Applications are now being accepted from regional high school students for the Orchestra of Northern New York’s (ONNY) annual concerto competition, which will provide the winner with a cash prize and the opportunity to solo with the full orchestra in ONNY’s spring concert.
ONNY is proud to announce the 20th Annual James & Katherine Andrews Young Artist Competition, to be held from 2-5 pm on Saturday, January 30, 2027, at Hosmer Hall, Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. The application deadline is Friday, January 22.
Students are asked to perform a piece from an approved repertoire during a live, in-person competition before a panel of ONNY judges. An important change in the competition rules this year is that works do not need to be memorized for the competition. Visit onny.org/youth-programs for the rules and regulations of the competition, the required repertoire, and the application form. The non-refundable application fee is $75.
“I am excited for ONNY to be involved in the ongoing support of music education in Upstate New York through our Young Artist Competition,” noted Music Director and Conductor Colonel Michael Colburn, USMC (Ret.). “We encourage the area’s talented musical high school students to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to expand their musicianship and apply before the January deadline.”
Prizes will be awarded to the top three student performers as follows: 1st Place: $500 cash and the opportunity to solo his/her winning piece at the ONNY concert in April 2027; 2nd Place: $300 cash; and 3rd Place: $150 cash.
Violist Sarvesh Sitaraman of Potsdam was the 2026 first place winner. In 2025, that honor was given to violinist Eric Lee of Manlius.
Details on all upcoming ONNY programs are available online at ONNY.org or by calling 315-212-3440.