About the 2023 Young Artist Competition

This year we will hold both the Leonard D. Wood competition for contestants 18 and under and the Peter E. Tannenwald competition for contestants between the ages of 19 to 30 years old. All contestants must prepare a solo (or ensemble) work (with accompaniment) meant to be performed with full orchestra and/or chorus, reside in the United States, and if selected, be able to attend the in-person auditions on May 13^th, 2023 at the slotted time.  The PSA is not responsible for any travel expenses.

Competition Details

Applicants and their accompanists invited to the 2nd round live competition should be prepared to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination as well as be masked and secure instrument with appropriate PPE, including bell covers, to participate in the live competition. The PSA will provide more information when scheduling the live auditions.

Leonard D. Wood competition: (Ages 18 and under) Competition will be held in-person in Arlington, MA on May 13^th, 2023 from 9am–noon Eastern.  We will have 12 audition slots available on a first come first serve basis.  Woods applicants must have a date of birth between May 14, 2004 and May 13, 2023.

Peter E. Tannenwald competition: (Ages 19-30) This will be a two-round competition in which contestants must prepare and submit a YouTube video link of a vocal recital or concerto level performance with accompaniment. These videos will be evaluated and (18) finalists will be invited to the in-person audition in Arlington, MA on May 13^th, 2023, between the hours of 12:30pm-5:00pm Eastern.  Tannenwald applicants must have a date of birth between May 13, 1993 and May 13, 2023.

General Information

• Each entrant must provide the contest committee with biographical information as requested on the application form.

• A NON-REFUNDABLE application fee of $40 must be received no later than 1 week after the application is submitted. If you are unable to make an on-line payment, please contact our Coordinator .

• All Competition Applications are due on or before April 1, 2023.  Tannenwald Finalists will be selected for the in-person competition by April 9, 2023. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED LATE AND TANNENWALD APPLICANTS MUST HAVE NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE PAID FOR 2^nd ROUND INVITATIONS.

• Contestants are expected to perform works of their choice, as indicated in advance on their applications. These selections must be solos (or excerpted solos) for instrument or voice with orchestral or choral accompaniment, showcasing the applicant’s best musical abilities with different movements from the selections.  We will also accept ensemble performances meant for orchestral and/or choral accompaniment.  Please consult with your teacher to prepare for the audition.  The PSA cannot provide you guidance to prepare.   

• Your audition/performance piece must be a concerto for full orchestra or vocal solo(s) to be performed with chorus.

• Contestants will be expected to perform their selections with an accompanist. Solo performers will be disqualified.  Contestants will be judged upon musicianship and quality of performance.

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For Tannenwald Contestants submitting a 1^st round video

Video Specifics

Contestants must submit a 1^st round video audition of a solo work meant to be performed with full orchestra and/or chorus. The video should be uploaded to YouTube and the link provided with your application to compete. Please be sure to check your privacy settings so that the YAC judges can easily access your video and add the video to an internal private playlist.  For instructions on how to upload a video to YouTube and check settings visit:
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/57407?hl=en&ref_topic=9257439
The Philharmonic Society of Arlington cannot help you with technical issues regarding upload and sharing of your video.

Videos should be no longer than 12 minutes in length, showcasing the range of the contestant’s performing abilities, as you would in a live audition with accompaniment. Videos must have been produced on or after November 1, 2022.

The PSA is unable to provide any further performance instructions. Please consult with your teacher and/or accompanist to prepare.
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No submissions will be accepted late, nor can they be revised, so be very careful submitting your information. If for some reason we are unable to access your information submitted, we will reach out to you directly, and require a response within three days, or your application will be disqualified.

Deadline for the 1^st round submission is April 1st, 2023, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.  After a review of all initial video submissions, the competition committee will select finalists who will be notified by April 9^th, 2023 and will invite you to the in-person audition in Arlington, MA held on May 13^th, 2023.

Prizes
Leonard D. Wood Competition:
1^st prize: $500
2^nd prize: $350
3^rd prize: $150

Peter E. Tannenwald Competition:
1^st prize: $1000      One First Prize winner will be selected for the Peter E. Tannenwald Young Artist Performance Award and the winner will receive a prize of $1000 upon performing with a Philharmonic Society performing organization during its 2023-2024 season.
2^nd prize: $650
3^rd prize: $350

For groups competing, prize awards will be as stated.  Winners will need to divide the award between performers on their own.  If you are a selected winner, you will be contacted directly with the information on file.

YAC Application