Oxford Philomusica and Oxfordshire County Music Service are proud to present their first Concerto Competition, which aims to showcase and reward the young musical talent that exists in Oxfordshire. In what we hope will become an annual event, young musicians from across the county will be invited to audition for the rare opportunity to perform as a soloist with Oxord Philomusica, Oxford’s Professional Symphony Orchestra. The judging panel will include Marios Papadopoulos, Oxford Philomusica’s Music Director, and Tony Mealings, the Head of Oxfordshire County Music Service.

Who can apply?
We welcome applications from all instrumentalists and singers who have achieved Grade 8+ (ABRSM or equivalent) and who are:

• 19 or under on 31 August 2012
• An Oxfordshire resident or student
• Not working full time as a professional performer or teacher of music
• Applicants who are selected to compete may be required to prove that they meet these entry requirements.

How do I apply?
Please complete and return the application form overleaf, along with a copy of your Grade 8 certificate and a CD or DVD recording of your playing two contrasting pieces of your choice.

Deadline for applications is Friday 21 October 2011.

Rounds of Competition
1st round  
The Centre for Music, Bayards’ Hill School, Oxford, 19 November 2011, 10.30am
Applicants selected for the quality of their recording and application will be invited to perform two contrasting pieces in front of the judging panel, the combined length of which should not total more than 20 minutes. Candidates must arrange their own accompanist if required.

Semi-final  
The Centre for Music, Bayards’ Hill School, Oxford, Sunday 21 January 2012, 7pm
Eight semi-finalists will each play a movement of a concerto (totalling no more than 15 minutes) with Oxford County Youth Orchestra in front of an audience and panel of judges. The piece performed should not be the same as that performed by the competitor in the first round of the competition.

Final  
Sheldonian Theatre, Saturday 4 February 2012, 7.30pm
Three finalists will each play a concerto of their choice with Oxford Philomusica at the Sheldonian Theatre. Competitors are allowed to perform concertos from which they have played extracts in previous stages of the competition. This final will be in front of an audience and judging panel of five and the winner will be announced the same evening.
 
Prizes
Winner: £500 cash

Runners up: £300 cash

Semi-finalists: £100 cash