Jefferson
Symphony
Orchestra
Young
Artists
Competition
Awards • Dates • Competition • Rules • Application
Update on 2021 Young Artists Competition:
Jefferson Symphony Orchestra announces a one-season hiatus of its Young Artists Competition (JSO*YAC). Each season JSO*YAC attracts students to Colorado for a live-audition competition and performance opportunities; we will resume contest activity next year during our 2021/22 season.
Ongoing circumstances related to health and community guidelines make our programming and performances uncertain at this time; as a result, the upcoming competition is being postponed by one season. Decisions made related to COVID-19 canceled the Young Artists concert scheduled for March 2020; Artistic Director William Morse has rescheduled the concert featuring the 2020 YAC winner, marimbist Daniel Gostein (UT-Austin), for the upcoming season.
Daniel Gostein, marimba
YAC 2020
Samuel Vargas, violin
YAC 2019
Kamalia Freyling, clarinet
YAC 2017
Alexander Hersh, cello
YAC 2016
Jefferson Symphony invites you to contact jso.yac@gmail.com for any further inquiries and we will continue to post updates about the competition on our website. JSO*YAC utilizes the artists’ network ACCEPTD during the competition process; interested artists should bookmark our profile on ACCEPTD for the most current news and competition updates.
JSO*YAC offers cash prizes and performance opportunities with the JSO ensemble. Each year the instrumental focus changes: the next cycle will be for pianists performing concerto repertoire or similar works; YAC 2022/23 for strings (including harp and classical guitar); and YAC 2023/24 for brass, woodwind and percussion.
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
History