Young Musicians Concert

Young Musicians Concert
The Young Musicians Concert is a unique opportunity for outstanding 7-12 grade student chamber ensembles to perform on the stages of Lincoln Center and represent their schools and regions in a celebration of musical excellence.

Regional Semi-Final Performances
Ensembles are invited to submit a video audition for consideration. Selected groups will be invited to participate in one of four Regional Semi-Final Concerts based on their location:

• Hudson Valley / Connecticut
• New York City
• New Jersey
• Long Island

Each regional concert serves as a live adjudicated event, showcasing talented young musicians from across the area.

Artist Coaching at Lincoln Center
Finalist ensembles selected from the semi-finals will receive a one-hour coaching session at Lincoln Center with an artist from the Chamber Music Society. This personalized session will help prepare them for the final performance and give them invaluable insight into the artistry of chamber music.

Exclusive Open Rehearsal Experience
Finalists are also invited to attend an exclusive open rehearsal with the world-renowned Shanghai Quartet, featuring their interpretation of Dvořák’s American Quartet (Op. 96). This is a rare chance to observe a professional ensemble at work. This experience is highly encouraged but optional.

Final Concert Experience
Finalist ensembles will be featured in one of two culminating concerts:

• May 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM – The Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Studio
• May 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM – Alice Tully Hall

These concerts mark the 42nd Annual Young Musicians Concert, offering an unforgettable performance experience for rising chamber musicians.

Complete the Online Application
Application available now.

Submit an Online Audition Video
As part of the application process each ensemble is required to submit an online audition video in the format outlined below.

Video Format:

• Your audition must be submitted as a video—audio-only files will not be accepted.
• Upload your video to either:
  • YouTube (set to Unlisted)
  • Google Drive (with link sharing turned on)

Video Title Format:
Please title your video using the following format:
School Name - Composer Piece Movement
Example: Pleasantville - Brahms Trio in A minor Movement 1

Be sure your video is complete, clearly labeled, and accessible via the shared link. Inaccessible videos may result in a disqualified application.

• Instrumental, vocal, or mixed ensembles no more than 12 players in size, with only one performer per part may apply.

• The program is open to students in public or private schools, but not pre-professional or community music schools.

• Schools may submit no more than three ensembles for consideration. If your school is K–12, you may submit up to 3 ensembles from grades 7–8 and up to 3 ensembles from grades 9–12.

• All students in the ensemble must attend the same school at the time of application, as well as at the time of performance.

• All students in the ensemble must actively participate in their school music program (e.g. band, orchestra, chamber music club).

• Please limit a performing student to only one chamber ensemble application.

• The application must be submitted by the school music teacher on behalf of their students. The teacher must agree to serve as the sole point-of-contact between the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the student ensemble.

• Ensembles must be available for all dates to be eligible to continue in the competition.

• Ensembles must select a single complete movement, or complete single movement work, no more than 9 minutes in length.

• Works featuring theme and variation will need to perform the theme, and then adhere to timing limit of no more than 9 minutes in length.

• Arrangements or instrument substitutions will be accepted on a case-by-case basis and with prior approval by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's Education and Community Engagement Department.

• Original student compositions are acceptable with prior approval by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's Education and Community Engagement Department.

• Duos and Sonatas (piano with one instrument) should feature equally challenging parts.

• Percussion Ensembles: must be able to provide and transport their own percussion instrument(s) and equipment, if selected.

• The Handel/Halvorsen Duo and any work for two pianos will not be accepted.

• Suggested repertoire can be found using the NYSSMA Manual or NJSSE repertoire lists of instrumental and vocal music for solo and ensemble performance.