Solo Competitions

Solo Competition and Performance Program

The GSYO Solo Competition and Performance Program challenges young artists to master their art and themselves through development of talent, character, confidence, and leadership skills.

2026 Concerto Competition Winners

Thank you to every musician who took part in the 2026 Golden State Youth Orchestra Concerto Competitions!

Your passion for music and your desire to challenge yourself was incredibly inspiring!

The following musicians have been selected to perform with GSYO Ensembles in the 2026-2027 season: WINNERS LIST

HOW IT WORKS

Each April GSYO hosts two solo competitions for musicians ages 6-18. One competition is for piano and the other is for all other instruments.

  • Winners will be selected to perform during the following season.
  • The Piano Competition is open to GSYO members and non-members.
  • The Piano Competition will hold a preliminary round via video, with finalists performing for a panel on the competition date.
  • The “All-Orchestra” Competition is open to GSYO members only and is for all instruments (excluding piano).
  • The application deadline is final. Please read all instructions carefully.
  • There is a $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • The schedules for the Piano and All-Orchestra competitions will be posted on this page.
  • GSYO recommends full vaccination for students and the most current versions of approved Covid-19 vaccines.

Musicians who would like to be considered for performances with Symphony and/or Camilla Kolchinsky Orchestra should prepare a solo from the standard repertoire with orchestral accompaniment. Works performed at Symphony and Camilla Kolchinsky Orchestra during the current season are not recommended. Please check the Previous Winners tab for this season's pieces before selecting your solo.

To view suggested pieces for beginning and intermediate levels please click here.

I decided to participate in the concerto competition to share my musical sound, who I am as a musician with others. Preparation was intense, yet enlightening. I found myself on this journey to take Suite Hebraique beyond the notes and to a story. I researched the history behind the composer, listened to countless recordings, and experimented with different playing styles. Preparing for the concerto competition taught me to truly love what I’m playing.

Piyush Shanbhag

Winner, 2023

2026 All-GSYO Competition

Competition Date: April 25, 2026

All-GSYO Schedule

2026 Piano Competition

Competition Date: April 26, 2026

Piano Schedule

Competition Day Details (Please Review)
ALL GSYO >>
PIANO >>

Winning performances for the 26-27 season will be announced in May

Previous Competition Winners

2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

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