What sets the DePaul CMD National Concerto Competition apart from other competitions is the selection of multiple winners performing on different instruments and the new duo string category. Selected applicants have the unforgettable experience of performing with a full, professional orchestra.
- March 2, 2026, 6:30pm
- March 23, 2026, 6:30pm
Audition Information & Eligibility
Important Deadlines
Fees
How to Submit Competition Materials
Repertoire
Accompaniment
Winners
Additional Guidelines
2025-2026 Concerto Competition Repertoire
Bassoon
Cello
Clarinet
Flute
Oboe
Saxophone
String Duo
Piano
Viola
Violin
DePaul Concerto Competition History
Click here to learn about past Concerto Competition Winners
The DePaul Concerto Festival for Young Performers was founded in 2003 to provide an opportunity for intermediate level pianists in the Community Music Division to perform with an orchestra. Repertoire was selected from sonatina movements and short piano pieces for which string accompaniments were available. Auditions were held and eight winners were selected to perform with the DePaul Youth String Orchestra.
In 2004, the Festival was expanded to include violin students and also offered a wider range of repertoire for pianists. In 2006, cello and flute were added to the roster of instruments. To accommodate the increasing difficulty of repertoire, a decision was made to conduct the Festival with a full symphony orchestra. A partnership was formed in 2007 with the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago under the direction of Mina Zikri. That year, thirteen winners had the privilege of performing a concerto movement in concert.
In 2008, the Festival was opened to students outside of the Community Music Division. Viola was added in 2009, clarinet in 2012, and oboe and bassoon in 2013.
Today the DePaul Concerto Competition attracts nearly 150 participants in piano, strings, and woodwinds from the Midwest who audition for a chance to perform with the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago. We invite and encourage young musicians to audition for an opportunity to participate in the Concerto Competition.