Special Events

Young Artists Auditions

February 12, 2012
Rowland Taylor Recital Hall, CSU, Chico

Download an application form [PDF] with eligibility requirements and repertoire.

Free and open to the public!

Each year the Chico Guild - North State Symphony and the North State Symphony League of Redding, in conjunction with the conductor of the North State Symphony, cosponsor the annual Young Artists Auditions. The competition consists of a High School Division for students in grades 7 through 12 and a College/University Division.

Greg ManuelThe first place winner in the 2011 High School Division, Greg Manuel, flute, will receive a $700.00 award from the Chico Guild and gain the privilege of performing as a soloist with the North State Symphony. The second place winners, Will Buchholtz, cello, and Nellie Ponarul, violin (it was a tie!), will each receive a $300.00 award from the Chico Guild. 

Rafael DelsidThe first place winner in the College/University Division, Rafael Delsid, tenor, will receive a $500.00 award from the Redding League and gain the privilege of performing as a soloist with the North State Symphony. The second place winner, Naoko Terakado, piano, will receive a $300.00 award from the Redding League. Each student entering the auditions will receive two complimentary tickets for a North State Symphony concert.

Many of the most talented young musicians in northern California have participated in the auditions. They gave outstanding performances. The Guild and League promote efforts to nurture and support talented young musicians who are serious about classical music. We would like to encourage teachers to help prepare their most promising students for the Young Artists Auditions and students to work with their teachers. Students will be grateful for the experience, even if they may not win a prize.

Last year's winners

The first place winner in the High School Division 2010, Anthoni Polcari, will receive a $700.00 award from the Chico Guild and will perform as a soloist with the North State Symphony in our February 2011 concerts. The second place winners, Jonathan Culbreath, piano, and Michael Eby, violin, will receive a $300.00 award from the Chico Guild.

The first place winner in the College/University Division, Molly Mahoney, mezzo-soprano, will receive a $500.00 award from the Redding League and gain the privilege of performing as a soloist with the North State Symphony in our February 2011 concerts. The second place winner, Heather Rice, soprano, will receive a $250.00 award from the Redding League.  Each student entering the auditions will receive two complimentary tickets for a North State Symphony concert.