An invitation to Arizona’s finest young musicians
The Dorothy Vanek Youth Concerto Competition invites talented young music students to prepare and perform one movement of a concerto. The competition is designed to recognize and support the outstanding young musicians in our community, polish performance skills and build real-life experience.
Competitors will vie for awards of up to $1,000, SASO season tickets and the possibility of performing as a soloist with the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra.
This year’s competition features two divisions: a regular division for students ages 15 to 18, and a junior division for students age 14 and under.
If you are or know of a music student who might be interested, take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Apply by December 27, 2025. The competition will be held in January TBA 2025 at the U of A School of Music.
Eligible Instruments
All orchestral instruments, including piano, harp, and saxophone.
Student Eligibility
Regular division: any public, private or home school student from age 15 to 18 (as of January 1, 2025) who has not yet graduated from high school is eligible to compete.