The Oakville Chamber Orchestra has opened applications for its 2025 Youth Concerto Competition.
The competition has both a junior and senior category with cash prizes and more to be won by the competitors.
"The Oakville Chamber Orchestra's Competition is one of the things I'm most proud of, as Music Director of OCO," said Music Director Charles Demuynck. "We are now in our 11th season of the competition, and we have introduced a large number of extraordinarily talented young people to Oakville audiences."
The competition is open to:
- Permanent or temporary residents of Canada
- Canadian citizens living abroad
- International students currently residing in Canada
Age requirements vary by category:
- Junior instrumentalists: Born on or after Jan. 1, 2007
- Senior instrumentalists: Born on or after Jan. 1, 2003
- Senior vocalists: Born on or after Jan. 1, 1999
Past first-place winners from 2024 are ineligible to compete this year.
The application deadline is March 27, and a non-refundable $75.00 fee is required. The full competition rules, including video submission guidelines and performance requirements, can be found at the Oakville Chamber Orchestra's website.
Prizes
Winners in both junior and senior categories will receive:
- Senior Category 1st Prize: $500 plus a performance of a complete concerto or suite of arias
- Senior Category 2nd Prize: $300 plus a performance of one movement of a concerto or suite of arias
- Junior Category 1st Prize: $500 plus a performance of a complete concerto
- Junior Category 2nd Prize: $300 plus a performance of one movement of a concerto
This competition will be an incredible opportunity for performers to get exposure and show the town of Oakville their incredible talents.