Competitions

The Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra holds Concerto and Composition Competitions each year to promote, encourage, and support amateur musicians and composers in the state of Tennessee. Submissions are accepted each Fall with winners performing their pieces as a part of our Spring program. Learn more about submission guidelines below.

2024 submissions were due October 30, 2023, we are thrilled to announce the winners below! (2025 Competition will be open for entries in Fall/Winter 2024)

2024 Competition Winners

Concerto Competition:

Young Adult Category - Jessie Zimmermann, violin - Ravel, Tzigane

Adult Category - Al Valmadrid, violin and Mickey Rybiski, double bass - Bottesini, Gran Duo Concertante

Composition Competition:

Nathan Bieber, The Silver Streaks

Concerto Competition

NOTE: These rules are for the 2024 Competition, which is now closed. The 2025 Competition will open in Fall/Winter of 2024 (and these rules are subject to change).

Please read all instructions carefully, including the Full Rules and Restrictions linked here.

All applications must be complete and received by 11:59pm (CDT) October 30, 2023.

Application should be submitted through the website and include:

  • The completed application form (include parental approval if under 18 years of age)

  • A link to your unedited video performance recording of the concerto movement or an emailed unedited video file in .mp4 format to competitions@nashvillephilharmonic.org (as long as the judges are able to open and access the file – please submit your full application through the website first)

  • $25 application fee you are directed to “purchase” after you click Submit on the application form.

  • Please be sure to read the Full Rules and Regulations PDF before submitting.

Application should be submitted online via the form linked below.

After you submit your application and pay the fee, email competitions@nashvillephilharmonic.org a PDF of the score of your selection (one concerto movement) – either the full-score or solo w/piano reduction (please do not submit just the solo part).

If you have questions about the application form, please contact competitions@nashvillephilharmonic.org before submitting the form.

Incomplete applications will not be considered until all materials are received, and no incomplete application will be considered after October 30, 2023.

Composition Competition

NOTE: These rules are for the 2024 Competition, which is now closed. The 2025 Competition will open in Fall/Winter of 2024 (and these rules are subject to change).

Please read all instructions carefully, including the Full Rules and Restrictions linked here.

All applications must be complete and received by 11:59pm (CDT) October 30, 2023.

Application should be submitted through the website and include:

  • This completed application form (include parental approval if under 18 years of age)

  • A link to a website containing an original recorded performance or midi file of your piece or an emailed .mp3 file to competitions@nashvillephilharmonic.org (as long as the judges are able to open and access the file – please submit your full application through the website first)

  • $25 application fee you are directed to “purchase” after you click Submit on the application form

  • Please be sure to read the Full Rules and Regulations PDF before submitting

Application should be submitted online via the form linked below.

After you submit your application and pay the fee, email competitions@nashvillephilharmonic.org a PDF of the full score of your composition.

If you have questions about the application form, please contact competitions@nashvillephilharmonic.org before submitting the form.

Incomplete applications will not be considered until all materials are received, and no incomplete application will be considered after October 30, 2023.