ARTIST COMPETITION

2011 Competition Results

KEYBOARD Winner: Sang-Tae Park

Sang-Tae Park Interim Pic

Winning Piece: Johannes Brahms – Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15
(Scheduled performance with South Orange Symphony:
May 19, 2012 - Saturday evening concert)



Runner up: Esther Park
Piece: Pyotr Tchaikovsky – Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23

 

NON-KEYBOARD Winner: Ethan Siegel – Violin

Ethan Siegel Pic Winning Piece: Pyotr Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35
(Scheduled performance with South Orange Symphony:
February 19, 2012 - Sunday afternoon concert)



Runner up: Shannon Merlino – Violin
Piece: Max Bruch – Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26

 

2012 Artist Competition

  • Audition Date — TBA
  • Online Application (Available — June 1, 2012)

2012 Artist Competition Poster

Competition Rules

  1. Applicants may compete in one of the following divisions: 1) instrumental/vocal, or 2) piano.
  2. Applicants must submit proof that they are at least 18 years of age.
  3. Applicants must submit proof of being either a legal resident of New Jersey, or matriculated at a New Jersey College
    or University.
  4. Instrumental applicants must play, from memory, a movement of their choice from a composition written for their solo instrument and orchestra. The remaining movements of the composition must be prepared for audition and the final performance, at the request of the judges. Sheet music for the remaining movements may be used during the audition only. Note that the entire piece must be played from memory in rehearsals and performance, should the applicant be a winner.
  5. Applicants may not choose a piece performed by a winner in the prior 4 seasons.
    For 2012 non-keyboard applicants (winner to perform in 2013), these pieces are NOT allowed: (2012) Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35; (2011) No Winner; (2010) Barber Violin Concerto, Op. 14; and (2009) Soprano – Mozart Ach ich liebte from The Abduction of the Seraglio, Gustav Charpentier “Depuis le jour” from Louise, and Carlisle Floyd “Ain't it a pretty night” from Susannah.
    For 2012 keyboard applicants (winner to perform in 2013), these pieces are NOT allowed: (2012) Brahms Piano Concerto
    No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15; (2011) Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2, B-flat major, Op. 19; (2010) Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1,
    E minor, Op. 11; and (2009) Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
  6. Vocal applicants must sing, from memory, three contrasting songs and/or arias written for solo voice and orchestra, in both the competition and performance.
  7. The winning audition piece must be the piece performed at the final concert.
  8. An accompanist is not required, but if desired, ONE MUST BE PROVIDED BY THE APPLICANT.
  9. Applicants must include with their application a written letter of recommendation from their current teacher, and/or a resume of relevant training and experience.
  10. Applicants must also provide with this application an audio recording (Ex: .wav or .mp3 digital format) of themselves either
    1) playing the entire piece, or 2) singing all three songs/arias, that they will be playing or singing in the competition.
    No video taped performances will be accepted.
  11. Applicants must include a check or money order for $25.00 payable to the “South Orange Symphony.” This check/money order will be returned to the applicant after their competition audition. Applicants who do not complete their scheduled competition audition will forfeit the $25.00 fee.
  12. Applications must be submitted online no later than October (TBA), 2012. Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. Entrants will be notified of their acceptance/deferral and their scheduled audition time no later than October (TBA), 2012. Accepted applicants must confirm their participation by October (TBA), 2012. Closed auditions will be held on Saturday, November (TBA), 2012. The date of audition is subject to change. All applicants will be notified should this happen.
  13. Judges will include the Music Director/Conductor and selected members of the Board of Directors or orchestra. The judges expect to choose one winner in each division. Each winner will receive a $500.00 cash prize upon completion of their performance as a soloist with the orchestra at a regularly scheduled concert presented by the South Orange Symphony during the same season. Should a winner not be available for the scheduled concert date, the runner-up will be chosen to perform and receive the $500.00 prize.
  14. Winners and runners up will be notified by telephone within one week after the competition. Their names will also be posted on the orchestra’s web site (www.southorangesymphony.org) approximately one week after the competition. Winners must provide a photo and biographical narrative for publicity purposes within 2 weeks of being notified of winning.
  15. A Steinway piano will be provided by the orchestra for the piano winner for the performance. If a different piano is desired, it must be provided by the winner.
  16. The orchestra reserves the right to reject any applicant.

Submit $25.00 refundable application fee to:
South Orange Symphony — Attn: Artist Competition
P.O. Box 91, South Orange, NJ 07079-0091

For questions regarding the competition, please email Artist Competition Coordinator or call: (973) 729-5275.