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Application Open in August 2025

Established in 1984, the Young Musicians Concert serves as a beacon of opportunity for exceptional middle and high school musicians to refine their chamber music skills and network with other young musicians. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants in the New York tri-state area, participants receive coaching and mentorship from Chamber Music Society artists to prepare for performances at regional venues, with the opportunity to perform at Lincoln Center in the final Young Musicians Concerts at Alice Tully Hall and The Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Studio.

Program

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). A rare chance to observe a professional ensemble at work.

Final Concert Performances
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 8, 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.

How To Apply

Complete the Online Application
Application will be available in August 2025.

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.

Important Dates

Jan 23, 2026, 9:00 pm Application Deadline
Feb 13, 2026   Announcement of Regionals
TBD NYC Semi-Final Regional Concert at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
TBD Hudson Valley/Connecticut Semi-Final Regional Concert at The Bronxville School
Mar 3, 2026 New Jersey Semi-Final Regional Concert at Bergen County Academies
Mar 5, 2026 Long Island Semi-Final Regional Concert at William A. Shine Great Neck South High School  
Mar 27, 2026 Announcement of Finalists
Apr 18–19, 2026 In-Person Coaching at Lincoln Center 
Apr 18, 2026 at 10:30 am Open Rehearsal with Shanghai Quartet
May 5, 2026 at 11:00 am 42nd Annual Young Musicians Concert at The Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Studio
May 8, 2026 at 11:00 am 42nd Annual Young Musicians Concert at Alice Tully Hall

Additional Information

Dates for programs are subject to change. 

Contact Us

For more information please contact:
education@chambermusicsociety.org
(212) 875-5776