Peter Perret Youth Talent Search

Each year the Winston-Salem Symphony conducts a talent search to identify gifted and accomplished young musicians. Maestro Peter Perret, conductor emeritus of the Winston-Salem Symphony, established the competition as a means of helping to develop young talent, and as a way of recognizing and supporting the teachers and families of musically gifted students.

Participation in the competition also provides students with information and motivation to continue their musical studies. Many have gone on to become professional musicians, including the winner of the very first Peter Perret Youth Talent Search, who is now a member of the New York Philharmonic.

Rules and Regulations

Applicants compete in two age categories:
Junior Level: ages 8 – 12
Senior Level: ages 13 – senior year of high school
Note: age as of first day of preliminary competition; proof of age required on the day of the competition

First, second, and third place winners will be named from each age group. First place winners will be invited to perform with the Winston-Salem Symphony on the upcoming Concert for Community on March 16, 2013. (No ties will be awarded; Judges reserve the right to not award any prizes)

First Place Cash Award— $250
Second Place Cash Award— $150
Third Place Cash Award— $100

Application Procedure and Deadlines:

Please complete the online application by January 5, 2013. A $30 registration fee ($20 for each additional sibling), must be brought to the preliminary competition. Arrangements for financial assistance must be made prior to the audition. If you are in need of financial assistance, please specify on the registration form, and arrangements can be discussed.
Proof of North Carolina residency may be required.

Apply Online!
Confirmation of registration will be sent to you via email.

Repertoire:

Each applicant is required to gain approval of repertoire from the Symphony and should be listed on the application. A movement from a concerto is recommended, but other pieces suitable for orchestra are possible. Applicants must provide three (3) copies of music for the judges at the time of the competition.

Accompanists:

Applicants are required to provide their own accompanists. Accompanist recommendations can be obtained from the Symphony.

Auditions:

• All auditions must be performed from memory.
• Auditions are scheduled in 10 minute segments and competitors may be stopped if the length of the composition exceeds 10 minutes (competitors should not be discouraged if their audition is stopped due to the length of their composition).
• Applicants cannot win more than once in the same age category.
• No more than eight applicants per age category will advance to the Finals.
• After the competition, applicants will receive written results of the competition and feedback from the judges.
• All decisions are final and may not be appealed.

Preliminary Round:
Saturday, January 19, 2013  |  2pm – 6pm
Crawford Hall
UNC School of the Arts
Winston Salem, NC

Sunday, January 20, 2013  | Noon – 6pm
Carswell Recital Hall
Meredith College
Raleigh, NC

Final Round:
Saturday, February 2, 2012  |  12pm – 5pm
Crawford Hall
UNC School of the Arts
Winston Salem, NC

Venue Directions