The Henderson Symphony’s Young Artists Competition offers winners a professional concert experience during the orchestra’s regular concert season.

We want young musicians to play music that truly inspires them. Unlike traditional youth competitions with strict, pre-approved repertoire, the HSO Young Artist Competition lets performers choose their own piece—giving them the freedom to explore their unique artistic voice and showcase who they are as a musician.

The competition is divided into two divisions:
Junior Division for Clark County residents up to 14 years old
Senior Division for Clark County residents 15 to 18 years old

Duos and small ensembles are generally not considered for the competition. However, subject to the prior approval and sole discretion of the HSO Jury, exceptional requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants must enter in one of the following four categories:

1. Strings
2. Winds, Brass, or Percussion
3. Piano
4. Voice

The HSO Jury reserves the right to determine eligibility and make final decisions regarding all applications.

• November 3, 2026, application
  Fill out the application form below and submit a $40 application fee to:
  Henderson Symphony Orchestra
  393 Steprock Ct.
  Henderson, NV 89014

  The $40 application fee may also be submitted via PayPal in the link. [NOTE: Delete Heidi Sealy address]

• November 15, 2026, Pre-screening video submission.
  The name of the work should be in the title of the video submission.

  Please send your submission to: juliewilliams.hso@gmail.com

• November 20, 2026, Invitation to live audition

   

• December 5, 2026, Live audition
  Location and time to be announced

The HSO Jury, in its sole discretion, may select three to six winners between the Senior and Junior divisions. The final number of winners and their distribution between divisions will be determined by the Jury based on the quality of performances and the overall level of competition. Each selected winner will be awarded the opportunity to perform with the Henderson Symphony Orchestra.

Guidelines

1. Works selected for performance must be memorized.
2. The audition piece should be the piece you intend to perform at the concert. Orchestral accompaniment must be readily available for purchase or rental.
3. All auditions must be performed with piano accompaniment, and performers are responsible for providing and rehearsing with the accompanist prior to the audition.
4. If a candidate needs an accompanist, the Henderson Symphony Orchestra can provide names of competent pianists.
5. At the Judges’ discretion, a winner may not be selected for a given division and/or multiple winners may be selected for a given division.
6. Final selection of music will be at the discretion of the Henderson Symphony Orchestra.
7. Applicants may compete in categories they have not previously won.