Eligibility
Applicants must be 14 years of age by the date of the performance (October 17, 2020) and no older than 18 years of age at the date of the application deadline (May 1, 2020). Previous winners cannot reapply. Those who have been runners-up or have received honorable mentions in previous years are encouraged to re-enter the contest.
Prizes
| Winner | $1300 and the opportunity to perform with the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra on October 17, 2020 |
| 1st Runner Up | $300 |
| 2nd Runner Up | $200 |
| 3rd and 4th Runners Up | $100 |
Music Selection and Recording
Music selections eligible for the competition are (1) a movement of a concerto or (2) an aria of similar difficulty. Length should be approximately 8 to 16 minutes. For comparable length, singers may choose to perform two arias. Any cuts in the score must be approved in advance. The orchestral material must be readily available for the orchestra to obtain.
Either audio or video recordings are acceptable. The audio quality is the responsibility of the contestant.
We understand it might not be possible to meet in person with your accompanist at this time. Please feel free to submit entries using prerecorded accompaniment or even if you do not have access to an accompanist.
To Enter
To Enter Online: Submit your entry form, recording, and $30 entry fee at cvsymphony.org/youngartistentry
To Enter by Mail: Send the entry form, recording, and $30 entry fee to the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra, 402 Graham Ave., Suite 205, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Checks can be made to “CVSO”.
Entry Fee
Contestant must pay a non-refundable $30 entry fee. Payment may be via Paypal (paypal.me/cvsymphonyorchestra) or by a check made out to “CVSO” and mailed to 402 Graham Ave., Suite 205, Eau Claire, WI 54701.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by May 1, 2020.
Finals
Update: In-person finals have been canceled. More information will be available soon on how the winner will be selected.
Contestants who are selected as finalists will be invited to the in-person finals on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The finalists must perform the same work that was initially submitted on the recording. Each contestant is responsible for bringing an accompanist. A grand piano will be available for those performing piano concertos.
A three-judge panel will determine the outcome of the competition. The judges’ decisions will be final. No winner may be declared should the judges find no contestant worthy of the honor. The judges may award honorable mentions should they so desire. Failing to adhere to the rules of this contest will result in dismissal from the contest. The results of the competition will be announced immediately following the finals on May 31, 2020.
Winner’s Performance with the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra
The winner will perform as the featured soloist with the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra on October 17, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. The dress rehearsal is Friday, October 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Both the rehearsal and performance will take place in the RCU Theatre at Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
More more information
Contact the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra office at 715-832-6366 or info@cvsymphony.org.
