Hampshire Young Soloist Competition

The WSO Hampshire Young Soloist 2024 application page is now open!

The Hampshire Young Soloist Competition is now a regular part of the orchestra's programme. It takes place every two years, and provides an opportunity for young instrumentalists in secondary education in Hampshire and resident in the UK to perform a full concerto of their choice with the Winchester Symphony Orchestra at a concert in July. 

The cash prizes for all finalists, and the winner's trophy, are provided from generous donations by the orchestra members. 

Candidates, with the endorsement of their teachers or music departments, are invited to apply for the first round, in which they are asked to play one movement of a concerto with piano accompaniment. Three finalists are selected, who then rehearse with the orchestra for the final public concert. 

  You may apply to take part if 

1. You are in Secondary Education in Hampshire.

2. You are under 19 years of age by the date of the Final, 4^th July 2024.  

3. Your playing on your chosen instrument is of a sufficiently high standard for you to be able to play a full concerto in public to a high degree of proficiency.  Your teacher and Head of Music in your school are required to endorse your application by entering or giving you permission to enter their contact details on the form.  

Full details of all the requirements are on the form itself. Please click on the link below and then answer all the questions in the spaces provided – then click SUBMIT.

APPLICATION FORM click here

The First Round is on Sunday afternoon 11^th February 2024 (venue to be confirmed)

The Entry deadline is Friday 2^nd February 2024. Your application will be acknowledged by return, and your time for the first round competition will be sent to you on 5 February 2024.

For the First Round you will be required to play one movement of your choice of a concerto with piano accompaniment.  An accompanist will be provided if necessary.

If you are chosen to go through to the Final Round, you will be expected to prepare a full concerto.  You will have 3 opportunities to rehearse with the orchestra, the first on a Monday evening at the end of May or in June (date to be confirmed); then one on a Monday evening with the other candidates, and one short rehearsal immediately before the Final.

Finalists so far have been:
 

2022

Winner:	Shoshana Yugin-Power	Reinecke Flute Concerto
Runners-up:	Eleanor Holmes Freya Garside Hannah Crowdy	Reinecke Flute Concerto Gordon Jacob Concerto for Bassoon, Percussion and Strings Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto
Eleanor Holmes Freya Garside Shoshana Yugin-Power (Winner 2022) Hannah Crowdy

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2020

The 2020 competition was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
 

Finalists:	Amélie Budd  Hanna Simojoki Shoshana Yugin-Power	Oboe Violin Flute
Shoshana Yugin-Power Shoshana Yugin-Power Shoshana Yugin-Power Hanna Simojoki Hanna Simojoki Hanna Simojoki Amélie Budd Amélie Budd Amélie Budd

2018

Winner:	Ben Upfold	Rosauro Marimba Concerto
Runners-up:	Emma Paterson Patrick Friend Sophie Osborne	Mozart Violin Concerto no. 3 Horovitz Euphonium Concerto Weber Clarinet Concerto no. 1
Sophie Osborne and Emma Paterson

2016

2014

Winner:	Jenny Whitby	Nielsen Flute Concerto
Runners-up:	Matthew Crisp Michael Huang	Bruch Violin Concerto Elgar Cello Concerto
Jenny Whitby (Winner 2014)