Student musicians across the Blue Ash and Montgomery area can compete for $500 and a spot on stage with the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra.
BAMSO has opened applications for its 2026 Jack & Lucille Wonnell Young Artist Concerto Competition, according to the orchestra's competition application. The annual competition is open to pre-college students age 18 and under.
Four divisions are open: strings, keyboard, woodwinds/brass/percussion/guitar/harp, and a division for musicians 13 and under playing any instrument. First-place winners in each division receive $500 and the chance to perform with the orchestra. At the jury's discretion, second-place winners may receive $300 and serve as alternates if a first-place winner cannot perform.
Winners will be announced Dec. 1.
Awards will be distributed Sunday, Dec. 6, at the BAMSO Holiday Concert. Winners are encouraged but not required to attend.
How to apply
Applicants must submit a YouTube video of one movement from a concerto. Piano accompaniment is welcome but not required. Each application also needs a biographical sketch of 300 words or fewer, a completed form signed by the student and their private teacher, and a $35 fee.
The application form, bio and YouTube link go by email to Julie Collinsworth, BAMSO's business manager, at [email protected]. The $35 check, payable to BAMSO, goes by mail to PO Box 42176, Cincinnati, OH 45242.
The deadline is Monday, Nov. 16. Applications must be postmarked by that date.
Students who won first place in their division in a prior year may not re-enter that same division.
A long-running tradition
The competition has run for more than a decade. BAMSO itself has provided musical programming to the Blue Ash and Montgomery communities for 39 years, according to the City of Montgomery.
Past winners have gone on to notable paths. Cellist Ben Fryxell, a 2012 competition winner, went on to study at Juilliard, according to a 2013 Blue Ash city newsletter.
For questions, residents can email [email protected] or call (513) 549-2197. Email is the preferred first contact.
Upcoming dates
- Monday, Nov. 16 — Application deadline (postmark)
- Tuesday, Dec. 1 — Winners announced
- Sunday, Dec. 6 — BAMSO Holiday Concert and awards ceremony
