DuPage Symphony extends deadline for young hopefuls
The DuPage Symphony Orchestra is extending the deadline for applications for its 62nd annual Young Artist Auditions to Jan. 16.
The auditions will be held Sunday, Feb. 4 at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., on the campus of North Central College in Naperville.
In keeping with the orchestra's mission of providing inspiration and cultural enrichment through musical excellence, DSO strives to encourage serious study and musical excellence among young musicians through its annual competition.
"The Young Artists Audition program is nearly as old as the DSO and reflects that, from the beginning, we have been contributing to the cultural life of our community by reaching out to young musicians and giving them this special opportunity to perform with the DSO," said Duff Harris, board vice president.
The audition experience has been designed to be both rewarding and educational for entrants, who will be evaluated by experienced judges and receive written comments and suggestions based on their individual performances.
"While assisting with last year's event for the first time, I was impressed by comments from a parent of a multiyear participant concerning the value of the feedback that was received during the process," DSO board President Ellen Callahan said.
The auditions are open to student musicians who attend high school or permanently reside in DuPage and surrounding counties. The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of $500 and the opportunity to appear as a soloist with the 100-member DuPage Symphony Orchestra at its concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 18. A second-place finisher will receive a cash prize of $300.
"I am always deeply impressed by the level of performance by all of the YAA students. To attract young artists, and I do mean artists, of this caliber says a lot about the reputation of our YAA program and about the level of talent that is being developed right here in our own backyard," Harris said.
Applications are available online at www.dupagesymphony.org. Questions can be directed to the symphony office at (630) 778-1003.