Youth Concerto Competition

The Pikes Peak Philharmonic hosts an annual competition for instrumental performers in the Pikes Peak area. This competition is open for students in grades 8-12 who are residents of the Pikes Peak Region. The winner will perform a solo at the spring concert of the season with the Pikes Peak Philharmonic.

The auditions for the 2026 – 27 season will be will be held February 27, 2027 at Graner music beginning at 9:00 a.m. The winner will be performing with the Pikes Peak Phil at our May 23, 2027 concert.

The three pieces that aren’t allowed to for auditions this year are:

  • The Sibelius Violin Concerto
  • Dvorak Violin Concerto (1st mvt)
  • Haydn Cello Concerto in C major (1st mvt)

The application deadline is Feb. 20th at noon and entrance fee is $25.

Email auditions@pikespeakphil.org for information

Past Winners

Please see the Competition Rules and Competition Score Sheet for audition information and requirements. It is our desire to encourage the best musicians of our area to develop and refine their abilities in their instruments’ repertoire. The Pikes Peak Phil focuses on developing musicianship and music appreciation among young people and strategically collaborates in the communities to that end. We encourage our young musician neighbors to consider registering at the link below and begin preparing for this unique opportunity.

First violins

Past Season Winners:

  • Stacy Bahn (violin), Abby Nelson (cello) – 2026
  • Eireen Margittai (violin) – 2025
  • Joshua Wu (violin) – 2024
  • Noah Song  (cello) – 2023
  • Caleb Seifert (cello) – 2022
  • Craig Brinkman (saxophone) – 2021
  • Jayna Powell (cello) – 2020
  • Jay Henry Gregg (cello) – 2019
  • Emma Johnson (violin) – 2018
  • Jory Lane (violin) – 2017
  • Jessica Shand (flute) – 2016
  • Ethan Blake (cello) – 2015
  • Sarah Phillips (violin) – 2014
  • Nathanael Leavitt (violin) – 2013
  • Bryant So (violin) – 2012
  • Bryan Gannon (trombone) – 2011
  • Tonya Buettner (violin) – 2010
  • Josh Brewer (violin) – 2009
  • Paul Wright (piano) – 2008
  • Tom Giles (saxophone) – 2007
  • Sami Foster (piano), John Napier (violin) – 2006
  • Natalie Goble (piano), David Siegel (violin), Dan Foster (clarinet) – 2005
  • Rami Foster (piano), Laura Weiner (horn) – 2004
  • Sarah Smith (flute), Jessica Zhang (piano), Julie Meyer (violin), Jacob & Jeno Saghi (violin) – 2003
  • Aaron Perdue (flute), Michael Mccallum (trombone) – 2002
  • Annie Aderman (violin) – 2001
  • Alexander Tran (piano) – 2000