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Details on Applying to the
Samuel Fordis Young Artists Concerto Competition
Important Dates
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
Semi-Finalists Announced: February 8, 2026
Semi-Finalists Live Audition: February 22, 2026 beginning at 11:00 AM EST in Cumming, GA
Winners Notified: February 23, 2026
Concert Featuring Winners: April 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Lassiter Concert Hall
Eligibility
String, Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion musicians who reside in or attend school in the state of Georgia; must be between 10 and 18 years of age as of October 6, 2025. Previous first-place winners are not eligible. There may not be a winner selected for every category every year. Applications will compete in the following categories (determined by applicant age on that date):
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Apprentice (all instruments): 13 and younger
PRIZE: Performance with the Georgia Philharmonic -
Artisan 1 (Strings): 10 - 18
PRIZE: Performance with the Georgia Philharmonic -
Artisan 2 (Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion): 10-18
PRIZE: Performance with the Georgia Philharmonic
Availability of Contestant
Each applicant must be available for all Monday rehearsals leading up to the concert from 7:30 - 9:30 pm starting on five weeks prior to the concert and for the dress rehearsal on the day prior to the concert (7:30 - 9:30) and concert (7:00 - 9:00 pm).
Competition Process
All recordings will be evaluated by a panel of impartial judges. Contestants from each category will be selected to advance to the semifinals, consisting of a 15-20 minute live audition before a jury of distinguished judges. Of these, one first-place winner will be selected in each category and will be featured in concert with the Georgia Philharmonic. However, if a suitable contestant is not available in every category, the jury reserves the option to select multiple laureates from the same category.
Music Selections
Music choices must have full orchestration with score and parts available in the U.S. through IMSLP for use by the Philharmonic. If music is not available in the U.S. through IMSLP, contestants chosen to perform must provide the score and parts for their piece.
Semifinalists will perform a solo audition with piano accompaniment at the live, final audition if selected. Contestants must provide their own accompanist. A piano will be available for accompanist use. Semi-final audition repertoire must be suitable for performance with a full orchestra and must be a minimum of six minutes of music and must be memorized.
Requirements for Application Materials
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$50 non-refundable entrance fee paid using the link provided in the application*
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​MP3 recording of a mvt/s of a Concerto 6-12 minutes of length
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​​Recording must be with accompanist and must include intended semi-final audition repertoire
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​Recordings must be AUDIO ONLY - please do not send video
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Letter of recommendation from a music teacher or other professional musician
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Brief resume or bio of applicant's musical and educational history
*Limited scholarships available.
Please direct questions about the competition to gpyacc@georgiaphilharmonic.org.
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