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EMERGING ARTISTS COMPETITION

Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra Emerging Artists Competition

Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra is delighted to announce its inaugural Emerging Artists Competition, celebrating the next generation of outstanding classical musicians across New England.

Open to undergraduate and graduate students ages 18–25, this exciting new initiative offers young instrumentalists the opportunity to showcase their artistry, connect with professional musicians, and compete for cash prizes and a performance with Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra during our 2027–2028 50th Anniversary Season.

True to our mission to enrich, engage, and educate, we are proud to create a welcoming and supportive platform for emerging artists. As musicians, we know the value of opportunities to perform, collaborate, and share music with new audiences. We look forward to discovering exceptional young talent and celebrating the future of classical music together.

Applications are now open.

APPLY NOW

Competition Prizes

The competition offers three cash awards and an exceptional performance opportunity for the grand prize winner.

Grand Prize: Performance with Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra during the 2027–2028 50th Anniversary Season and $1,000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students who meet the following requirements:

Be between 18 and 25 years old.
Reside or study in one of the six New England states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont.
Perform on an eligible string, woodwind, or brass instrument.

Please note: Piano applicants are not eligible for this year’s competition.

Competition Timeline

Mark your calendar for these important dates:

Friday, January 29, 2027: Application deadline
March 1, 2027: Finalists notified
April 18, 2027: Live final round

Finalists will perform live with piano accompaniment on April 18, 2027, and will receive a 30-minute rehearsal prior to their performance.

Repertoire Requirements

Applicants are invited to submit a single movement or concert piece suitable for performance with a classical orchestra.

Please observe the following requirements:

The complete proposed selection must not exceed 30 minutes.
Your video submission must include the entire selection you propose to perform with the orchestra.
A piano score of your proposed repertoire must accompany your application.
Repertoire must be appropriate for an orchestra with the following instrumentation: 2-2-2-2, 2-2-0-0, timpani, and strings.

Applicants are encouraged to confirm that their chosen work is compatible with the orchestra’s available instrumentation before submitting.

How to Apply

To complete your application, please prepare the following materials:

1. Application form

Complete all required fields in the competition application.

2. Video recording

Submit a video recording of your complete proposed selection via an unlisted YouTube link. Please ensure that your video is accessible to the competition organizers.

3. Piano score

Include a piano score of the repertoire you propose to perform.

4. Application fee

A fee of $100 per application is required.

All application materials must be submitted by Friday, January 29, 2027.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Frequently Asked Questions

What instruments are eligible?

String, woodwind, and brass instruments are welcome. Piano applicants are not eligible for the 2027 competition.

Who is eligible to apply?

Undergraduate and graduate students ages 18–25 who reside or study in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont may apply.

How long can my repertoire be?

Your proposed selection must not exceed 30 minutes. You must submit a recording of the complete selection you propose to perform.

What happens after the preliminary round?

Applications will be reviewed through a preliminary round based on submitted video recordings. Finalists will be notified on March 1, 2027, and invited to perform in the live final round on April 18, 2027.

Will finalists have a rehearsal before the final?

Yes. Each finalist will receive a 30-minute rehearsal with piano accompaniment before their live performance.

What does the grand prize include?

The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to perform with Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra during the orchestra’s 2027–2028 50th Anniversary Season.

How much does it cost to apply?

The application fee is $100 per application.

Celebrate the Future of Classical Music

Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra is excited to welcome emerging musicians to this new chapter in our commitment to artistic excellence, education, and community engagement. We invite talented young performers from across New England to take the stage, share their artistry, and become part of this inaugural competition.

We look forward to hearing you play!