursday, May 20, 2027 at the Libby Gardner Performance Hall on the University of Utah campus.
Repertoire
- Contestants should prepare a single movement from a concerto, aria from an opera or oratorio, or other 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 the UPO before entering. 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 but are permitted in the Vocal category.
- 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 2027 BEFORE submitting your entry form.
The concerto competition committee reserves the right to exercise discretion regarding pieces that call for unconventional or impractical instrumentation.
Contest Performance
- Live performances are required (no video auditions permitted).
- Each contestant should perform the movement or segment intended for performance (six minute limit). Contestants are to make necessary cuts to fit the allotted time. Judges may lower the scores of contestants who go over.
- In the event of a tied score in any category, the winner will be chosen using prioritized adjudication rubric indices.
- Contestants will be assigned an audition time based on the category entered. Please set aside the entire day (8am–6pm).
- Requests for alternate performance times are for emergencies only with no guarantees that requests can be accommodated. Contact concerto@utahphil.org for details.
- A warm-up room will be available immediately before performance. Time is limited (approx. 5–10 min), so arrive prepared.
- Judges are selected for factors including formal musical education, teaching experience, and experience with auditions and competitions.
- Providing a score or copy of the soloist's music for judges' reference is required.
- A piano will be available for accompanists, but contestants must provide their own accompanist.
- Any contestant may choose to perform unaccompanied.
- All piano entries MUST play unaccompanied.
- Memorization is not required but encouraged.
Entry Information
- Each contestant must complete an entry form and submit the fee payment to be a registered and eligible contestant.
- For minor contestants, a parent or legal guardian must provide their contact information.
- Registration is completed through an online form: Coming soon
- Please contact concerto@utahphil.org if you have any questions or are unable to register online.
Entry Fee
- Registration Fee: $65.
- Registration is open until December 31, 2026
- The fee will be paid online at the time of application.
- Registration 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 and are not guaranteed an eligible spot.
Deadlines
- Registration (form AND fee) must be submitted online by midnight December 18, 2026 to be considered.
- Contestants will be notified by email of audition time slots no later than January 10, 2027.
- Late entries may be considered after December 31, and possibly accepted based on time slot availability.
Contact Information
Contestants may contact the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra by email at concerto@utahphil.org.