"We are proud to unite our audiences
through their shared love for the arts."
Competition
ABOUT JSO*YAC
We are now accepting applications for our 2024-25 concerto competition. The JSO*YAC amplifies the solo careers and musical talents of aspiring young artists, ages 23 and under, from national and international music institutions. Each year the instrumental focus changes; the 2024-25 cycle is for classical musicians performing a full concerto or similar repertoire for orchestral string instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, and classical guitar.
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The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra and YAC committee invite you to the Front Range of Colorado! Our competition — now in its 65th year — offers cash prizes and exceptional performance opportunities for rising musicians.
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JSO*YAC CASH PRIZES
Grand Prize - $5,000 | Second Prize - $2,000 | Third Prize - $1,000
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PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
As the JSO*YAC Grand Prize winner, your awards include two spotlight performances: a solo chamber recital of your choice of literature and your concerto performance with the Jefferson Symphony during the 2024-25 Season. The top three finalists (Grand, Second, and Third Prize) perform in a Winners' Recital following the competition. Each musician plays one movement/section of their repertoire for symphony patrons and attendees.
2023 JSO*YAC Winners: (L to R)
Yifu Xu, third place;
Steven Dong, second place;
Hans-Derek Yu, first place
Application
Visit acceptd to begin your application.
JSO*YAC Experiences
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to come to Colorado and play for the judges, audience and my peers. It is sometimes very hard as a young musician to find rewarding venues to play for. Here, the music is obviously treasured by the listeners and participants alike. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I could not have hoped for a better weekend.”
– Finalist
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“The finalists are all winners! It was a very exciting event to judge. It was revitalizing to be able to listen to such high quality performances, which reflect the musicians' dedication to their art. It made me want to go home and practice!”
– Judge