The Palo Alto Philharmonic is pleased to announce a Concerto Movement Competition for performing instrumental and vocal works with orchestral accompaniment. The purpose of the competition is to recognize outstanding talent and provide an invaluable learning experience. Applicants must be greater Bay Area students (all grades), 18 years or younger who have not yet graduated high school as of December 31, 2010.

The work to be submitted will be a movement of a concerto or other concert piece for soloist and orchestra, between approximately 5 to 15 minutes in length. Solo sonatas or pieces for which orchestral parts are not readily available are not eligible. Applications must be received by December 31, 2010.

A group of finalists will be selected for Live Auditions on Saturday, February 26, 2011, between 9:30 and 4:30, in the Art Center Auditorium 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. The live audition performance should consist of the same piece that was submitted on CD with the application. Each finalist must provide his/her own accompanist to play the piano reduction of the orchestra score. Three Xerox copies of the piano score with measures numbered at the beginning of every line are to be supplied to the Judges. Winners will be announced by March 10, 2011.

Approximately 5-7 winners will ultimately be chosen, and will have the privilege of performing their work with the Palo Alto Philharmonic in a concert on Sunday, May 15, 2011, at 3:00 PM in the Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA. Winners must be available for rehearsals on the following dates: 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9 & dress rehearsal on 5/12 (all rehearsals start at 7:30 PM). IMPORTANT: Please check your schedule and make sure these dates are available before the application is submitted.

Though memorizing is encouraged, music may be used for audition and performance. The decision of the judges is final, and will be based solely on the quality of the musical performance presented.

We encourage all interested musicians to enter the preliminary audition (please see Application Form for details). The Application Form, along with an audio CD (no DVDs, mp3s or tapes, please) and non-refundable $25 fee, must be received by December 31, 2010.

Additional information about the competition or the orchestra can be obtained by calling the Palo Alto Philharmonic at (408) 395-2911, or by visiting our web site at www.paphil.org.