Young Artist Competition

How to Apply

The Application Form: Click here

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, October 28, 2024. All auditions must be submitted digitally (YouTube or Vimeo link preferred.)
• 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 two copies 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 12, 2025 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 “Youth, Tricksters, and Metamorphosis” on Saturday, March 8, 2025, 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM (And also attend rehearsals on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, March 8, 2025 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 12, 2025 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 will perform their concerto live with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the subscription concert “Youth, Tricksters, and Metamorphosis” on Saturday, March 8, 2025, 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
• And also attend rehearsals on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, March 8, 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