The Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras (MASO) invites all Montana musicians, ages 13 to 22 that play any of the standard orchestral instruments, to apply for its biennial Exergy Young Artists Competition, held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 in Bozeman.
Applications for the MASO Young Artists Competition can be downloaded from the MASO website at www.montanasymphonies.org and must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3 for this statewide competition.
“The MASO Exergy Young Artists Competition has a great tradition of identifying and presenting some of the most talented musicians in our state. It’s a tremendous opportunity for young musicians to participate in the thrill of competition and to ultimately have the chance to play with a professional symphony orchestra. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime – I strongly encourage all young artists to apply,” said Anne Harrigan, chair of the Young Artists Competition and Music Director of the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale.
In addition to an opportunity to perform with a Montana symphony orchestra, winners of each division win a cash scholarship: Junior (ages 13-15), $450; Senior (age 16 through high school graduate), $650; and College (post high school through age 22), $1,000. Participating orchestras include those of the Billings Symphony, Bozeman Symphony, Butte Symphony, Glacier Symphony, Great Falls Symphony, and Helena Symphony.
Once jurors have screened the applications, finalists are invited to perform in person on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 on the campus of Montana State University-Bozeman. The public is invited to watch these talented young musicians compete.
The Young Artists Competition, which recognizes and nurtures talented young Montana musicians, is made possible, in part, through a legislative grant from Montana’s Cultural Trust and grants from the Montana Arts Council and National endowment for the Arts.
For more information on the MASO Exergy Young Artist’s Competition, call the Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale office at (406) 252-3610.