The Young Artist Concerto Competition is an annual event for outstanding music students across Iowa. Held in Davis Hall at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls, the competition welcomes students in grades eight through twelve specializing in piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion.

Young Artist Concerto Competition 2026

Application Deadline: February 10, 2026 - please note that due to changes in how the post office now postmarks mail, your application should be sent not later than February 7, 2026.

Solo and small ensemble competition applications are below

• 2026 wcfsymphony solo application
• 2026 wcfsymphony small ensemble application

More information about eligibility and application requirements can be accessed in the following document:

• 2026 wcfsymphony Young Artist Concerto Competition Guidelines
• 2026 wcfsymphony Young Artist Concerto Competition Solo Guidelines 
• 2026 wcfsymphony Young Artist Concerto Competition Small Ensemble Guidelines

The 2025 Young Artist Concerto Competition took place on March 2 in Davis Hall at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

2026 Young Artist Concerto Competition Winners:

1st Place: Keira Cromwell, cello (Iowa City) – Cello Concerto in B Minor by Antonín Dvořák

2nd Place: Akiho Sugiyama, violin (Iowa City) – Symphonie Espagnole by Édouard Lalo

3rd Place: Carson Menk, marimba (Norwalk) – Concerto for Marimba and Strings by Emmanuel Séjourné