Merrill Lynch Young Artists Competition (YAC)

Our newly revised Young Artists Competition had a successful inception in 2002 and will continue, thanks to the generous sponsorship provided by Merrill Lynch-Greensburg. This performance competition is open to all instrumental and vocal students up to and including seniors in high school who are legal residents of Westmoreland County or who are taking their private lessons in Westmoreland County.

Location and Dates

The YAC site is Cecilian Hall on the Seton Hill University campus for the live auditions and the Finalists' and Winners' Recitals. The Deadline for entry is January 18, 2008. Live auditions will be held on February 10, 2008 and the Winners and Honorable Mention recipients will be presented in recital on February 17, 2008.

Entry Fee

$10 for preliminary taped audition; $15 for the final live audition if contestant is accepted for final round.

Prizes

Cash prizes and performance on the Winners' Recital as determined by a panel of professional musicians. Finalists given an Honorable Mention by the judges will also be asked to perform on the Winners' Recital.

Categories Level I Up to Grade 9 Piano - Instrumental - Voice Level II Grades 10-12 Piano - Instrumental - Voice Contestants may only win once in each category. Winners at Level I must compete at Level II the following year, regardless of school grade. Prizes may or may not be given in each of these six categories, at judges' discretion.

Applications

Call the WSO office (724) 837-1850 or email

Guidelines

Applicants must perform a minimum of two contrasting pieces from classical repertoire (vocalists may add one non-classical selection in addition to the minimum of two classical pieces).

Note: Students wishing to perform their own compositions may include one original piece as long as the rest of the program is from the classical genre. The performance alone will be judged, not the composition itself, for this is not a composition contest.

All entrants must perform a minimum of two contrasting pieces. Performing from memory is strongly encouraged.

Contestants choosing to perform accompanied works must provide their own accompanist. If chosen to perform, winner must use the same accompanist for the recital.

Up to 20 minutes of performance time may be used to present audition program. Contestants should highlight both lyricism and facility; contrasting style periods must be represented. Note: Due to time constraints there is a chance that pieces may not be heard in their entirety at the audition.

Contact the Symphony Office to get your Merrill Lynch Young Artists Competition brochure and application: 724-837-1850 or info@westmorelandsymphony.org