The MIT Symphony Orchestra holds an annual Concerto Competition at the beginning of each spring semester. The winner is featured on a MITSO concert in Kresge Auditorium. This year's competition will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027 between 11am - 3pm in Tull Hall (Linde Music Building).
Competition Information:
- To be eligible to perform in the Concerto Competition, participants must be a current MIT or Wellesley student (undergrad, grad, post-doc).
- Soloists who have already won/co-won the competition, or have otherwise performed a solo work with the MIT Symphony, are not eligible.
- Works for more than one soloist are eligible as well provided all participants fit the eligibility criteria.
- Preference will be given to one-movement works (i.e. Ravel’s Tzigane, Liszt’s Totentanz, etc.). However, single movements out of larger concerti, or complete concerti are acceptable and will be considered.
- Preference will be given to students who previously have participated in one semester of a large, conducted ensemble at MIT
- Concerti by Beethoven are ineligible this year.
- The work or selection to be performed in concert must be prepared from memory in its entirety for the audition.
- Accompanists are required, but not provided. If you need a recommendation for an accompanist, please contact Mi-Eun Kim (
mieunkim@mit.edu).
- The decision by the jury is final.
The winner will perform their concerto with MITSO on one of its spring concerts. The winner must be available for all rehearsals and performances required by the Music Director. Orchestra rehearsals are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30pm-10:00pm.
Application Process:
Submit your concerto proposal to MITSO Music Director, Adam Boyles (
akboyles@mit.edu) for approval as well in advance as possible – this will give you time to consider other choices in the unlikely event that your first choice cannot be accommodated.
After your concerto proposal has been approved, submit the online application form no later than 5pm on Friday, January 22nd, 2027.
You will receive an audition time via email approximately one week before the audition.
