The Symphony Orchestra of Albuquerque provides a competition every second year, complete with money and performing prizes. This competition is open to all ages (within specified categories) and all instrumentalists. In 2000, two Texans placed in the piano category. Mr. Bret Serrin performed the Liszt piano Concerto in A Major with the SOA in the fall of 1999. During 2001, our second place winner, Nicole Young performed the Beethoven Triple Concerto with two of our other outstanding soloists (Margaret Hawn, Violin/Tim Demmie, Cello) from New Mexico. Our next competition will take place in April 2005; we will begin accepting cassette or CD entries in January 2004. Deadline for entry is February 15, 2005; please call toll free 1-888-701-8600 nationwide or (505) 296-6009 in Albuquerque, New Mexico for additional information. You may also e-mail us at msia@unm.edu.
COMPETITION RULES AND PROCEDURES
There is a $40 entry fee required.
Competition is open to all US residents.
You must send in a Cassette tape with three selections recorded, each from a different style within the Classical repertoire; Concerto movements are acceptable, but must be accompanied either by an orchestral ensemble, or another pianist. Please limit your total time to no more than 40 minutes. There is no limit to our number of entries (though only one entry per person is allowed); no cassettes will be mailed back unless you enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Tapes will be screened by our jurors; if you are selected to continue, you will be asked to attend the Finals held at the University of New Mexico on a specified date.* Three judges will determine placement: two placements are possible, First and Second. The First Place will be asked to perform a Concerto with the Symphony Orchestra of Albuquerque the following year, and will receive our winner’s trophy. Second place winners will receive our Second Place Winner's Trophy, but will not perform with the Symphony.
All judges decisions are final.
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We hope that further donations will be provided in the future to continue
scholarships and prize funds. As always, "Symphonic Endeavors" is dedicated to young people and adults who have the talent to enhance our performances.
Please e-mail us at msia@unm.edu
for additional information on our competition
*For your benefit, entries not accepted to continue to the finals will be critiqued and notes will be mailed to you so that you can work on certain areas of your performance