Young Artist Competition
The Young Artist Competition is a highlight of the IYO season as an opportunity to engage the talents of young musicians from around the state of Indiana. The competition features two divisions: the Senior Division, which includes ages fourteen through eighteen, and the Junior Division, which includes musicians through the age of thirteen.
Entrants will submit an audition recording of not more than 15 minutes playing time. The recording should be of the best quality possible. Accompaniment is preferred, but not required. The work performed must have orchestral accompaniment and must be the same work that the candidate will play with the orchestra if selected. Cuts may be made to the accompaniment in order to stay within the time limit, but cuts to the solo part are not permitted.
Recordings will be submitted via the application form. Direct upload (100MB file size maximum) or unlisted YouTube link are accepted. Applicants will also be asked to upload a PDF of the music (solo part only, not accompaniment). Form must be completed and entry fee received/postmarked no later than 11:59pm on November 17, 2023.
Pay the $60.00 entry fee online, or mail to: Indianapolis Youth Orchestra, • 32 E. Washington St., Ste 950 • Indianapolis, IN 46204
Finalists will be notified the week of December 10, 2023. No preference is given to either a video or audio recording. Applicants should strive to submit a format with the very highest quality of audio.
Final auditions will be held live on January 6, 2024. All final auditions must be performed from memory. Applicants must provide their own accompanists. Judges for the live final round include distinguished professional musicians as well as college music educators representing a variety of experience in instrumental and vocal music. The panel reserves the right to declare no winner. The winner will be announced immediately following the final auditions.
One soloist from each division will be selected to perform with the IYO Symphony Orchestra. The winner will receive a recording of the performance with the Orchestra. The Junior Division winner will perform with IYO Symphony Orchestra at the mid-Winter concert (February) and the Senior Division winner will perform with IYO Symphony Orchestra at the final concert of the season (May)**. A cash honorarium will be presented to the winner.
**Final performance dates subject to change
Apply here before 11:59pm on November 17, 2023.
Please contact Cara Pittenger, Executive Director, with any questions at