Youth Concerto Competition
Applications are now Open!
A high school and college winner will be selected. Both will be awarded a $400 honorarium and will perform with the Newark Symphony Orchestra in March or May 2027. In case of joint winners within an age category, the honorarium will be split between the winners.
Open to students in Delaware, parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, Cecil County Maryland, and those studying with a Delaware teacher.
Competition Application & Audition
Step One: Download and complete the Application form:
Step Two: Submit your application and the $40 non-refundable fee:
If you are unable to send your application digitally using the button above, you may
- Email the application to busmgr@newarksymphony.org and pay the fee digitally or by check, or
- Mail the completed application and a $40 check (payable to Newark Symphony Orchestra) to:
For more information or questions, please contact Thomas R. Rocek at rocek@udel.edu
NSO Concerto Competition
PO Box 7775
Newark DE 19714-7775
Before sending your application , read the rules included in the application form, and posted below for your convenience.
Completed application and fee due Monday, October 26th, 2026 by 11:59pm.
Your non-refundable fee of $40 must accompany each application.
Use the payment link at the end of the form, or please click here to pay your application fee IF you have already successfully submitted your application using the button below.
Auditions will be held on Saturday, November 14th, 2026, 1:30-6:00 PM at:
The Music School of Delaware
4101 Washington Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
Participant Criteria
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Age as of December 31, 2026:
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High school student age 13-18
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College student (instrumentalist) under the age of 25
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College student (vocalist) under the age of 29
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Contestants must sing or perform on a string, wind, or percussion instrument (not piano).
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Contestants must be permanent residents or full-time students in the state of Delaware, Chester and Delaware Counties in Pennsylvania, or Cecil County in Maryland. Applicants not meeting residence requirements will be considered if they study with a Delaware resident.
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Contestants must supply at least two piano scores for use by the judges.
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Contest winners must be able to commute to required rehearsals at the Independence School and Charter High School in Newark, Delaware.
Repertoire Selection
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College contestants must be prepared to perform a complete work for solo instrument and orchestra (single movement works are acceptable).
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High school contestants are encouraged to audition with a full work but a single movement of a concerto will also be considered.
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Vocalists must be prepared to perform a program of at least 15 minutes of operatic arias from standard repertoire.
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Memorization is not required, but is preferred.
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If the rental cost of the orchestral parts is more than $400, the soloist is responsible for the remaining balance
