Congratulations to our 2023 WINNERS!

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Concerto Competition First Place:

Jacob Taggart, piano

Concerto Competition Second Place:

Sophia Alexander, cello

Ensemble First Place:

Noah Dahle, trumpet

Mason Jes, trumpet

Elias Nevalainen, French horn

Ethan Stenzel, trombone

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Summary: 

The Mankato Symphony Orchestra is hosting its first concerto and ensemble competition, with applications due on December 1, 2023. The competition is Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN. The competition has two categories: a solo competition and an ensemble competition. There will be cash prizes totaling up to $5000 plus an opportunity to perform with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra.

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Ensemble Competition Eligibility:

High School students (grades 9-12) from Blue Earth, Nicollet, Brown, LeSueur, Waseca,  Faribault, Martin, and Watonwan counties. Students completing high school early are eligible if they are not currently enrolled in higher education at the time of the contest. Repertoire TBD by the high school mentor in discussion with  the competition chair. First-prize winners are not  eligible to enter the year following their win. Please note that the high school teacher/mentor who works with the ensembles will receive an incentivizing cash stipend.  

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Solo Concerto Competition Eligibility:

High School students (grades 9-12) from the state of Minnesota. Students completing high school early are eligible if they are not currently enrolled in higher education at the time of the contest. First-prize winners are not  eligible to enter the year following their win.

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Solo Concerto Rules:

1. Bring along an extra score for the judge. Photocopies are not allowed. Be sure to number the measures if not included in score.

2. Applications must be postmarked no later than December 1, 2023. There is a $40 non refundable application fee per individual. Financial aid is available on request.

3. Soloists must bring their own accompanist.

4. The first movement of the concerto is preferred. Make the necessary cuts to fill 10 minutes. 

5. Winners must be available to rehearse and perform with the MSO. Winners and their families are invited to attend a post-concert reception. 

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Competition Dates and Deadlines:

Applications due December 1, 2023

Competition date: Saturday, February 24, 2024, Bethany Lutheran College, Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center, Mankato, MN 

On the day of the competition, students should arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in. There are many warm-up rooms available.

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Competition Repertoire List (PDF download)

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Prizes:

• $1,500 cash award to solo concerto competition winner

• $750 cash award to the second place concerto participant

• Four $500 cash awards to each first-place quartet member 

• Four $250 cash awards to each second-place quartet member.

• All ensemble coaches receive a stipend as they prepare groups for the contest.

• All winners will perform in an MSO symphony concert Fall 2024 — up to 8 will perform alongside  MSO musicians and 1 will perform a solo with the orchestra.

Ensemble Competition rules:

1. Ensemble sizes can range from two to four players.

2. Ensemble repertoire does not have to be memorized and must last no longer than 10 minutes. 

3. Repertoire to be decided by the high school teacher/mentor and communicated to competition chair.

4. Participants must perform on orchestral instruments since the prize includes performing alongside the MSO musicians. 

5. Bring an extra score for the judge. Photocopies are not allowed. Number the measures, if not already included in the score.

6. Winners must be available to rehearse and perform with the MSO. Winners and their families  are invited to attend a post-concert reception. 

7. The judges reserve the right to not choose a winning soloist or ensemble.

8. Applications must be postmarked no later than December 1, 2023. There is a $40 non refundable application fee per individual. Financial aid is available on request.

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Please mail a check for the $40 application fee by December 1, 2023 to:

Mankato Symphony Orchestra

Attn: Competition

PO Box 645

Mankato MN 56002

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OR Pay Online Above ($1.30 processing fee included):

 

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Questions?

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact competition chair Megan Wehrwein at competitions@mankatosymphony.org.

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