Applications are now being accepted for the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra (HSO) 2018 Young Artist Competition. The competition will be held on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018.

Now in its 23rd year, the Young Artist Competition is open to musicians in grades 9-12 who live in Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey counties in North Carolina or who are members in good standing in the Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Three cash prizes are awarded: First Place, $500; Second Place, $300; and Third Place, $200. The First Place winner will perform as a soloist with the HSO at its April 2018 concert, “Passion!” The competition is sponsored by Laborde Eye Group in Hendersonville.

Orchestral instrument, piano, or voice students who qualify may apply with the recommendation of a music teacher. First place winners from previous HSO Young Artist Competitions are not eligible to apply. Competition rules and an online application can be found at www.hendersonvillesymphony.org/youngartist. There is an application fee. All applications must be postmarked or submitted online by Jan. 19, 2018.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for a young musician to experience the thrill of competition and showcase his or her talent,” said Cheryl Hagymassy, HSO Education Committee Chair. “It is an incredible learning experience for the winner to perform with a professional orchestra.”

Instrumentalists must prepare a movement from a standard concerto. Also, works for two soloists may be entered. Vocalists must prepare an aria from an opera, oratorio, or a song from a song cycle. Works for two soloists may be entered. Please note: All music must be memorized for the audition.

For more information, visit hendersonvillesyphony.org, or call the HSO office at 828-697-5884.

– submitted by Pat Tukey