There will be four divisions of solo competition: Woodwinds, Strings, Brass/Percussion, and Piano. First place winners from each division will receive recognition at OCO's spring concert. Two over-all winners will be chosen to receive a $1,000 cash prize and perform as featured soloists with the Oklahoma Community Orchestra. The remaining division winners will each receive $200. The concert performance will be presented at Oklahoma Christian University on April 15, 2025.
The competition is open to solo performers of all orchestral instruments and piano. Performers must be between the ages of 17 and 25 as of January 1, 2025 and enrolled at a college or university in Oklahoma. Previous featured soloists may not apply.
The selection should be a single concerto movement, substantive to stand alone, an entire concerto of brief length, or a work for solo instrument and orchestra, with a maximum duration of 25 minutes. The selection must be approved by the audition committee as to suitability to the orchestra (factors may include availability, cost, instrumentation, etc). Solo selections performed recently by the orchestra are not recommended. For a listing, see the Recent Selections page. Memorization is strongly preferred, but not required.
For the competition, contestants must provide the judges with three copies of the music, including one original (published) score or piano reduction. Cuts may be made in long tutti passages for the competition. Decision of the judges is final. OCO reserves the right to with-hold prizes if no contestants are deemed qualified or the music is deemed unsuitable for the orchestra.
Contestants are responsible for all personal expenses and must provide their own accompanists for the competition.
Entry fee (non-refundable): $35.00
Winners must be available for three Monday evening rehearsals, including the dress rehearsal, prior to the concert performance.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Dr. Janet Romanishin via email at yac@okorchestra.org or leave a voicemail at (405) 329-8253.