The Centre for Music Performance are excited to announce that applications for the annual Cambridge University Concerto Competition are now open!
The concerto competition gives winners the opportunity to perform a concerto with Cambridge University Orchestra (CUO), Cambridge University Wind Orchestra (CUWO) and other university ensembles in the academic year 2024-2025.
Applications
To apply please complete this form by 9am on Friday 26 January 2024. Please note applications received after this date will not be considered.
- Applicants must be current undergraduate or postgraduate student at the University of Cambridge (successful candidates do not have to be a University of Cambridge student at the time of their performance in 2024-25). Previous applicants may apply.
- The competition consists of 2 rounds, held on Friday 2 February and Tuesday 5 March. Details of each round can be found below.
- All candidates, including pianists, must organise and bring their own accompanist for both rounds.
- As part of your application form, you will be asked to provide a brief CV as well as details of the movement and concerto you will be performing.
- Winners will discuss the concert programme and choice of concerto with the director of CMP and the conductor of their concert.
- There is a small budget to cover travel expenses and accommodation for winners who will not be in Cambridge at the time of their performance. This must be organised at the time of acceptance. For details, please contact Chloe Davidson (cnd26@cam.ac.uk).
Competition Format
The competition consists of two rounds.
Round 1 will be held on Friday 2 February 2024 in West Road Concert Hall from 10:30am-4:30pm. Candidates are asked to prepare one whole movement or two whole movements lasting no more than 10 minutes from a concerto, to perform to the panel. If you are successful in the competition, you can choose a different concerto to perform next year. The judging panel may also conduct a brief interview with candidates. Due to the large number of applicants for this round, feedback will not be available.
The final of the competition will be held on Tuesday 5 March 2024 as part of the Cambridge University Lunchtime Concert Series in West Road Concert Hall. It will be an extended concert, so finalists must be available between 12:30-2:30pm. Finalists are asked to perform a movement from a concerto, lasting no more than 10 minutes, to the panel and a public audience. This can be the same as performed in round 1.
If you have any questions, please email George Wise (gcw37@cam.ac.uk) or info@cmp.cam.ac.uk.
Previous winners
2022-23
Competition winner: Madeleine Brown (piano)
Competition prize-winner: Jenny Ryan (oboe)
Highly commended: Calvin Leung (piano)
2021-22
Competition Winner: Mark Zang (piano)
Competition prize-winners: Patrick Pan (piano) and Jacqueline Seki (violin)
2020
Competition Joint Winners: Leo Appel (violin) and Kevin Loh (guitar)
Competition Prize-winners: William Hu (piano), Akihito Okuda (piano) and Ellis Thomas (piano)
