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Associate Orchestra Concerto Competition

The CYS Associate Orchestra Concerto Competition was established during the 2006-07 season to recognize outstanding musicians in the orchestra and to also train the orchestra in the art of orchestral accompaniment.  The concerto competition is open to all current members of the orchestra and winners perform either a movement from a concerto or a one movement concert piece accompanied by the CYS Associate Orchestra in the Festival Concert or Coda Concert. 

2026-27 Concerto Competition Information

See below for a list of acceptable/non-acceptable concerti. Upon completing the registration form, your piece will be further reviewed for approval.

Competition Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Where: Almond Elementary School, Los Altos
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Auditions slots are 10 minutes each)
Accompanist: Not required, though highly recommended!
Dress Code: Dress for a concert or a recital - this is a performance!
Registration Deadline: November 16, 2026 - 11:59pm

Please note the following: 

  • Only one movement from a concerto or a one movement piece (not exceeding 15 minutes in length) is eligible
  • Must audition on the instrument currently playing in the orchestra
  • Music must be memorized for the concert. It doesn't need to be memorized for the audition.
  • Two individual practice rooms are available, with additional outside warm-up areas. Please come prepared, keep warm, and arrive at least 15 minutes early. 
  • ** The Senior Orchestra competition runs at the same time and date. As some pianists accompany both AO & SO concerto applicants, we try our best to accommodate you and your accompanist's availability. We ask for your flexibility in the event we are unable to accommodate your scheduling request.  

Acceptable Concerti for the 26-27 Competition

Data Table
INSTRUMENT CONCERTO
VIOLIN Any standard classic, romantic, or contemporary concerto*. Double concerti are OK.
VIOLA, CELLO, WOODWIND, BRASS, HARP, PERCUSSION Any standard classic, romantic, or contemporary concerto*. Double or triple concerti are OK.

*Non-acceptable Concerti

Data Table
INSTRUMENT COMPOSER PIECE LAST PERFORMED
All
All works without orchestra accompaniment


All Baroque works
Violin Bruch Violin Concerto in G Minor, op. 26 (3rd mvt) 25-26

Korngold Violin Concerto in D Major, op. 35 (all) 25-26
Cello Lalo Cello Concerto in D Minor (1st mvt) 25-26

Bloch Schelomo: Rhapsodie Hébraïque (all) 25-26

Elgar Cello Concerto in E minor, op. 85 (all) 26-27
Flute Ibert Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1st & 3rd mvt) 25-26
Clarinet Spohr Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in C minor (1st mvt) 26-27
Percussion Rosauro Concerto No. 2 for Marimba and Orchestra (1st mvt) 25-26
Piano Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor, op. 16 (all) 26-27

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