2010 Artist Competition Requirements

Official downloadable application MS Word File, PDF File

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. Pianists may not choose a piece performed by winning pianists in the prior 4 years. For 2010 pianist applicants (winner to perform in 2011), these pieces are NOT allowed: (2010) Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1, E minor, Op. 11, (2009) Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, (2008) Gershwin Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra, (2007) MacDowell Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, No. 2 in D-Minor, Op. 23, and (2007) Grieg Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in A Minor, Op. 16.
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 a resume of relevant training and experience.
10. Applicants must also provide with this application an audio recording (either an audiocassette or CD) 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. This recording will not be returned. No videos 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 postmarked no later than Friday, October 08, 2010. Email and hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. Entrants will be notified of their acceptance/deferral and their scheduled audition time no later than October 26, 2010. Accepted applicants must confirm their participation by October 27, 2010. Closed auditions will be held on Saturday, November 06, 2010. 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 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 application with $25.00 refundable fee to:
South Orange Symphony — Attn: Artist Competition
P.O. Box 91, South Orange, NJ 07079-0091

For questions regarding the competition, please contact:
Artist Competition Coordinator - ACCoordinator@southorangesymphony.org
or
Personnel Manager - (973) 729-5275.