San Diego, CA–The Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra is hosting the MMYO 2021-2022 Solo Competition for young musicians who play string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The competition is open to all members of the Youth Orchestra, regardless of experience.
The competitors vary in age starting at 5 and older in the Suzuki Strings division to middle schoolers in the Concert Band division to high schoolers in the Advanced Orchestra category. Many past competitors use this experience to carry on their musical careers in college and beyond.
The first round of competition was virtual and took place from October 16 to October 22. Instructors from the MMYO judged this round and determined who moved on to the next round based on the following factors: tone (beauty, intonation, control), technique (articulation, accuracy, rhythm), interpretation (style, breathing, expression), and general effect (stage presence).
The top 4-5 instrumentalists from each of the 8 divisions move on to the Live round on November 6 where they will perform their submitted piece for a 3-judge panel consisting of members from the San Diego Symphony.
There will be two winners from each division chosen and invited to perform at the Solo Competition Winners’ Recital on November 21 at St. James By The Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla which is open to the public.
“We are excited to see the artistry of our students on display this year,” says MMYO Music Director Hernan Constantino. “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we were able to perform outdoors on the Mainly Mozart stage as a group, and now excited to provide an opportunity for our young members to perform a solo recital for their family and friends.”
Auditions are currently open for the MMYO 2021-2022 season with rehearsals being held every Saturday in Solana Beach at the Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 424 Via De La Valle in Solana Beach.
