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2026 Young Artists Concerto Competition

Date of Competition: October 10, 2026

Site: Popplers Music | 1726 S Washington St. Grand Forks, ND 58201
 

Application Deadline: September 16, 2026

The application deadline includes both the application fee of $25 and the application form. Students can apply and pay online below. Questions should be directed to 701.732.0262 or ggfso@ggfso.org.

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Download Now

Download the 2026 Young Artist Concerto Competition poster for review and reference.

 

Contact ggfso@ggfso.org with any questions!

Thank You to Our 2026 Competition Sponsors 

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Myra Foundation logo

THE COMPETITION

A female violin soloist stands center stage in a bright blue dress.

Student instrumentalists, pianists, and vocalists residing within the state of North Dakota or within 120 miles of Grand Forks, ND, are invited to participate.

Categories:

  • High School level

  • Collegiate level

COLLEGIATE LEVEL

  • Participants must be between the ages of 18–23.

  • The winner will be considered to perform with the Greater Grand Forks Symphony at the December Concert and will receive a cash prize of $250.

A male string bass soloist, seated, mid-performance.

HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

  • Participants must be enrolled in high school coursework.

  • The winner will receive a cash prize of $100. The winner may be considered to perform at a Greater Grand Forks Symphony sponsored event.

A female piano soloist in a bright red dress, mid-performance.

REQUIREMENTS

Both levels require the following:

 

  1. A standard repertoire solo piece with orchestral accompaniment from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic or Modern period. Please submit the estimated timing of the piece. In the case of a multi-movement piece exceeding 15 minutes, please select one movement. Your selection needs to be approved by the GGFSO Music Director for timing, and availability of score, parts, and appropriate orchestral forces (instruments/players) in case you are selected to perform this piece with orchestra.

  2. Memorization is required.

  3. The audition should be performed with piano accompaniment, using the soloist’s own pianist.

  4. Four legal copies/scores of the music must be provided for the judging panel. Photocopies are not acceptable due to copyright laws.

  5. The application fee of $25 and the completed application form must both be received before the application deadline.

 

The front of the Bosendorfer piano to the left, with the red auditorium chairs in the background.

Questions can be directed to

Donovan Hanson, Executive Director,

at 701.732.0262 or ggfso@ggfso.org.

Past Winners

2025 Young Artist
Concerto Competition Winners

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Collegiate Division

1st Place: Maria Clapp

2nd Place: Natalie Helfrich

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High School Division

1st Place: Emily Kerian

2nd Place: Synje Peterson

2025 SPONSOR

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2024 Young Artist
Concerto Competition Winners

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Collegiate Division

1st Place: Kaden Dowling

2nd Place: Isaac Anderson

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High School Division

1st Place: Aashur Olson

2nd Place: Synje Peterson (not pictured)

2024 SPONSOR

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2023 Young Artist
Concerto Competition Winners

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Collegiate Division

1st Place: Caleb Mendez

2nd Place: Benjamin Bartholomew

Honorable Mention: Jaxon Dewald
Ketina Francois

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High School Division

1st Place: Sophia Keller

2nd Place: Gabe Sagini

Honorable Mention: Synje Peterson

2023 SPONSORS

Myra Foundation logo
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2022 Young Artist Concerto Competition Winners

The three collegiate winners stand together holding certificates.

Collegiate Division Winners:

1st Place: Giles Askim, Tuba
Runner Up (tie): Katelyn Cermak, Flute
Runner Up (tie): Michael Escobedo

(Pictured L-R Michael Escobedo, Giles Askim, Katelyn Cermak)

The three high school winners stand together holding certificates.

High School Division Winners:

1st Place (tie): Matthew Moe, Viola
1st Place (tie): Olivia Nelson, Voice
Runner Up: Seoyeon Ahn, Violin

(Pictured L-R Matthew Moe, Olivia Nelson, Seoyeon Ahn)

Myra Foundation logo

© 2026 GGFSO

The Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra
PO Box 5302
Grand Forks, ND 58206
--5302
701.732.0262
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