Lakeland Civic Orchestra hosting Young Artists Competition May 15

Chad Felton, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Apr. 7—The Lakeland Civic Orchestra will host its 2023 Young Artists Competition from 5 to 9 p.m. May 15 in the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center in the D-Building of Lakeland Community College's main campus.

According to the school, the event serves to allow young musicians, ages 18 and under, to compete for the opportunity to perform as instrumental or vocal soloists with the Lakeland Civic Orchestra in one of their concerts during the 2023-2024 season.

The 2023 Young Artists Competition follows last year's return to live auditions, which were halted due to the pandemic.

Performers will compete in two age divisions: the Junior Division — ages 13 and under — and Senior Division — ages 14-18.

Officials noted musicians must be prepared to give a live audition on the piece they plan to perform with the orchestra, with piano accompaniment provided by the performer.

Additionally, the total audition length is limited to 12 minutes, but larger works may be performed for concerts.

Applications must be submitted by April 21. There is no application fee, but no more than two students of any private teacher may audition, the college confirmed.

For more information, and to apply, visit www.lakeland.cc.edu.

Winners will be announced by May 31.

Previous Young Artists Competition winners have included members of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Ohio Music Education Association All-State Orchestra, and winners of Ohio Music Teachers Association competitions and the Cooper International Competition.

Many have also continued their studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Curtis Institute of Music, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Kent State University, Rice University, and Northwestern University.

For more information, contact Matthew Saunders, music department chair and director of the Lakeland Civic Orchestra, at 440-525-7105 or msaunders4@lakelandcc.edu.

The Lakeland Civic Orchestra performs four concerts annually and rehearses Monday evenings on Lakeland's Main Campus from August through May. Orchestra members come from many different backgrounds and range from ages 14 to 80.

Lakeland students may earn one college credit per semester for their participation.