Attention, calling all classical music prodigies!
Do you play piano, violin or cello and think you have what it takes to be a winner?
Then the 13th Annual New York Music Competition, sponsored by the YWCA of Queens in collaboration with the Korea Daily News, is for you!
Originally called the New York Music Festival, the competition was created to promote youth’s appreciation of music and to give an opportunity for young people to display their musical talent. Today, the competition holds these same values, but on a larger scale.
With what began as a small piano contest with only 74 contestants, quickly turned into a musical gala that now features the violin and cello. According to the competition coordinator, Min Kang, more than 300 youths participated in last year’s competition and, since beginning in 1998, the total number of participants is over 1,050.
Contestants who wish to play piano must be between the ages of seven and 15 as of March 5. Violin contestants can be up to 15 years old, and cello contestants must be between the ages of nine and 17. To audition, participants must complete an application form, including proof of birth, one photo of the contestant and a non-refundable fee of $100, and have it postmarked by March 5. Forms can be picked up at the YWCA of Queens, located at 42-07 Parsons Boulevard in Flushing.
Auditions will take place Monday, March 29 through Thursday, April 1 at the YWCA Auditorium.
Last spring, the competition named 44 winners and included first and second prizes of $100 and $200. The grand prize winner received $500. In the past, winners have had the privilege of performing their pieces at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall.
