Celebrating This Year’s Finalists
The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is excited to welcome nine exceptional finalists to our upcoming Young Artists Competition (YAC). This event is held each February at Callaway Auditorium on the campus of LaGrange College. The closed competition brings together a select group of young musicians for a day of inspiring performances before nationally and internationally recognized judges.
Spotlight on Strings in 2026
The 2026 Young Artists Competition features talented string players, continuing the LSO’s rotating focus on instrumental categories. The competition rotates annually, with piano featured in 2027 and winds in 2028, allowing young artists across disciplines the opportunity to shine in their respective years.
A Longstanding Tradition of Excellence
Founded in 1996 under the leadership of Dr. Barbara Kaplan, the Young Artists Competition marks its 30th year in 2026—three decades of encouraging professional standards of performance and supporting the next generation of musicians. Finalists compete for three awards, including the opportunity for the first-place winner to appear as guest soloist with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra. The 2026 YAC winner will perform their competition piece at the LSO’s March 2026 concert! Tickets for that concert can be found at this link: AudienceView Professional
A Day of Great Music
We look forward to celebrating the dedication, artistry, and promise of this year’s finalists and to following the paths they continue to forge as young artists. Watch for the winner’s announcement to be made soon after the 2026 LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artists Competition!
