About the Competition

As part of our mission to motivate, encourage and enhance the musical careers of outstanding young musicians, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce its 35th Annual Young Artist Competition. There are 2 competition divisions:

Junior Division (12 to 18 at time of competition, have not completed high school)
Senior Division (18 to 25 at time of competition, have completed high school)

Instrumental and voice students throughout the U.S. are encouraged to compete. Please read ALL of the information carefully before applying. Application portal will open Monday, September 15, 2025. Completed applications, entrance videos, and $25 application fee are due by Monday, November 3, 2025 at 5PM EST. Please direct any administrative questions to natalie@reillyartscenter.com and musical questions to matt@reillyartscenter.com.

AWARDS

  • Finalists are required to perform with their accompanist (you must supply your accompanist) during the Finals/Honors Recital on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 3 PM at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala, Florida. The Finals will be performed in front of a live audience.
  • All finalists from each division will receive a cash award of $200.
  • Winners must be available to perform their concerto live with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the subscription concert “To Spring!” on Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM (And also attend rehearsals on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM.)
  • Each of the the two winners will each receive an additional cash award of $1,800 during the March 2026 concert series.

The Young Artist Competition is presented through funding by:

34th Annual Young Artists Competition Finalists

How to Apply

The Application Portal will be available here on September 15, 2025.

Application Categories:

Instrumental and voice students throughout the U.S. are encouraged to compete. Please read ALL of the information carefully before applying. Please direct any administrative questions to OSO Executive Director at natalie@reillyartscenter.com and musical questions to the OSO Music Director and Conductor at matt@reillyartscenter.com.

Junior Division (12 to 18 at time of competition, have not completed high school)
Senior Division (18 to 25 at time of competition, have completed high school)

Audition Rules

  • Applications and video auditions are due by Monday, November 3, 2025. All auditions must be submitted digitally (YouTube link preferred.) Please make sure your video link is not password protected.
  • Auditions are strictly limited to 10 mins. Accompanist cuts are encouraged to reduce audition time. If your video is longer than 10 mins, the judges will stop the video at the 10 min mark.
  • All audition submissions must be a single take and with a live accompanist.
  • All repertoire must have readily available orchestral parts and be available for the March 2024 performances with the OSO. If you are not sure orchestra parts are available, please research by asking your teacher, other players, etc. If still not sure, email the OSO’s Music Director and Conductor, Matthew Wardell at matt@reillyartscenter.com
  • Finals/Honors Recital performance duration should not exceed 15 minutes, and will be restricted to a single movement in most circumstances. If you are chosen as a division winner, the Music Director may consult with you re: your ability/desire to play more than a single movement if the concert duration allows. In most cases, only a single movement will be performed.
  • Applicants are responsible for their own expenses (i.e. travel to the finals recital).
  • Applicants must provide an accompanist and at least one copy of the piano score for the judges at the finals recital.
  • Previous winners are ineligible for competition, but all other previous competitors (including finalists) are encouraged to audition.
  • Finalists are required to perform with their accompanist (you must supply your accompanist) during the Finals/Honors Recital on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 3 PM at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala, Florida.
  • Winners must be available to perform their concerto live with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the subscription concert “To Spring” on Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM (And also attend rehearsals on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM.) Inability to perform at this concert, will cause forfeiture of the winner’s additional cash award.

Awards

  • Finalists will perform with their accompanist (you must supply your accompanist) during the Finals/Honors Recital on Sunday January 11, 2026 at 3 PM at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala, Florida. The Finals will be performed in front of a live audience.
  • Finalists from each division will receive a cash award of $200.
  • Winners must be available to perform their concerto live with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the subscription concert “To Spring” on Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM (And also attend rehearsals on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, March 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM.)
  • The two winners will each receive an additional cash award of $1,800 during the March concert series.

 

 

The 34th Young Artist Competition Honors Recital

Congratulations to the 34th Annual Young Artist Competition Winners, Ayra Karlin (Junior Division) and Isabela Diaz (Senior Division). Both musicians will go on to perform as a soloist at “Youth, Tricksters, and Metamorphosis” on Saturday, March 8, 2025, 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM.

Jr. Division Finalists

Ivan Kostornyi, Violin
Madelyn Urbine, Horn
Alice Hu, Flute
Ayra Karlin, Violin – Winner

Sr. Division Finalists

Isabelle Scott, Harp
Madalyn Tomkins, Soprano
Isabela Diaz, Violin – Winner 
Khalil Payne, Cello

34th Annual Young Artists Competition Finalists

Isabela Diaz - 34th Annual YAC Senior Division Winner

Ayra Karlin - 34th Annual YAC Junior Division Winner