The MIT Symphony Orchestra holds an annual Concerto Competition at the beginning of each spring semester. The winner is featured on a MITSO concert in Kresge Auditorium. This year's competition will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025 between 11am - 3pm in Killian Hall.
Competition Information
To be eligible to perform in the Concerto Competition, participants must meet the following criteria:
- Current MIT or Wellesley student (undergrad, grad, post-doc).
- Have successfully completed at least one graded semester with an MIT large ensemble prior to the semester of the competition. Participation need not have been on your main instrument (ex. guitarists may be in a choir).
- Soloists who have already won/co-won the competition, or have otherwise performed a solo work with the MIT Symphony, are not eligible.
- Preference will be given to one-movement works (i.e. Ravel’s Tzigane, Liszt’s Totentanz, etc.). However, single movements out of larger concerti, or complete concerti are acceptable and will be considered.
- Works by Rachmaninoff and Gershwin are ineligible in this year’s competition.
- The work or selection to be performed in concert must be prepared from memory in its entirety for the audition.
- Accompanists are required, but not provided. If you need a recommendation for an accompanist, please contact Mi-Eun Kim (mieunkim@mit.edu).
- The decision by the jury is final.
The winner will perform their concerto with MITSO on Friday April 25, 2025. The winner must be available for all rehearsals and performances required by the Music Director. Orchestra rehearsals are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30pm-10:00pm.
Application Process:
Submit your concerto proposal to MITSO Music Director, Adam Boyles (akboyles@mit.edu) for approval as well in advance as possible – this will give you time to consider other choices in the unlikely event that your first choice cannot be accommodated.
After your concerto proposal has been approved, submit the online application form no later than 5pm on Friday, January 17th, 2025.
You will receive an audition time via email approximately one week before the audition.
Questions? Contact Riley Vogel (vogel503@mit.edu).