Young Artists Solo Competition
NEWS
Updated Information for the 2026-27 Season
The Southern California Philharmonic is pleased to share expanded age categories, judge feedback shared with every applicant as default, and additional competition details for the upcoming season. Please examine the provided documents carefully to ensure compliance and get as much out of our competition as possible!
Age categories have been updated as follows: Prodigy (13 & under), Artiste (14-18), Virtuoso (19-29)
2026-27 Competition Application
The application submission period for the 23rd Young Artists Solo Competition will open in this location on Tuesday September 1st, 2026. Early bird applications with a reduced application fee will be accepted until Friday October 9th, and the final application due date is Friday October 16th, 2026 at 11:59pm PST.
Have Questions?
If your query is not addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions document below, please reach out to us at youngartists@socalphil.org!
Young Artist Concert Dates in 2027
Instrumental: Pending
Vocal: Pending
Piano: Pending
All concerts at 7:30pm PST
Location:
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
1221 Wass Street
Tustin, CA 92780
Click below for more information on reserving tickets and attending SCP concerts.
Increased Scholarship Awards
Thanks to the generosity of our donors & supporters along with the success of this competition, we are pleased to share that scholarship award values for each 1st place winner were increased last season.
If you would like to support the Young Artists competition, please make your contribution using the link below.
As a thank you and if desired, you or your business/organization can be recognized as a sponsor on our printed concert programs, our website, and other publicity materials.
NEWS
Update on the Young Artist Competition
This is the 23rd year that the Southern California Philharmonic has conducted the Young Artists Solo Competition. More than 80 musicians competed for a chance to perform with the SoCalPhil in the previous 2025-2026 season as an SCP Young Artist.
Thank you to all the students, teachers and parents who participated in the competition last season. We have some amazing talent in our community, and SoCalPhil is grateful to have the opportunity to work with these young musicians and be part of their musical journey.
Thank you also to the Watson Piano Studio in Fullerton for hosting the auditions, and to the judges and greeters who made the process run smoothly!
Each of the first-place winners performed with SoCalPhil in one of three 2026 concerts: instrumental winners on March 6th and 7th, vocal winners on April 17th and 18th, and pianist winners on May 29th and 30th.
SoCalPhil is thrilled to once again have the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts sponsoring this important musical event and supporting the scholarships for our young artists.
Scholarships totaling in excess of $4000 were awarded to these 2025-26 competition winners at the Saturday performance of each concert series. All scholarships are made possible through our partnership with TACFA, as well as donations from our generous patrons and SCP musicians, and audition fees.
To help us continue providing scholarships for the next generation of musicians, please consider donating. Your contribution will help ensure the future of this cherished tradition. Donate here.
For more information on the SCP Young Artists Solo Competition, email us at youngartists@socalphil.org.
Audition for the SoCalPhil!
Interested in joining the Southern California Philharmonic? We’re always looking for passionate, dedicated musicians to grow our ensemble. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or returning to your instrument, we welcome you to audition and become part of our musical community. Let’s make great music together!