The Young Artist Competition is an instrumental music competition for serious young musicians in grades: 9 through 12 (or equivalent ages.) Applicants must be recommended by their school music teacher or private music teacher. All competitors submit a recording of their concerto. Finalists perform their piece live in front of a panel of judges. The winner of the Senior Division performs his/her piece with the BHSO.

The Black Hills Symphony Orchestra and the Black Hills Symphony League are pleased to announce:

46th Annual Young Artist Competition -- January 25, 2025

Sponsored by the Black Hills Symphony League
Deadline for applications: December 16, 2024

Competition is open to high school instrumentalists in grades 9 through 12 and living within a 180-mile radius of Rapid City. The Junior Division is open to students in 9th or 10th grades (with a maximum age of 17), and Senior Division is open to those in 11th and 12th grades (with a maximum age of 19). Applicants must be recommended by their school music director or private music teacher. Entrants may only compete on one instrument per competition.

The following pieces will NOT be allowed for competition in 2025 –

Bassoon Concert in F major, Op. 75 by Carl Maria Von Weber

Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op 73 "Emperor" by Ludwig van Beethoven

Competition will be open to the public. Admission to the Young Artist Competition is free. Donations are welcome.

Questions?

Please contact the BHSO office 605-348-4676 or bhso@rapidnet.com

Awards

The winner from the senior division will play his/her solo with the BHSO at the Concert on March 1, 2025 and receive a cash award of $500. The second place winner in the senior division will receive $300. The first place winner in the junior division will receive $200. The second place winner in the junior division will receive $100. An honorable mention may be awarded at the judges’ discretion. There will be no monetary award for this distinction. All competitors will receive an audio recording of their competition performance.

Special Thanks to the Black Hills Symphony League for their generous sponsorship of this event.