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2026 Concordia Music Competition

Saturday, January 31 - Sunday, February 1 - 2026

Music Events

 

Location

Borland-Manske Center (Music)
1530 Concordia West, Irvine, California, 92612

Competition Dates

  • Saturday, January 31, 2026 – Piano and Harp
  • Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Instruments, Chamber, Concerto, and Voice
    (For those participating in SCSBOA, we will schedule your performance accordingly.)

Award Ceremony: Saturday, February 21st.

Application Deadlines

  • General: Sunday, December 14, 2025
  • Late: Friday, December 19, 2025

Apply Now

Application Fees (non-refundable)

​​We may close applications early if the maximum number of participants is reached.

General Application

  • Soloists:
    • $80 – Competition entry only
    • $110 – Competition entry + Carnegie Hall consideration
  • Per Ensemble Member:
    • $60 – Competition entry only
    • $90 – Competition entry + Carnegie Hall consideration
  • Concerto Category: $100

Late Application

  • Soloists:
    • $100 – Competition entry only
    • $130 – Competition entry + Carnegie Hall consideration
  • Per Ensemble Member:
    • ​​​​​​​$80 – Competition entry only
    • $110 – Competition entry + Carnegie Hall consideration
  • ​​​​​​​Concerto Category: $120

Categories

  • Solo Instruments: Piano, Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Oboe, Bassoon, Flute, Clarinet, Horn, Trumpet, Tuba, Trombone, Saxophone, Percussion
  • Voice: Classical, Musical Theater
  • Chamber Ensemble: Any group from duo to octet
  • Concerto: A separate category from the solo category.

Divisions (age as of January 31, 2026)

A-1: Age 7 & under
A-2: Age 8
A-3: Age 9
A-4: Age 10
B: Age 11
C: Age 12
D: Age 13
E: Age 14
F: Age 15
G: Age 16
H: Age 17
I: Age 18
J: College (19–24)
K: Age over 25
L: Concordia Students

All instruments compete in separate categories based on instrument and age, except for the Concerto Category. For example, an 11-year-old violinist will compete in the 11-year-old violin division. However, the Concerto Category is open to all instruments and ages.

Repertoire

  • Solo Instruments: One free-choice piece (edited to meet time limits)
    • Divisions A–D: 5 minutes
    • Divisions E–K: 6 minutes
  • Concerto:
  • Voice:
    • Classical: One Art Song & One Operatic Aria
    • Musical Theater: Two Musical Theater pieces

Awards

  • First Prize: Trophy + $200 scholarship (CUI Summer Chamber Music Festival 2026, instrumentalists only)
    • Chamber ensembles: $200 scholarship per member (CUI Summer Chamber Music Festival 2026, instrumentalists only)
  • Second Prize: Trophy + $100 scholarship (CUI Summer Chamber Music Festival 2026, instrumentalists only)
    • Chamber ensembles: $100 scholarship per member (CUI Summer Chamber Music Festival 2026, instrumentalists only)
  • Third Prize: Trophy
  • Fourth Prize: Medal
  • Honorable Mention: Medal
  • Special Scholarship: High school & community college transfer winners receive a $1,000 scholarship upon enrolling at Concordia University Irvine

Top Honors Recital – Carnegie Hall

  • Preview Recital: Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Concordia University, Irvine
  • Recital: Friday, July 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM (Weill Carnegie Hall)

Participation Fee: (own travel expenses)

Solo:

  • <5 mins: $650
  • 5–6 mins: $700
  • 6–7 mins: $750

Ensemble (per member):

  • <5 mins: $350
  • 5–6 mins: $400
  • 6–7 mins: $450

Includes: Trophy, professional photos, study-only video of the Carnegie Hall performance, and preview recital.

Concerto Category Winners' Concert

Top 5 contestants will perform with a professional chamber orchestra.

Performance Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026

Performance Fee (selected performers): $600

Repertoire: One movement from the Concerto Competition Repertoire List

Guidelines

  • Age determined as of January 31, 2026. Proof of age required.
  • Ensembles entered by the age of the oldest member (as of Jan. 31, 2026).
  • Participants must verify the original score with the staff at check-in and bring an extra copy of their score for the judges.
  • Participants must bring their own accompanist.
  • Music may be used during performance.
  • Judges’ decisions are final.
  • All participants receive judges’ comments and a certificate.
  • Winners agree to allow use of their name, photo, and video for publicity.
  • Only teachers, family, and friends may observe performances.

For more information:

Dr. HyeJung Shin – Director of the Concordia  Music Competition
Email: [email protected]

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