Are you the Central Coast’s next concerto star? Entries are now open for the 2025 Symphony Central Coast Concerto Competition.
The 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.
Previous winners include Central Coast Conservatorium students, violinist Kaito Deed in 2023 and cellist Bayden Tham in 2021. Other finalists have included Central Coast Conservatorium students Sophie Kelly (flute), Minjy Lee (violin) and former Keyboard Club tutor Matthew Ardern.
The competition is held every two years and is open to all musicians (instrumental and vocal) on the Central Coast under the age of 25. 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, all of which will be in plentiful supply at this concert.
How to enter
Applications close on 11 April and auditions will be held at Central Coast Conservatorium’s Robert Knox Hall on 25 May. This will include a short, 10-15minute audition, adjudicated by SCC Conductor, Dr Steven Stanke, and Central Coast Con Artistic Director, Patrick Brennan. Candidates will be asked to perform an excerpt/s of their chosen concerto.
Four finalists will then be invited to perform the movements of their chosen concertos with Symphony Central Coast at the Prodigies Concert on 21 September 2025, with the Adjudicator’s Award ($2,000) and People’s Choice Award ($1,000) decided at the end of the event. The winner of the Adjudicator’s Award will be offered an opportunity to perform their concerto in full with Symphony Central Coast in 2026.
For more information and to apply click HERE
