Musicians

The Hastings Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition celebrates and supports emerging musical talent while strengthening the connection between higher education and the professional performing arts.

Open to student musicians currently attending Central Nebraska high schools, the competition offers young performers the rare opportunity to audition before professional judges, receive constructive feedback, and perform as a featured soloist with a full symphony orchestra. Selected winner(s) are invited to appear as soloists during a Hastings Symphony Orchestra concert, accompanied by the orchestra.

2027 Details

The following information outlines expectations, eligibility, and the audition process for this year’s Hastings Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition.


Eligibility

  • Open to student musicians currently attending Central Nebraska high schools
  • Vocal and instrumental soloists are encouraged to apply


Audition Information

  • Audition Date: December 5, 2026
  • Audition Location: 1st Presbyterian Church, 621 N. Lincoln, Hastings, Nebraska
  • Audition Time: 9:00 AM
  • Auditions are open to the public
  • Each contestant will be assigned a specific audition time in advance
  • Contestants will receive written or verbal feedback from the judges following their audition

Music Requirements

Vocal Soloists

Choose one of the following performance options:

  • Two contrasting arias
  • A recitative and aria
  • A scena (minimum length of six minutes)


Instrumental Soloists

  • One movement from a concerto or other substantial solo work

Additional Requirements

  • Music does not need to be memorized for the audition
  • Music must be memorized for the performance
  • Orchestral accompaniment for the selected work must be reasonably available


Accompaniment

  • Piano accompanists for auditions must be provided by the soloist
  • A grand piano will be provided for piano concerto auditions


Time Limits

  • Each audition is allotted 15 minutes, including setup and performance


Selection Process

  • One or more winners may be selected in vocal and/or instrumental categories
  • Judges reserve the right to declare no winner in any category if doing so best upholds the artistic standards of the competition and the Hastings Symphony Orchestra


Performance Opportunity

  • Selected winner(s) will be featured as soloists in a Hastings Symphony Orchestra subscription concert and accompanied by the orchestra
  • Winner(s) will receive two complimentary tickets to the performance
  • Travel to and from Hastings is the responsibility of the student


Application Information

  • Application Deadline: November 21, 2026
  • There are no fees to audition