Concerto Competition

The annual Concerto Competition produced by the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra and generously sponsored by Great Northwest, Inc. will be held in Davis Concert Hall on January 20th and 21st, 2018. This annual event affords outstanding young musicians the opportunity to perform in concert with the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra. A panel of two adjudicators will choose the winner in each category.

This competition is for local musicians only. You must reside in the city of Fairbanks (or live within a 50 mile radius) to participate in this competition.

All applications for the competition must be filed online at the Fairbanks Symphony website. Deadline to receive applications is 11:59 pm on the second Friday in January.

Competitors will perform one movement from a concerto (vocalists – one aria). Exceptions made for through-composed pieces. Orchestral parts must be available to rent or purchase. Please check with the Fairbanks Symphony Librarian librarian@fairbankssymphony.org to confirm parts are available. A partial list of approved pieces is available here: Concerto Competition Repertoire List

There are only three age categories, as compared to four categories in past competitions. Past winners of the competition may compete again in their same age category following a one-year break from the competition. No longer will a past winner be moved up to compete in the next age category. Participants may only compete in their age category.

Please Note:

  • Winners must be available to rehearse with the Fairbanks Symphony during the regular Tuesday night and concert weekend rehearsals following the competition. Rehearsal schedule is available here.
  • Winners will perform their winning concerto with the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, February 18, 2018 in the Charles W. Davis Concert Hall.
  • Only online Concerto Competition Application forms will be accepted.
  • $40 Application Fee is Non Refundable. Online applications must be submitted and received by 11:59pm on the second Friday in January. Late applications will not be accepted.
  • Contestants must check with the Fairbanks Symphony Librarian to determine the availability of orchestral parts prior to submitting their entry. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. Librarian Jim Spontak can be reached at 907-474-5734 or at librarian@fairbankssymphony.org.
  • Click the link for a partial list of pre-approved competition pieces. Concerto Competition Repertoire List
    If your piece is not on the indicated list, please call the FSO librarian at 474-5734. Please call the Fairbanks Symphony Office at 474-5733 with any questions regarding the competition.
  • You may upload you music below in the online application. If you do not upload your music into the online application, keep in mind that you will need to deliver two copies of your music to the FSO office before the deadline. They may be hand delivered (see a map).
  • The competition schedule is subject to change depending on the number of entries.
Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 1:00 pm in the Davis Concert Hall

Category A: 12 years and under. Competitors must not be older than 12 on the date of the competition.
Category B: 13 years through High School Senior. Competitors must be at least 13 on the date of the competition and must not have graduated high school.

Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 1:00 pm in the Davis Concert Hall

Category C: UAF (any degree seeking student/not just music degrees)