2027 Competition information
Welcoming solo instrumentalists to Australia's premier music competition for young people, now in it's 36th year
The 2027 Competition opens Friday 1 January 2027 and applications will close on Thursday 25 March at 9pm
REGIONAL
For instrumentalists aged 18 years or younger, and enrolled in years from 7 to 12 at a secondary school in Geelong or an adjacent municipality as defined in the Regional Conditions of Entry or resident within one of these municipalities.
Please note: Applications are capped at 30 entries.
Regional Conditions of Entry 2027
Competition Saturday 19 June 2027
Auditions to be held Saturday 15 May
Awards
1st prize $2000 sponsored by the Geelong Chamber Music Society
3 x Runner-up prizes of $1000
Audience prize $500
NATIONAL
For Australian citizens or Permanent residents aged 17 to 25
National Conditions of Entry 2027
Competition Saturday 3 July 2027
Finalists notified on Monday 5 April
Awards
1st prize $20,000 overseas study scholarship, sponsored by the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust
2nd prize $5000 sponsored by the Athenauem Club, Melbourne and the Young Artists Trust
3rd prize $3000
Remaining finalists $1000
Audience prize $500
In a nutshell
(also see our hints from previous Adjudicators and Finalists)
REGIONAL
Regional applicants perform a 6 minute live audition of a piece or pieces of their own choice. Chosen finalists will then perform a 6 to10 minute program of their choice before adjudicators and audience. It's okay (but not a requirement) to play the same pieces. Concerto movements, excerpts and arrangements of pieces for other instruments are allowed. Finalists are required to engage their own accompanist. Performances must be live.
NATIONAL
National applicants submit a YouTube audition video not exceeding 30 minutes, music of their own choice. At least 2 of the following periods must be represented in the submission: Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern. Concerto movements, excerpts and arrangements of pieces for other instruments are allowed.
Eight chosen finalists will present a program of their own choice, not exceeding 30 minutes. Again, It 's okay (but not a requirement) to play the same pieces. Finalists are required to engage their own accompanist. Performances must be live.
Overseas Study Scholarship Agreement
Audition submission YouTube help
National Finalists should note they may receive an invitation to perform with the Geelong Symphony Orchestra during their concert season the following year.
