Annual Young Artist Auditions Announced by Rochester Philharmonic League

Rochester, NY– High school musicians have an opportunity to compete for cash prizes, scholarships, and the opportunity to perform with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, thanks to the upcoming Rochester Philharmonic League’s (RPL) annual Young Artist Auditions on Saturday, March 17, 2007. 

Five categories of performers include:

• Male vocalists
• Female vocalists
• String players
• Pianists
• Instrumentalists (woodwind, brass, percussion, harp or guitar)

Since last year, first place awards have increased from $300 to $500 for each category winner.  Two $1,000 scholarships (the value doubled since last year) also are awarded to high school seniors who plan to major in music at an accredited college or university in the 2007-2008 academic year. The winner of the Special Award (Grand Prize) will be given the opportunity to audition for one of the RPO conductors for a chance to perform with the RPO at a future date. Judges include RPO players and professional teachers from the Rochester area.

Vocal students must be in grades 11 or 12. All other awards are open to students in grades 10 -12 who reside or study music in Monroe, Livingston, Orleans, Genesee, Ontario, Wyoming, Yates, Seneca or Wayne County.

Interested students should contact their school or private music teacher for application information. Application forms and repertoire requirements may also be requested from the RPL office by calling (585) 399-3654 or by printing the form from the RPO website at www.rpo.org/youngartistauditions.html. Applications must be received by 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2007.  Auditions will take place at the Eastman School of Music.

The RPL has sponsored the Young Artist Auditions annually since the 1950s, and has supported the RPO for over 75 years. Today, League members support many activities including RPO educational and outreach programs.