After more than a decade, one of the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra’s most cherished educational traditions is making its long-awaited return. The ECSO has announced the revival of its Youth Concerto Competition, once again giving talented Elkhart County high school musicians the opportunity to perform as a featured soloist with the Orchestra while reaffirming the Symphony’s commitment to music education.
Open to Elkhart County students in grades 9-12 performing on piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion, the competition will culminate with the Grand Prize winner appearing as a featured soloist during Cinematic Symphony on March 14, 2027, at The Lerner Theatre, under rising guest conductor Michael Stern.
Auditions will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027, at 1 p.m. at Concord High School.
The Grand Prize winner will receive $200 and the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra. Second- and third-place finishers will receive $100 and $50, respectively. Students may register through the GOOGLE REGISTRATION LINK.
Celebrating rising elkhart county musicians
“For many years, the Youth Concerto Competition represented one of the Symphony’s greatest investments in the future of music,” said Glenn Northern, ECSO Executive Director. “As someone who spent 36 years in music education, I know these opportunities can absolutely change lives. This competition isn’t simply about selecting one outstanding soloist—it’s about encouraging all the young musicians in our area to dream bigger, work harder, and discover what’s possible.”
The competition has an impressive legacy. Its very first winner, Amy Kauffman (1987), went on to perform with the internationally renowned Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York. The competition has also helped cultivate numerous musicians who continue enriching the region’s musical life today. Current members of the Elkhart County Symphony who are former grand prize winners of the concerto competition include Maggie (Yoder) Nowicki (2010), Andrew Nowicki (2011), Lauren Weirich (2015), and Rachel Yoder (2004).
Other alumni, including Ben Weiss (1998) and Jed Wulliman (2001), have gone on to have careers as professional performers, chamber musicians, and music educators.
Emphasizing Music education
The revival reflects a renewed emphasis on music education following the arrival of Northern, a prominent educator whose 24 years at Penn High School included 14 years as Director of Bands. Alongside educational initiatives such as Music in the Stacks, school partnerships, and community outreach, the Youth Concerto Competition represents another investment in ensuring classical music continues to thrive throughout Elkhart County.
Students, parents, private teachers, and school music educators are encouraged to begin preparing now. Additional information and competition announcements will be released in the coming weeks and months!
Join Us for Season 79!
Season Tickets for Season 79—Stories in Sound: Prelude to 80—are on sale now and offer all five Season 79 concerts for the price of four, making it easy to experience every chapter of this exciting new season. Season Tickets may be purchased in person at The Lerner Theatre Box Office, 410 S. Main Street in downtown Elkhart, or by calling the Box Office at (574) 293-4469.
ABOUT THE ELKHART COUNTY SYMPHONY
The Elkhart County Symphony Association employs more than 100 professional musicians in the county. The organization promotes cultural experiences and instills civic pride in our community by encouraging artistic integrity, providing innovative opportunities, and presenting excellent musical programming through concerts, education, and special events.