- May 2, 2026 at Seton Hill Performing Arts Center, Greensburg
- Registration Opens: January 1, 2026
- Registration Deadline: March 20, 2026
For more than four decades, the Westmoreland Symphony’s Young Artist Competition has celebrated outstanding young musicians across our region. Originally founded in the 1980s and reimagined in 2002 as a solo performance competition, it has long stood as a hallmark of excellence, fostering the next generation of classical performers.
In 2025, this beloved program enters an exciting new chapter as it expands into the Young Artist Solo & Ensemble Festival. This refreshed format broadens opportunities for young musicians—welcoming students in grades 3–12 to perform as soloists or in chamber ensembles—all within a supportive, educational, and community-focused environment. Co-hosted by the WSO Academy of Music and the Seton Hill University Music Department, the festival emphasizes growth, creativity, and collaboration while preserving the high artistic standards that have defined the Young Artist Competition for decades.
Open to classical pianists, woodwind, brass, percussion, and voice students who reside in or study with a private teacher in Westmoreland, Fayette, Allegheny, Greene, or Washington County (PMEA District 1), the festival offers participants professional feedback, meaningful performance experience, and the opportunity to be recognized for exceptional musicianship.
This evolution represents the WSO’s continued commitment to nurturing young talent and expanding access to transformative musical experiences. We look forward to welcoming students, teachers, and families to this exciting new celebration of youth music excellence.
🎻 Who Can Participate
Students in Grades 3–12 are invited to perform as soloists or in chamber ensembles. This is a wonderful opportunity to perform, receive professional feedback, and grow as a musician in a supportive environment.
🎵 Festival Structure
- Solo Performance: $25
- Chamber Ensemble (2+ members): $50
- Performance Time: 10–15 minutes (includes a brief mini-clinic with adjudicator)
👩⚖️ Adjudicators
Six professional adjudicators featuring Seton Hill University Faculty, Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Musicians, and area professionals.
🗓 Key Dates
- Registration Opens: January 1, 2026
- Registration Deadline: March 20, 2026
Download the PDF information sheet
For more information contact Adam Gillespie (adam@westmorelandsymphony.org)
