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 29 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 April 12th, 2025 at your scheduled time. The PSA is not responsible for any travel expenses or providing accompaniment.
Competition Details
Leonard D. Wood competition: (Ages 18 and under) Competition will be held in-person in Arlington, MA on April 12, 2025 from 9am–noon Eastern. We will have 12 audition slots available on a first come first serve basis. We will keep a waitlist if a slot opens and if no application fee paid, will require payment before booking with a three-day response time or the slot will go to the next waitlist contestant. Woods applicants must have been born after April 13, 2006.
Peter E. Tannenwald competition: (Ages 19-29) 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 need to be submitted by March 29th, 2025 to be evaluated. (18) finalists will be invited to the in-person audition in Arlington, MA on April 12, 2025, between the hours of 12:30pm-5:00pm Eastern. Tannenwald applicants must have a date of birth between April 13, 1995 and April 12, 2006.
General Information / Details:
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 submitted with your application. If you are unable to make an on-line payment, please contact our Coordinator at yac@psarlington.orgWaitlist applicants will be required to make the application fee payment before booking and will be notified with a 3 day deadline to respond before the open slot will be offered to the next waitlist contestant.
Tannenwald applications are due on or before March 1, 2025. Tannenwald Finalists will be selected for the in-person competition by March 12, 2025. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED LATE AND TANNENWALD APPLICANTS MUST HAVE NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE PAID FOR 2nd 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.
____________________ For Tannenwald Contestants submitting a 1st round video:
Video Specifics
Contestants must submit a 1st 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, 2024.
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 application.
Deadline for the 1st round Tannenwald application is March 1, 2025, Finalists for the Tannenwald competition will be notified by March 12, 2025 to make arrangements for the in-person audition held in Arlington, MA on April 12, 2025. More details will be sent to you. We will keep a waitlist after all available time slots for each competition are filled with valid applicants. You will be notified of being on the waitlist and details for how you will stay informed if an audition time for the applicant’s competition time is available.
Prizes:
Leonard D. Wood Competition:
1st prize: $500
2nd prize: $350
3rd prize: $150
Peter E. Tannenwald Competition:
1st 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 2025-2026 season.
2nd prize: $650
3rd 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.
