Concerto Competition Rules

This competition is open to musicians (instrumentalists, pianists, and vocalists) who are residents of Wisconsin, and/or attend a Wisconsin high school, college or university, and who are aged 25 or younger as of the audition date.
Previous winners of the competition are ineligible.

The completed application, including the $25 application fee, must be received at 2745 S. 44th St., Milwaukee, WI 53219 no less than two weeks before the audition date.
Online applications will not be accepted after midnight two weeks before the audition date.

The winner will perform his or her concerto with the Concord Chamber Orchestra on the annual subscription Concerto Competition Concert. The winner will also be expected to: perform on the Community Concert, held the Wednesday evening before the subscription concert; attend at least one Wednesday night rehearsal before the community concert; and attend the final dress rehearsal on the Friday immediately before the subscription concert.
A $500 first prize will be awarded to one winner.
A $150 second prize will be awarded to one runner-up.
A $50 third prize will be awarded to the second runner-up.

Two professional musicians from the Milwaukee area and CCO Music Director Jamin Hoffman will judge this competition.
The judges may elect not to choose a winner. Their decisions are final.
Each judge will provide a written critique of the contestant's performance.

Instrumental contestants must have an entire concerto (of three contrasting movements) prepared, and be able to play excerpts from each of the different movements for the audition. Vocalists should prepare three arias in contrasting styles.
The piece must be an original work for orchestra, not an arrangement.
It is strongly preferred that the work(s) be in public domain (i.e. - written and published before 1923). If the piece is not in the public domain, please contact CCO Music Director Jamin Hoffman.
Each audition must be limited to 12 minutes. If cuts are necessary in order limit the audition to this length, the contestant must make these cuts before arriving at the audition. The winner will perform his or her entire piece in concert.
All auditions must be accompanied. The contestants are responsible for making their own arrangements for accompanists.
Contestants must provide three copies of the music for the judges (photocopies are acceptable).
If you have any repertoire questions, please contact CCO Music Director Jamin Hoffman.

The competition will occur December 19, 2009, at Nicolet High School, 6701 N. Jean Nicolet Road, Glendale. Maps and detailed directions will be sent to applicants with a schedule.
The competition begins at 9:00 a.m. Auditionees play in 12-minute increments until we are done; in most cases, the competition is done by noon. Be sure to note on the application if there is any time that you would not be able to compete, though we cannot guarantee we will be able to honor your request (in which case, your registration fee will be refunded).
A postcard confirming receipt of your completed application will be sent; please call the CCO at 414-628-6018 if you have not received this confirmation within two weeks of the audition. A schedule of final audition appointments and details will be sent approximately one week before the auditions.

Concord Chamber Orchestra