11/05/2026
Hosted by the Sydney Hills Youth Orchestra in conjunction with the Hills Orange Blossom Festival, the Hills Young Musicians Contest 2026 is an annual event that offers young people the opportunity to showcase their musical talent and potential.
The contest is designed to foster the development of young local musicians by creating a healthy, competitive environment. It encourages participants to learn the general etiquette of music competitions while receiving constructive feedback from professional judges. The event aims to inspire young musicians to take initiative in their learning, practice, and participation in music activities, and to enhance their abilities in school bands or youth orchestra performances.
The final concert will feature gifted young musicians competing for three prizes across two groups. While the primary goal of the contest is to ignite young musicians’ passion for music and broaden their performance experiences, it also helps them improve their performance skills for exams and contribute their talents to the Hills community.
The contest is divided into two groups:
A: 12 years of age and under
B: 13 – 18 years of age
The Contest is in three stages:
Stage 1:
Submit a video recording of your performance
(Choose a solo piece for any of the following orchestral instruments: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass— with or without piano accompaniment.)
Please include the following information in your submission:|
– Title of the piece
– Composer’s full name
– Duration of the piece (see below)
Duration:
Group A: Maxim 5 minutes.
Group B: Maxim 10 minutes.
Stage 2:
The finals of each group will be performed at the Final Concert at the TLC Theatre, Baulkham Hills High School, on Sunday, 27 September 2026, at 4:00 PM.
The pieces performed will be written for solo instruments, with or without piano accompaniment. Contestants wishing to perform with accompaniment must bring their accompanists.
All participants in the Finals Concert will receive comment sheets from the judges.
At the end of the concert, three winners from each group—1st prize, 2nd prize, and 3rd prize—will be announced and awarded a trophy and The Hills Young Musicians Contest 2026 certificates.
Stage 3
The First Prize winner may have the opportunity to perform a concerto with the Hills Youth Orchestra or with the Western Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Requirements:
Contestants must be currently residing in the Hills District or be a member of the Sydney Contemporary Orchestra – YOUTH SYMPHONY (including the Sydney Hills Youth Orchestra and Sydney Hills Junior Orchestra).
To Participate :
Complete an online application by submitting your video recording and paying a non-refundable application fee of $50 by 11:59 PM. 31 August 2026.
