Since 1986, the Pasadena Community Orchestra has offered solo performance opportunities for young instrumental artists each year through our Young Artist Competition

The Competition provides a great learning opportunity for talented young musicians to demonstrate their skill and artistry, and the audition process itself is a growing experience for players seeking to perform in public. For the winner, performing a major work with a fine community orchestra is a transformative experience, bringing recognition and new paths for musical development. And for our audience, there is the joy of witnessing and being part of the creative experience of a young artist early in their musical journey.

If you seek performance experience with an orchestra, please apply to the Competition. Even though your goal is the chance to perform a concerto live with us, the experience of the audition process will be a step in growing as a performer. We are so proud of the growing list of talented young performers who have come through our competition process. Our applicant pool comes from a very wide area, so we encourage you to share your love of music with us. You can be a part of bringing beautiful music to our local community.

For our classical music fans, be sure to attend the special concert each season where the Young Artist Competition winner performs a major work for instrumental solo and orchestra. It’s a thrilling and satisfying experience to witness the artistry of our Competition winner and to be a part of the community that made this possible.

All the information you need to apply to compete is on this web page. Please read the Competition rules carefully before applying.