One movement with cadenza, not to exceed 20 minutes, of any concerto for piano/instrument and orchestra from the standard repertoire will be auditioned. Performance must be from memory and with piano accompaniment.

Entrants will provide their own accompanist. A resource list of area accompanists and phone numbers will be provided by the competition director upon request. Teachers may accompany their own student. Entrants will be notified by mail / email regarding rehearsal times.

Each first place winner will receive 1) $1,000 cash prize sponsored by BB&T, 2) performance with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra on March 21, 2009*, 3) Music Scholarship to Murray State University (if eligible), and 4) first place award plaque.

Second place piano winner will receive $300 cash prize sponsored by WKMS-FM 91.3.

Instrumental: A non-refundable entry fee of $40 and cassette tape or CD must accompany the application form and be postmarked no later than Friday, December 19, 2008. Make check payable to Paducah Symphony Orchestra, and send to Darlene Dryer, Director, Young Artist Concerto Competition, 2101 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001. Finalists will be notified by mail by Friday, December 26, 2008, and will audition on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Farrell Recital Hall, Price Doyle Fine Arts Building, Murray State University, Murray, KY.

Piano: A non-refundable entry fee of $40 must accompany the application form and be postmarked no later than Saturday, December 27, 2008. Make check payable to Keyboard Recruiting/MSU Department of Music, and send to Dr. Richard Scott, Director, Young Artist Concerto Competition, Department of Music, 504 Fine Arts Center, Murray State University, Murray KY 42071-3342. Late applications will be subject to an additional $30 fee.

All entrants will submit a short biography and two wallet size photographs as part of the application.

Competition Application Form:    

• On the date of the competition, each soloist will provide the judges with at least one unmarked copy of the score. Afternoon performances will be open to the public.
  
  
• Winner must be available to perform with the Paducah Symphony on March 21, 2009* at the Carson Center in Paducah, KY. Winner will perform the same concerto movement in competition and orchestral appearance. Winner may not compete the following year, but is eligible thereafter.
  
  
• Judges will provide written comments. The decision of the judges will be final. Judges reserve the right not to select a first place winner.
  
  
• Application permits recording of competition and future broadcast on WKMS-FM 91.3.
  
  
• Murray accommodations: Baymont Inn and Suites, 270.759.5910; Best Western University Inn, 270.753.5353; Country Hearth Inn, 270.753.1150; Days Inn, 270.753.6706; Holiday Inn Express, 270.759.4449; Kenlake State Resort Park, 270.474.2211; Murray Plaza Lodge, 270.753.2682.