String Orchestra of the Rockies

This is a biannual competition at the Music Recital Hall,
The University of Montana - Missoula, Montana
The next competition will be January 10, 2009.

To choose a young artist for a solo performance with the String Orchestra of the Rockies in the final concert of the season, May 3, 2009, 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 November 3, 2008.

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 "head shot" that can be posted on this website, and 5) non-refundable $40 application fee.

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 December 5, 2008. 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.