String Orchestra of the Rockies

This is a biannual competition held in the Music Recital Hall,
The University of Montana - Missoula, Montana.

The next Solo String Competition will be held in 2012
(date to be announced).

The repertoire list will be updated and an application
will be available for download here by the fall of 2011.

To choose a young artist for a solo performance with the String Orchestra of the Rockies during their 2011-2012 concert season in Missoula, Montana.

The winner will perform a featured solo with the String Orchestra of the Rockies, and will receive a cash award of $1000. If the chosen work is for two or more soloists, the winners will split the prize money.

This competition is open to string players (violin, viola, cello, string bass) ages 15-25 as of the competition date. Applicants may not be under professional management. Previous winners are not eligible to enter. Application must be postmarked by the date specified on the application form..

Application must include 1) application form, 2) copy of birth certificate or passport as proof of age, 3) high quality audio recording (cassette tape or CD) with piano accompaniment, 4) short biography, and 5) non-refundable $40 application fee. After the selection, a "head shot" that can be posted on this website will be required for the finalists.

Concerto or single movement work must be for solo instrument(s) and string orchestra with length between 15 and 30 minutes. Repertoire for more than one solo instrument is allowed. Repertoire must be scored for soloist(s) and string orchestra only. A suggested repertoire list is available. Music must be played from original printed score - no copies.

Applications will be reviewed and all applicants will be notified of their status by at least one month before the final auditions are scheduled. Finalists will be invited to play in the final competition at the University of Montana - Missoula, Montana. Finalists must provide their own transportation. All finalists who compete will receive an honorarium of $150 and a partial reimbursement for travel. The work performed in the final competition must be the same as on your application recording. The piece played in the final competition must be performed from memory.

If you have a question specifically about this solo competition, please contact Fern Glass Boyd at (406) 243-5371 or send email to finemusic@sormt.org.

2009 Players: Katherine Hodgson, Andrea Casarrubios, Ryan Cockerham, Enrique Olvera