COMPETITION
Students who are accepted to participate will compete in-person on Saturday, January 2, 2027.
AWARD
The Grand Prize Winner will receive $1,000 and be considered for an invitation to perform with the Richmond Symphony during the 2027–28 season. The Runner-up Prize Winner will receive $750 and be considered for an invitation to perform for a Richmond Symphony League event.
ELIGIBILITY
Student instrumentalists who have not yet graduated from high school and reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible.
Participation is limited to the first 40 applicants with completed applications and approved repertoire.
Contestants may only apply to compete with a single selection on one instrument.
REPERTOIRE
Each contestant must perform a concerto movement of standard classical repertoire. The final performance of the winner’s piece may not exceed ten (10) minutes in duration which includes entrance, setup, playtime and exit.
Click this link Richmond Symphony Approved List of Repertoire for Concerto Competition for a list of eligible repertoires. If a contestant wishes to play repertoire that is not already on this list, then they may ask Richmond Symphony League to approve it.
Contestants whose selection exceeds ten (10) minutes (as defined above) during the competition will not be permitted to continue.
GUIDELINES
Contestants must perform their approved concerto movement selection from memory.
- Contestants must perform with an accompanist, which they must provide.
- Contestants must provide three (3) physical copies of complete scores of their selections, indicating cuts if necessary. Contestants must bring their scores with them on the day of the competition or mail them ahead of time (see mailing instructions on the Teacher and Parent approval form.)
- All applicants’ parent(s) or guardian(s) must sign a media waiver.
- All applicants must provide their own instruments for audition and performance (except pianists).
ADJUDICATION
All contestants will compete before a panel of judges in a single round on Saturday, January 2, 2027.
LOCATION
W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University (922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA 23220)
HOW TO ENTER
- Select your repertoire. Click this link Richmond Symphony Approved List of Repertoire for Concerto Competition for a list of eligible repertoires. If the piece you wish to play is not on this page, you may reach out to Richmond Symphony League to have your piece approved see email address below.
- Complete and submit the online registration form – click link RSL Annual Concerto Competition Application to access the registration form. All fields in the registration form must be complete and accurate. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Note - Do not start the online application until all required documents for upload are ready to upload and you are ready to pay the application fee.
- Registration will open October 7, 2026. Repertoires must be approved by November 18, 2026. All registrations must be approved by November 25, 2036. When officially registering, you will be required to submit the following items digitally:
- Pay the $40 registration fee, paid through the Richmond Symphony League website as part of the registration form.
Please note that participation is limited to the first 40 applicants with completed applications and approved repertoire. If 40 applicants officially register before the deadline, registration for this year’s competition will close early. Complete your application as early as possible for the best possibility of ensuring your acceptance to the competition.
We will accept submissions until the designated deadline or until all 40 audition slots have been filled.
FOR FURTHER INQUIRIES
Please email the Richmond Symphony League, Anne Hoffler RSL Chair at clayandanne1@gmail.com