Young Artists Solo Competition
NEWS
New for the 2025-26 Competition: What You Need to Know
The Southern California Philharmonic has implemented several improvements for the 22nd Annual Young Artists Solo Competition.
See below for important details about these changes and key dates.
Auditions
First round: Video auditions for all applicants. An accompanist is recommended but not required. See guidelines below before submitting application with video link.
Second round: In-person auditions for 27 finalists (top 3 in each age & musical category) on November 1st in Fullerton, CA. A live accompanist will be required.
Application Fee
August 15th to September 22nd: $115 Early Bird Special
($75 for duo/trio group members)
September 23rd to 30th: $150
($110 for duo/trio group group members)
Increased Scholarship Awards
Thanks to the generosity of our donors & supporters along with the success of this competition, we are pleased to share that scholarship award values for each 1st place winner will be increased this season.
If you would like to directly support the Young Artists competition, please make your contribution using the link below.
As a thank you and if desired, you or your business/organization can be recognized as a sponsor on our printed concert programs, our website, and other publicity materials.
Important Dates for 2025
Young Artist Concert Dates in 2026
Instrumental: March 6th and 7th
Vocal: April 17th and 18th
Piano: May 29th and 30th
Note: All winners are required to attend the three Monday night rehearsals prior to their performances! Please confirm that you are available for all rehearsals and relevant concert dates before submitting your application!
Competition Application
The application submission period for the 22nd Young Artists Solo Competition opened on August 15th, 2025 and will close on September 30th, 2025 at 11:59pm PST.
Have Questions?
If your question doesn't appear in the Frequently Asked Questions linked below, please reach out to us at youngartists@socalphil.org!
NEWS
Update on the Young Artist Competition
This will be the 22nd year that the Southern California Philharmonic has conducted the Young Artists Solo Competition. More than 60 Young Artists competed for a chance to perform with the SoCalPhil in the previous 2024-2025 season.
Thank you to all the students, teachers and parents who participated in the competition last season. We have some amazing talent in our community, and SoCalPhil is grateful to have the opportunity to work with these young musicians and be part of their musical journey.
Thank you also to the Watson Piano Studio in Fullerton and the Waldorf School of Orange County for hosting the auditions, and to the judges and greeters who made the process run smoothly!
Each of the first-place winners performed with SoCalPhil in one of three 2025 concerts: instrumental winners on February 28th and March 1st, vocal winners on April 4th and 5th, and pianist winners on May 30th and 31st.
SoCalPhil is thrilled to once again have the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts sponsoring this important musical event and supporting the scholarships for our young artists.
Scholarships totaling in excess of $4000 were awarded to these 2024-25 competition winners at the Saturday performance of each concert series. All scholarships are made possible through our partnership with TACFA, as well as donations from our generous patrons and SCP musicians, and audition fees.
To help us continue providing scholarships for the next generation of musicians, please consider donating. Your contribution will help ensure the future of this cherished tradition. Donate here.
For more information on the SCP Young Artists Solo Competition, email us at youngartists@socalphil.org.
Audition for the SoCalPhil!
Interested in joining the Southern California Philharmonic? We’re always looking for passionate, dedicated musicians to grow our ensemble. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or returning to your instrument, we welcome you to audition and become part of our musical community. Let’s make great music together!