ABOUT THE COMPETITION
Dr. Richard R. Deas, for whom the student concerto competition was named and in whose memory it continues, helped create the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra in 1971. As the then-Chair of the UNCW Department of Music he assisted in developing the competition in 1976 as a way to give talented young musicians an opportunity to perform with a symphony orchestra.
The Richard R. Deas Young Artists Concerto Competition is open to 4th grade through college level music students. This competition provides an excellent challenge for students to hone their skills and knowledge, producing musicians who have gone on to conservatories and music studies in college. An online application is available along with a list of repertoires. The competition is in November with contestants performing for a three-panel judge, recruited from across the State.
The winners of the High School and UNCW Divisions will perform in concert at the Wilson Center accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. The winner of the Junior Division will perform at the annual Free Family Concert accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Dr. Richard R. Deas, for whom the student concerto competition was named and in whose memory it continues, helped create the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra in 1971. As the then-Chair of the UNCW Department of Music he assisted in developing the competition in 1976 as a way to give talented young musicians an opportunity to perform with a symphony orchestra.
The Richard R. Deas Young Artists Concerto Competition is open to 4th grade through college level music students. This competition provides an excellent challenge for students to hone their skills and knowledge, producing musicians who have gone on to conservatories and music studies in college. An online application is available along with a list of repertoires. The competition is in November with contestants performing for a three-panel judge, recruited from across the State.
The winners of the High School and UNCW Divisions will perform in concert at the Wilson Center accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. The winner of the Junior Division will perform at the annual Free Family Concert accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra.
For those who applied in the 2020-21 academic year, you may compete in the division that you would have been eligible for during that (2020-21) academic year.
Application deadline: October 31, 2021.
Competition date: November 13, 2021
Application fee: $15 (non-refundable)
For information regarding the UNCW Division click here.
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Junior Division
Eligibility The competition is limited to instrumental and piano students enrolled in grades 4-8 with a home address within New Hanover, Onslow, Duplin, Sampson, Bladen, Brunswick, Pender, or Columbus counties. Previous winners may not audition on the same instrument. Rules Audition pieces must be performed from memory. The contestant must provide an accompanist and three copies of the music for the judges (contestants are responsible for observing applicable copyright laws). The decision of the judges is final, and the winner must perform the composition played at the audition, accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra at a concert to be determined. Performance The Junior Division winner must be available for rehearsals, dress rehearsal, and performance during the spring following auditions; exact date will be available when auditions are scheduled. Repertoire Selections must be no more than 6 minutes in length; the suitability of the selection and availability of performance materials must be approved by the conductor prior to the acceptance of the application (contact conductor@wilmingtonsymphony.org). No composition may be entered if it appeared or will appear on any Wilmington Symphony concert the prior season or the current season. |
High School Division
Eligibility The competition is limited to instrumental and piano students enrolled in grades 9-12 with a home address within New Hanover, Onslow, Duplin, Sampson, Bladen, Brunswick, Pender, or Columbus counties. Previous winners may not audition on the same instrument. Rules Audition pieces must be performed from memory. The contestant must provide an accompanist and three copies of the music for the judges (contestants are responsible for observing applicable copyright laws). The decision of the judges is final, and the winner must perform the composition played at the audition, accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony at a concert to be determined. Performance The High School Division winner must be available for rehearsals, dress rehearsal, and performance during the spring following auditions; exact date will be available when auditions are scheduled. Repertoire Selections must be no more than 12 minutes in length. The suitability and availability of performance materials must be approved by the conductor prior to the acceptance of the application (contact conductor@wilmingtonsymphony.org). No composition may be entered if it appeared or will appear on any Wilmington Symphony concert the prior season or the current season. |
FEE: There is a $15 non-refundable application fee
Make checks payable to "Wilmington Symphony Orchestra" .
PAY ONLINE
PAY ONLINE
Congratulations to our 2019 Richard R. Deas Young Artists Concerto Competition Winners!
Junior Division: Saybren Long, violin
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High School Division: Amelia Smith, violin
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UNCW Division: Sarah Wells, soprano
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Congratulations to our 2018 Richard R. Deas Young Artists Concerto Competition Winners!
Junior Division: Douglas Han, piano
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High School Division: CJ Tyson, V, violoncello
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UNCW Division: Tanya Hanano, mezzo-soprano
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