The Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras (MASO) invites all Montana musicians, ages 13 to 22 that play any of the standard orchestral instruments, to apply for its biennial Young Artists Competition, to be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 in Bozeman. Applications for the MASO Young Artists Competition can be downloaded from the MASO website at www.montanasymphonies.org and must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, November 23, 2016 for this statewide competition.

 

“The MASO Young Artists Competition has a great tradition of identifying and presenting some of the most talented musicians in our state. It’s a tremendous opportunity for young musicians to participate in the thrill of competition and to ultimately have the chance to play with a professional symphony orchestra. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime – I strongly encourage all the young artists to apply, “said John Zoltek, chair of the Young Artists Competition and Music Director of the Glacier Symphony and Chorale. In addition to an opportunity to perform with a Montana symphony orchestra, winners of each division win a cash scholarship: Junior (ages 13-15), $450; Senior (age 16 through high school graduate), $650; and College (post high school through age 22), $1,000. Participating orchestras include the Glacier Symphony, Billings Symphony, Bozeman Symphony, Butte Symphony, Great Falls Symphony, and Helena Symphony.

 

Once jurors have screened the applications, finalists are invited to perform in person on Saturday, January 14, 2017 on the campus of Montana State University-Bozeman. The public is invited to watch these talented, young, musician compete. The Young Artists Competition, which recognizes and nurtures talented young Montana musicians, is made possible, in part, through a legislative grant from Montana’s Cultural Trust and grants from the Montana Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts. For more information on the MASO Young Artist’s Competition, call the Glacier Symphony and Chorale office at (406) 407-7000.

 

About MASO: The Montana Association of Symphony Orchestra (MASO) was formed in 1981 by steering committee composed of representatives from six symphonies (Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula). Glacier Symphony and Chorale, Kalispell, joined in 1984 followed by Miles City Community Orchestra in 1985. MASO’s mission is to promote, encourage, and assist in the maintenance and development of quality musical programs throughout the state of Montana. MASO is a statewide coalition of seven orchestras, each with up to four members on the board of directors which meets at least two times each year. A separate planning meeting of music directors from each symphony also takes place once every year. An associate membership level provides some benefits for orchestras, but does not require attendance at meetings. Since its inception, MASO has established a number of mission-related programs to promote the exchange of ideas and resources among its member organizations and to encourage and develop music programs, careers, and education services: With support from the Montana Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and Montana’s Cultural Trust, MASO is proud to be a statewide coalition that enhances the cultural climate of Montana. 

 

Please visit www.montanasymphonies.org for more information or contact the Bozeman Symphony at 406-585-9774 or info@bozemansymphony.org with questions you have regarding MASO and the Young Artists Competition.