Jefferson Symphony Orchestra
JSO*YAC
Key Dates
Round 1 is now open through September 2026.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2026: Round 1 submission deadline for application, audio and video recording of concerto, and registration fees via Acceptd.
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All movements of your selected concerto must be uploaded via Acceptd by our Round 1 deadline.
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Your recording piece must include audio/video of your concerto performance.
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Concerto submissions will be adjudicated by a panel of two judges. Notifications will be sent by October 9, 2024, by email to all applicants and the twelve finalists selected for Round 2.
Round 2 is a live-audition final round with your collaborative pianist in January 2027.
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Saturday, January 16, 2027: all-day live finals and Winners' Recital in Denver, CO.
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Each performance will be adjudicated by a panel of three judges.
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Competition results are announced in the afternoon.
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A Winners' Recital featuring the top finalists is scheduled on Saturday evening, at the same venue, at 7:00 p.m.
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The JSO*YAC takes place at the King Center Recital All on Denver's Auraria Campus.
2022 YAC Winners (L to R):
Ji Eun Park, viola
First Place
Roni Shitrit, violin
Second Place
Ethan Blake, cello
Third Place
The JSO*YAC, now in its 64th year, offers cash prizes and exceptional solo opportunities for talented performers. First Prize winner receives $5,000 and our invitation to perform with the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra. Second and Third prizes include cash and recital opportunities.
Performance + Cash Awards
First Place:
Feature performance with Jefferson Symphony as our 2025 Young Artist
Solo recital (performer's choice of works) for JSO patrons
Guest performance at JSO*YAC Winner's Recital
$5000 cash prizes*
Second Place:
Feature performance with Flatirons Community Orchestra in Spring 2008
Guest performance at JSO*YAC Winner's Recital
recognition of achievement from JSO media
$3000 cash prizes*
Third Place:
Guest performance at JSO*YAC Winner's Recital
recognition of achievement from JSO media
$2000 cash prizes*
*The JSO*YAC committee awards $2000 towards each cash prize immediately following the competition in January.
Remaining awards to First and Second place are distributed after the Young Artists Concert in April 2027.
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
“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
