Georgia Philharmonic

Young Artist Development Program

Since 2009, the Georgia Philharmonic has launched several exciting new programs to cultivate a vibrant arts community in metro Atlanta:

Premiere Program ~ Georgia Philharmonic is committed to premiering one original classical work each season from both budding and established modern composers. So far, exciting new works have been presented in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 concert seasons.

Concerto Competition ~ In 2010, Georgia Philharmonic debuted its annual Concerto Competition, which offers local young talents the chance to contend for a solo performance with the orchestra. Concerto competition winners are featured each year in a special subscription series concert.

Conducting Internship ~ In 2012, Georgia Philharmonic begins its Conducting Internship Program, which will provide one qualified candidate each season the unique opportunity to study under a professional music director, lead occasional orchestral rehearsals, and perform as guest conductor at a subscription series concert. Our first intern will be selected in the spring/summer of 2012 for the 2012-13 season.

In addition, the Georgia Philharmonic has made several openings available in its string sections for talented teenage musicians. To request an audition, interested players should complete our online form.

Samuel A. Fordis Young Artists Concerto Competition
Named in honor of former concertmaster and cherished colleague Sam Fordis, the annual Georgia Philharmonic Young Artists Concerto Competition invites the next generation of great musicians to establish their place in musical history! In January of every year, we feature several outstanding young Atlanta musicians in concert with the orchestra. Concert laureates are selected by audition in the late fall for this opportunity for a premiere performance with the Georgia Philharmonic. Applications are now available for our 2011-2012 Concerto Competition.
Application Deadline: October 31, 2011

Samuel A. Fordis (July 21, 1921 - March 17, 2010)

Samuel Fordis, Hazzan and violinist, had a lifelong passion for music, studying violin with Branislaw Gimpel and Abram Shtern. After leaving the Army Air Corp Orchestra, he became a recording artist for Universal Studios. He served as concertmaster of the Palisades Symphony, Brentwood-Westwood Symphony and three orchestras in Georgia. He also played with the Santa Monica Symphony. As Hazzan, he served Valley Beth Shalom, Burbank Temple Emanu El, Adat Shalom and other synagogues. He trained many Cantors who serve around the U.S. and Canada.