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 2027

Application Deadline: February 1, 2027

Solo and small ensemble competition applications are below

• 2027 wcfsymphony solo application
• 2027 wcfsymphony small ensemble application

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

• 2027 wcfsymphony Young Artist Concerto Competition Guidelines

The 2026 Young Artist Concerto Competition took place on March 1 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