2023-2024 SEASON MASTERCLASSES
The Columbus Symphony’s Master Classes offer exceptional artists the opportunity to share their insight and inspiration with the community’s most talented young musicians. Past masterclasses have been conducted by CSO concertmaster, Joanna Frankel, CSO soloists Natasha Paremski & Shai Wosner (piano), Bella Hristova (violin), Joshua Roman & Mark Kosower (cello) & Rachel Barton Pine (violin).
Elina Vahala-Violin
Thursday, March 21
6 pm
Ohio Theater-Rehearsal Room 1
Natasha Peremski, Piano
Thursday, May 2, 2024
6 pm
Ohio Theater-Rehearsal Room 1
Thomas Mesa, cello
Thursday, May 16
6 pm
Ohio Theater-Rehearsal Room 1
Apply to Perform Here
The public is invited to attend Master Classes at no cost. Performers are selected through recorded submissions. For more information or audition to perform please fill out our application here.
YOUNG MUSICIANS SHOWCASE
If you’ve ever come early to a Columbus Symphony Masterworks concert, you’ve probably seen some of our talented young musicians at work! Young musicians from the central Ohio area are given the opportunity to gain valuable experience by performing in the Galbreath Pavilion before every Classical Series concert. Performers include those who place at a high level in the CSO Young Musicians Competition, students of CSO musicians, & select CSYO musicians. The Young Musician’s Showcase begins approximately one hour prior to the start of the concert. All participants receive two complimentary tickets to that evening’s Columbus Symphony concert.
For more information please contact Education Programs Manager, Madison Hookfin at [email protected].
2024 YOUNG MUSICIANS COMPETITION
Saturday, March 2, 2024 - Sunday, March 3, 2024
Capital University, Conservatory of Music
Now Accepting Applications for the 2024 Competition.
Click Here to Apply!
Applications are due by 5PM Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Fees must be postmarked by Saturday, January 27, 2024.
The Young Musicians Competition provides an opportunity for students in grades 3-12 to perform for professional feedback from Columbus Symphony Orchestra musicians and collegiate faculty from around central Ohio. The Competition is comprised of three different divisions: the Junior Division, the Senior Division, and the Concerto Division. The Junior and Senior Divisions are non-competitive, and participants receive professional feedback on their performance and musicianship. The Concerto Division is competitive and the winner will be the recipient of the Lois H. Allen Concerto Prize in the amount of $1,000, generously donated by the Friends of the Symphony. Students who place high in the divisions may also have the opportunity to perform in the Ohio Theatre lobby prior to Columbus Symphony Masterworks concerts.
Application fees will be due at the time of registration. Fees can be sent online or via mail. Performance times will be sent the week of February 12, 2024. If you do not receive your time by this deadline, contact the Education Programs Coordinator.
Competition Division Details
Concerto Division (competitive)
This Division is intended for musicians in grades 8-12. The winner of the Concerto Division will be the recipient of the Lois H. Allen Award in the amount of $1,000 donated by the Friends of the Symphony. Musicians must receive approval from their private teachers to participate in this division. All participants will receive certificates and comment sheets from judges.
Applicants are to prepare one movement from a standard solo work with orchestral accompaniment (performed in both rounds with piano accompaniment). Selections must be no longer than 15 minutes. Applicants must provide their own accompanists.
Application Fee: $50.00
Preliminary Video Submission Round
Sunday, January 28, 2024, 5 pm
In-Person Finalist Round
Saturday, March 2, 2024, 10 am–4 pm
Each competitor’s preliminary video will be evaluated, and all participants will receive award certificates and comment sheets from the judges. The finalists will be notified by Friday, February 9, and will be assigned a time slot for the in-person Competition Finals on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
PRELIMINARY VIDEO SUBMISSION AND IN-PERSON FINAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
• Performance selections should be of an advanced level (such as OMEA Class A). Prepare a single instrument solo or movement from a standard work.
• The repertoire selected must be the same for preliminary and final rounds, in public domain, and be 15 minutes or less in length.
PRELIMINARY ROUND VIDEO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• Students are asked to record ONLY THE EXPOSITION SECTION of their chosen piece without CADENZA.
• Video should be shot in one continuous take.
• Multiple videos or evidence of editing is prohibited. Videos that are suspected of editing will be disqualified.
• Participants MUST have an accompanist for their recorded video to be considered.
• Memorization in the preliminary round is not required.
* To be eligible, completed videos should be uploaded via a provided Dropbox link no later than Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 5 pm.
IN-PERSON FINAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
• Audition slots will be scheduled in 15-minute increments. If your piece is longer than the allotted time, you will be stopped by the judges due to time constraints. Abridged versions are not permitted.
• Prepare a second solo or movement from a contrasting style period (i.e. Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or 20th century) to be performed at the discretion of the judges if a tie-breaker is needed in the Final Round. • Participants MUST provide their own accompanists.
• Memorization is required for the primary piece.
• Two original music scores or parts must be provided for the judges, but you are encouraged to provide additional original scores. Photocopies are not permitted.
•Tie-breaker selections do NOT need to be memorized. Two original scores or parts must be provided for the judges. Photocopies are not permitted.
*Applicants must be available for the Final Round when registering for the Concerto Division
Senior Division (non-competitive)
This Division is intended for musicians in grades 9-12. Participants to receive feedback on their performance from musical professionals. No prize is awarded. All participants will receive certificates and comment sheets from judges. Participants who earn the highest ratings may be invited to perform as part of our Young Musicians Showcase.
Applicants are to prepare a single-instrument solo piece from a standard work or etude (such as OMEA Class A or B; upper-level Guild or OFMC), that is no longer than 15 minutes. Participants must provide their own accompanists for pieces requiring accompaniment.
Application Fee: $40.00
2024 Competition Performance Details:
Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Piano, Percussion, and Harp - Saturday, March 2, 2024. Applicants receive performance time between 10 am-4 pm.
Junior Division (non-competitive)
This Division is intended for musicians in grades 3-8. Participants to receive feedback on their performance from musical professionals. No prize is awarded. All participants will receive certificates and comment sheets from judges. Participants who earn the highest ratings may be invited to perform as part of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra's Young Musicians Showcase.
Applicants are to prepare a solo piece from a standard work or etude that is no longer than 10 minutes. Participants must provide their own accompanists for pieces requiring accompaniment.
Application Fee: $40.00
2024 Competition Performance Details:
Woodwind, Brass, Piano, Percussion, & Harp - Saturday, March 2, 2024. Applicants receive performance time between 10 am-4 pm.
Strings - Saturday, March 2, 2024 or Sunday, March 3, 2024. Applicants receive performance time between 10 am-4 pm.
