BUDDING TALENT. The Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra (CVSO) has announced its annual “Young Artist Competition” will return for its 38th year. If you know a local teen ages 14-18, come next spring you might see them taking center stage as a featured soloist at the Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire).

It’s that time of year where music and arts organizations throughout the Chippewa Valley unite to help young, curious minds discover their place in the musical arts – while making sure to have plenty of fun in the process.

The Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra (CVSO) has announced the return of its “Young Artist Competition.” For 38 years and running, this competition not only promises a showcase of young talent, but a grand prize of $1,300.

If you’re a local teen aged 14-18, come next spring you might just find yourself taking center stage as a featured soloist – sharing a concerto movement with a full house in the RCU Theatre at the Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire).

To enter, young musicians must submit an eight to 16 minute visual recording featuring either a concerto movement or an aria of equivalent difficulty; vocalist applicants may present two shorter pieces to meet the timeframe.

Any orchestral material chosen by the applicant must be readily available for the symphony to obtain, CVSO Executive Director Anna Rybicki shared.

André Peck was the first prize winner in the 2025-2026 regional CVSO Young Artist Competition. André performed the first movement of his Rachmaninov Concerto “No. 1” in F-sharp minor.

It feels fitting to have active involvement from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire String Academy in this effort; the university programming serves as a pre-college initiative to offer music instruction for students in grades K-12.

Nathaniel Pierce, the UW-Eau Claire String Academy director, will be coordinating the effort this year. Applications must be submitted electronically by Jan. 2, 2027. A $50 entry fee per application is required.

Once applications are reviewed in the new year, an in-person finals event will be held at UW-Eau Claire on Jan. 30, 2027. Student finalists, provided they bring their own accompanist, will present their musical works in front of a three-judge panel.

Come May 8, 2027 at the Pablo Center, a scene of both curiosity and wonder will welcome attendees through the “Cosmic Connections” show, led by guest conductor Jerry Hui. On stage, the Young Artist Competition winner will perform their selected piece in addition to a showcase of composer James Whitbourn’s “The Seven Heavens.” 

While past first-place winners are ineligible to compete, former honorable mentions and runners-up are encouraged to refine their skills and take another shot at the spotlight.

Visit the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra webpage online to learn more about the 38th annual Young Artist Competition. Entry for youths ages 14-18 must be submitted by Jan. 2, 2027.