The initial stage of the competition is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria below. Simply record your performance, upload it to YouTube, and send us the link on the form provided. The deadline for video submission has been extended to October 30, 2016. Up to 10 performers will be selected for a second round, held on January 21, 2017, at Lindenwood University before a panel of judges. Multiple prize winners may be awarded with cash prizes, but only a single first-prize winner will be chosen to perform with the orchestra. The winner will be our guest soloist on April 28, 2017, at the Skip Viragh Auditorium, performing the same concerto movement that was heard during the competition.

Eligibility: The competition is open to young string, wind, brass, and percussion players (high school seniors or younger) within a 100 mile radius of St. Louis. The winner must be available to perform with the St. Louis Philharmonic on April 28, 2017, at the Skip Viragh Auditorium.

Performance criteria: All applicants must perform the same piece for all rounds of the competition. An accompanist is not required for the YouTube video submission. A simple pause can be observed during breaks in the solo part. The video must be a single, un-edited take without interruption. Only one submission per applicant is allowed. Up to 10 performers will be selected for the second round of live, un-blinded performances before a panel of judges. In this round, each performer will be required to bring 3 copies of the solo part for the judges. The solo part must be performed from memory without cuts or modifications. An accompanist is also required for this round, and assistance in identifying an accompanist is available upon request. Cuts in the tutti or accompaniment sections of the music will be permitted.