KATHLEEN PRICE AND JOSEPH M. BRYAN 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.

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

The application for the 2025 Kathleen Price and Joseph M. Bryan Youth Concerto Competition will open in November.

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 from high school)
First Prize: Seunne Khoo (violin), Coleridge-Taylor Violin Concerto
Second Prize: Brandon Luo (piano), Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1

Congratulations and thanks to all who participated!

MEET OUR 2024 WINNERS