Arthur D. Montzka Young Artists Concerto Competition Rules
Open to instrumentalists who are 18 years of age and younger as of December 15, 2025, and who are residents of Illinois.
The winner of the competition will perform with the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra at the Northern Illinois University Music Building’s Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, DeKalb, Illinois, on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The winner of the competition will receive $500 for the performance.
The competition will be live and open to the public, in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building at Northern Illinois University on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until about 5:00 p.m. Contestants must provide their own accompanists. Memorization of the music is not required but is strongly encouraged.
Repertoire Requirements
Applications Must Include:
A non-refundable $50.00 entry fee. Make check payable to the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Application form with the endorsement of a music teacher, preferably a private music teacher, familiar with the applicant’s performance ability.
Application materials will be returned only if a self-addressed stamped envelope is included with the application.
Applicants who intend to compete on more than one instrument must submit a separate application, and fee, for each instrument.
More Information
All applications must be postmarked no later than December 10, 2025. Please mail them to:
Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 310, DeKalb IL 60115
Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
The winner of the competition will perform with the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra on the evening of Saturday, February 21, 2026, and rehearse on Friday, February 20, 2026 and other selected Mondays prior to the concert.