2027 Young Person’s Concerto Competition

Fenimore Chamber Orchestra

Fenimore Chamber Orchestra proudly announces its 2027 Young Person’s Concerto Competition. The bi-annual Competition showcases exceptional young musicians by offering these emerging artists the rare opportunity to perform as a featured soloist with a professional orchestra. Designed to inspire artistic growth and confidence, the competition celebrates technical excellence, overall musicianship, and the dedication of rising performers. Through this experience, these young artists gain invaluable orchestral performance experience while sharing their talent with the community.

Thc competition is open to young musicians between the ages of 14 and 21 (as of March 13, 2027) who play an eligible instrument (see list below) and are residents of the United States. All applicants must complete the application form (see below) and pay a non-refundable $25 application fee.

Prizes

  • FIRST PLACE: The first-place winner will be awarded $1,000 and invited to appear as soloist with Fenimore Chamber Orchestra in a concert during the 2026–2027 season. A Teacher Recognition Award, equal to 50% of the winning students’ awards, is given to the primary teacher of the first-place winner.

  • SECOND PLACE: The second-place winner will receive a $500 award. A Teacher Recognition Award, equal to 50% of the winning students’ awards, is given to the primary teacher of the second-place winner.

Isabel Chen, First-Prize Winner, Innaugural Fenimore Chamber Orchestra’s Young Person’s Concerto Competition, 2025. Click here to learn more about the 2025 competition.

Important Information

Eligible Instruments:

  • Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Harp, Classical Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Required Repertoire

  • For the complete list of eligible repertoire, click here.

Terms and Conditions

  • For the complete text of the Competition’s Terms and Conditions, click here.

Key Dates and Location:

  • Application Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026

  • Result Announcement: Monday, January 4, 2027

  • Winner’s Concert*: Saturday, March 13, 2027

    *With Fenimore Chamber Orchestra, Christ Church, Cooperstown, NY

Adjudicators:

  • TBA

Click here to learn about the 2025 Young Person's Concerto Competition Results!
Click here to learn about the 2025 Young Person's Concerto Competition Results!

Application Form