Symphony Central Coast Concerto Competition applications now open

Applications are now open for the Symphony Central Coast Concerto Competition.

The competition – supported by the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music – is part of Symphony Central Coast’s ongoing mission to recognise and support local emerging talent and is open to all musicians on the Central Coast under the age of 25. 

This prestigious biennial classical music event gives young Central Coast musicians an opportunity to perform part of a concerto with a full orchestra as a step toward a career as a solo performing artist.

In 2020 there were four CCCM  finalists – Kimberly Gilbert, Charlotte Brown, Bayden Tham and Kaito Deed, with Bayden winning the overall adjudicator’s award.

Concertos are works for solo instrument and orchestra and are an opportunity for an outstanding player to show their artistry and virtuosity accompanied by a large orchestra. These works require great dexterity and musical maturity. Performers are required to play one or several movements of a concert, up to 15 minutes in length. 

The first stage of the event is a 10-minute audition on 7 May, adjudicated by the Symphony Central Coast Artistic Director and Conductor, Steven Stanke, and CCCM Artistic Director, Patrick Brennan which will be held in Robert Knox Hall, 45 Mann Street, Gosford.

Four musicians will then be selected to perform at the SCC Prodigies Concert on Sunday 17 September at Central Coast Grammar School Performing Arts Centre. 

At the Prodigies concert, all performers play the movements of their chosen concertos with Symphony Central Coast and are eligible for an Adjudicator’s Award ($1500) and/or the People’s Choice (popular) award ($500). The winner of the Adjudicator’s Award will also be offered an opportunity to perform their concerto in full with Symphony Central Coast in 2024.

KEY DATES

• Applications close: 8 April, 4.00pm
• Auditions:  7 May 2023
• Rehearsals with orchestra: From Wednesday 7 Sep, 7:30pm. Individual times and dates to be advised.
• Concert: Sunday 17 September, 2:30pm

For more details, conditions of entry and how to apply head to the Symphony Central Coast website.