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The Washington University Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the Concerto and Aria Competition for the 2026-27 season. The competition is open to all currently enrolled undergraduate Washington University students or Washington University graduate students in music. Students must be enrolled in applied lessons at Washington University in order to compete. Applicants should present a single-movement concerto or one movement from a standard concerto or be prepared to sing two arias.
The competition will take place on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 4:00 pm at the 560 Music Center.
Accompaniment is required. The Department of Music will help you find an accompanist for this competition, and the accompanist fees (up to $150 per applicant) will be covered by the Friends of Music. Be in touch with Dr. Gartley (jgartley@wustl.edu) as soon as possible to arrange your accompanist.
The winner will perform with the Washington University Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, April 25, 2027, and receive a Friends of Music $500 merit award. The winner will be chosen at the discretion of the judges, and all decisions are final. The winner will need to be available all Tuesdays of the selected concert block between 6:30 – 9:00 pm.* APPLICATION DEADLINE IS: Friday, October 9, 2026PDF OF PIANO SCORE DEADLINE IS: Friday, October 9, 2026 to Jennifer Gartley (jgartley@wustl.edu)
* In the rare case where the winner’s chosen selection is not available for orchestra, the Department reserves the right to select a comparable feasible substitute.*Previous concerto competition winners are not eligible to compete again.
