CAPITAL PHILHARMONIC OF NEW JERSEY PRESENTS:

The Mary G. Roebling Youth Concerto Competition

Audition on March 22, 2026 - Deadline to apply: March 1, 2026 11:59 PM

OVERVIEW

Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) is pleased to announce its fourth annual Youth Concerto Competition. The first-place winner of the competition will receive a $500 cash prize and will perform in person with CPNJ at the New Jersey State Museum Theater on May 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM. The runner-up will be awarded $250 and must be prepared to perform at the concert if the first-place winner should have to withdraw. Apply online today!

www.capitalphilharmonic.org | executive@capitalphilharmonic.org | 609-200-0443

ELIGIBILITY

The competition is open to all advanced pianists and instrumentalists aged 10 to 18 years as of May 16, 2026 who reside within a 75-mile radius of Trenton, NJ. There is no prescreening nor pre-audition requirement. All applicants are required to audition in person on March 22, 2026. Applications are available online and are accepted through March 1, 2026.

LIVE AUDITION

Applicants may provide their own accompanist and must bring a copy of the score for the panel.

Sunday, March 22, 2025

TCNJ Music Building Classroom #27

Ewing, NJ

REPERTOIRE

Applicants should prepare a selection of up to 15 minutes consisting of one or more movements of a concerto for their instrument and small orchestra.*

*Orchestral parts must be in the public domain and/or available at reasonable cost.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

All applicants must complete and submit the online application and the non-refundable $25.00 registration fee by Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. It is recommended that applicants review their application with their music instructor prior to submission.

1. Online Application
2. Contact information for young artist, parent/guardian, and music instructor
3. Composition to be performed, and the movements and total length of the January 21 audition selection
4. A 2-5 minute video recording of your playing is preferred, but not required
5. A 50 -100 word statement indicating the applicant’s reasons for entering the competition
6. Agreement to attend all rehearsals and performance if selected as the winner or runner-up

2. Non-refundable $25.00 registration fee

1. May be submitted with online application or by check (with applicant’s name in the memo line) to:

Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey

ATTN: Concerto Competition

PO Box 7683

Trenton, NJ 08628

For questions about the application, please contact Jill Aguayo, Executive Director, at executive@capitalphilharmonic.org and 609-200-0443.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a memorization requirement?

Memorization is not required, but preferred by the orchestra.

Will I be given an exact time for my audition?

You will be given the exact time of your audition during the week of March 9.

Do I need to bring a copy of music to the audition?

Yes, please bring an original score or photocopy of your music for the panel to review as you play.

How do I apply?

Young artists may apply via the online application. A non-refundable $25.00 registration fee is required. Please contact Jill Aguayo, Executive Director, at executive@capitalphilharmonic.org and 609-200-0443 with concerns or questions about the application.

Is there a cash prize?

Yes, the winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of $500 in addition to the opportunity to perform with the orchestra on the May 16, 2026 concert. A runner-up will be awarded $250 and must be prepared to perform in the event that the first place winner should have to withdraw.

Do I need to bring my own accompanist?

You will need to bring your own accompanist to the audition. We may be able to give you the contact information for local accompanists if you do not have one but we recommend that you bring someone you have worked with.

What is the rehearsal schedule for the performance?

Rehearsals are May 12 & 14 from 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. in Princeton at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton Church at 50 Cherry Hill Road. In addition, there is a dress rehearsal on the day of the concert on May 16 11:30 a.m -2:00 p.m. The concert will be at 4:00 p.m. on May 16, 2026 at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium in Trenton. Please note that the winner and runner-up will not be required to attend the entirety of the rehearsal times.