Education Programs
Youth Concerto Competition
The Kathleen Price and Joseph M. Bryan Youth Concerto Competition is North Carolina’s premier performance competition for young instrumentalists. Candidates aged 13 to 23 hone their skills for a preliminary video audition viewed by the Symphony’s distinguished panel of judges. Select finalists in two age groups compete for cash awards.
Applications for the 2025 Kathleen Price and Joseph M. Bryan Youth Concerto Competition are now open!
Please see below for more information and a link to the registration form.
Young Artist Division
(Ages 18-23)
First Prize: $500
Second Prize: $250
Junior Division
(Ages 13–18, not yet graduated from high school)
First Prize: $300
Second Prize: $150
Thanks to our Sponsor
Dates & Eligibility
- Preliminary Round: Video Submission
Videos due April 1, 2025 - Final Round: Live Audition
May 17, 2025 – Meredith College, Raleigh - Must be a resident of North Carolina* or enrolled
full-time in a North Carolina school or university
*NC residents that attend an out-of-state college/university are eligible to participate
Please review the information below for guidance on preparing and submitting your video.
Video Production Guidelines
- Applicants must perform a concerto movement from standard classical repertoire.
- Videos should be unedited.
- Recordings must be from no earlier than March 31, 2024.
- Set up your recording device horizontally (landscape orientation), no further than 10 feet away.
- Ensure the picture is clear and in sync with the audio.
- Recording should be made with one fixed camera angle/location, focused such that the performer and accompanist are visible at all times. A tripod is recommended.
- Entrants should not introduce themselves or announce the piece being recorded.
- Music must be memorized.
- Piano accompaniment is strongly recommended. If you need assistance finding a pianist, ask your studio or private teacher for local recommendations.
If you have questions about the Concerto Competition, please contact education@ncsymphony.org
2024 Winners
Young Artist Division
(Ages 18-23)
First Prize: Carter Doolittle (alto saxophone), Ibert Concertino Da Camera
Second Prize: McCade Lee Walker (piano), Liszt Piano Concerto No. 2
Junior Division
(Ages 13–18, not yet graduated HS)
First Prize: Seunne Khoo (violin), Coleridge-Taylor Violin Concerto
Second Prize: Brandon Luo (piano), Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1