We will soon be holding auditions for our 10th annual Young Artist Concerto Competition, graciously sponsored by Frank and Jeanne Chatelain Townsend. The winner of the competition will receive $500.00 and the opportunity to perform with the Kansas City Civic Orchestra at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Helzberg Hall, on April 26, 2026.

1. All entries will perform in front of Competition Judges. Sunday, March 8, 2026. Results will be announced after the recital via email.
2. The competition is for musicians ages 11-19.
3. Soloist will perform from a standard concerto/art piece of between 7–15 minutes total. Anything longer will require Music Director approval.
4. Soloist must have work memorized at the competition and performance.
5. Applicants will perform their entire selected movement/work. Cuts may only be taken in the accompaniment.
6. The competition is open to all instrumentalists except piano, saxophone, and percussion.
7. Prize will be a performance with the Kansas City Civic Orchestra on April 26, 2026, at Helzberg Hall (Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts) and a cash award of $500.00.
8. Winner must be available for rehearsals on Tuesday, April 14, Tuesday, April 21 (between 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm), and Sunday, April 26 at Helzberg Hall. Specific times within these rehearsals will be assigned later.
9. All room/board/transportation is at the expense of the competition participant.
10. The $40.00 application fee is non-refundable.
11. The competition recital date/time/place is non-negotiable.
12. Competition participants must supply their respective instruments at the audition/performance.
13. Competition participants must supply their own accompanist at the audition.
14. Judges may come from within or may be guests of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra.
15. Winner selection will be announced via email at the end of the audition day.
16. The judges’ decision is final.
17. The Kansas City Civic Orchestra can decide not to award winners/prizes.
18. Failure to abide by these guidelines and rules may result in a participant’s disqualification.

Additional Requirements

Competition participants, or parents/guardians of participants, agree to grant permission to the Kansas City Civic Orchestra to take and use photographs, digital images, audio, and/or video recordings in news releases and/or educational materials. These materials might include printed or electronic publications, websites, or other electronic communications. Participants/guardians further agree that the participant’s name and identity may be revealed in descriptive text or commentary in connection with the audio/video/image(s) and authorizes this use without compensation. All negatives, prints, and digital reproductions shall be the property of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra. Your signature on the application below confirms your agreement to the guidelines and requirements.