Click HERE to see 2026 application details and eligibility guidelines

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 YOUTH CONCERTO COMPETITION WINNERS

Our 2025 YCC Prize Winners, from left to right: Michael Stratford (3), Mana Takahashi (2), Brooklynn Thatcher (1), and Steve Shaiman (HHSO Director of Education and Community Engagement)

 

FIRST PRIZE

Brooklynn Thatcher, Grade 11, Elgin, SC – Violin
Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky:  Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 – First Movement


SECOND PRIZE

Mana Takahashi, Grade 11, Tampa, FL – Violin
Jean Sibelius:  Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 – First Movement

 

THIRD PRIZE

Michael Stratford, Grade 12, Winston-Salem, NC – Double Bass
Nino Rota:  Divertimento Concertante – First Movement

 

SPECIAL PRIZE WINNER
SCHOLARSHIP TO THE PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Charlie Wyatt, Grade  9, Blacksburg, VA – Cello
Tchaikovsky:  Rococo Variations, Op. 33 – Theme, Var. 1, 2, 3, Cadenza, 7


2025 – HHSO YCC Finalists

The YCC was created 17 years ago to inspire young musicians to pursue their goals in classical music. It is now one of the most respected competitions of its type in the Southeast.
The first prize winner will return to play with the HHSO next season!

The Youth Concerto Competition is sponsored by