Young Person’s Concerto Competition

Showcase Your Talent – Win the Chance to Perform with Fenimore Chamber Orchestra

Fenimore Chamber Orchestra proudly announces its 2027 Young Person’s Concerto Competition, open to young musicians between the ages of 14 and 21 (as of March 15, 2027) who play an eligible instrument (see list below) and are residents of the United States.

Prizes

  • FIRST PLACE: The first-place winner will be awarded $1,000 and invited to appear as soloist with the 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

Important Information

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.

Eligible Instruments:

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

Key Dates and Location:

  • Application Deadline: Friday, January 1, 2027

  • Result Announcement: Monday, February 1, 2027

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

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

Adjudicators:

  • Debrah Devine, Principal Violin 2, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra

  • Daniel Hane, Principal Bassoon, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra

  • Maciej Zoltowski, Artistic Director, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra