OSO is accepting applications for Young Artist Competition

Jay Julio was the senior division winner of the 2023 Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s youth competition. [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]

One of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s missions is to motivate, encourage and enhance the musical careers of outstanding young musicians and to assist them by providing an opportunity to be a soloist with a professional orchestra.

The OSO is now accepting applications for its 35^th annual Young Artist Competition. Instrument and voice students ages 12 to 25, from around the nation, are encouraged to enter, the news release noted.

Finalists will compete in front of a live audience on Jan. 11, 2026, at an Honors Recital at the Reilly Arts Center at 500 NE 9^th St., Ocala. Finalists from each division receive a cash award of $200.

The winner from each division will have an opportunity to perform a concerto with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the center on March 21 and 22 for the subscription performance “To Spring!” The winners receive a cash award of $1,800.

Support for the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition is provided by Duke Energy.

Applications and video auditions are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 3. For a list of guidelines and the link to apply, visit reillyartscenter.com/symphony/yac/

For information regarding repertoire, contact OSO Music Director and Conductor Matthew Wardell  at [email protected]. For more information, contact Natalie McComb, Executive Director, at [email protected] or (352) 351-1606, ext. 102.