Concerto Competition

Richard R. Deas Young Artists Concerto Competition

In response to coronavirus restrictions, the 2020 Richard R. Deas Young Artists Concerto Competition will be postponed until we are able to do the auditions in person. We will post updates on this webpage.

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 has approximately 20-25 qualified applicants each year from which a three-judge panel selects winners in three age-group divisions to perform as soloists accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra. The three age-group divisions are Junior Division (grades 4-8), High School Division and University of North Carolina-Wilmington Division. Performing as a soloist in front of a live audience, accompanied by an experienced orchestra, is life changing for our young musicians.

The 2020 Concerto Competition is POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Application deadline to be determined.
There is a $15 non-refundable application fee.

For information regarding the UNCW Division click here.

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 errantes@uncw.edu). 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 errantes@uncw.edu). 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
Application deadline to be determined.

Make checks payable to "Wilmington Symphony Orchestra" .
PAY ONLINE

Congratulations to our 2019 Richard R. Deas Young Artists Concerto Competition Winners!

Junior Division: Saybren Long, violin

High School Division: Amelia Smith, violin

UNCW Division: Sarah Wells, soprano

Congratulations to our 2018 Richard R. Deas Young Artists Concerto Competition Winners!

Junior Division: Douglas Han, piano

High School Division: CJ Tyson, V, violoncello

UNCW Division: Tanya Hanano, mezzo-soprano