Young Artists Competition

Professional Standards of Performance

Sebastian Ocando

Sebastian Ocando
Ruxi Wang

Ruxi Wang
Sicong Chen (William)

Sicong Chen (William)
Lindsey Welp

Lindsey Welp

The 2026 Young Artists Competition for Strings will be held February 7, 2026.

Below are links for the 2026 application and the 2026 official poster for the 30th annual Young Artists Competition, which you may download and print. Remember that the deadline to submit application materials is no later than 11:59 p.m. on December 6, 2025. Status notifications will be sent by email on or before January 10, 2026.

2026 Application

Specific Details for the 2026 Competition

Audition repertoire must be works composed for soloist and orchestra. (A movement from a solo concerto or self-contained single movement work). First place winner will be invited to appear with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra in Concert at Callaway Auditorium on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Repertoire must be memorized; performance time should not exceed 20 minutes; warm-up facilities are available.
Submit the following with your application:
1. A video recording of the entrant performing the piece selected for the competition. Must show solo performance with piano accompaniment only. Orchestral performances will not be considered. NO EDITING is permitted – the video must always clearly capture the performer. All works submitted must be performed from memory. Selection to be submitted as YouTube link and emailed to YAC2026@lagrangesymphony.org.
2. Resume of performing experience
3. Letter from Student’s primary instructor in support of competition entry. (May be submitted directly by instructor.)
4. Proof of age (copy of driver’s license or passport) – Must be under the age of 26 on February 7, 2026.
5. Non-refundable registration fee of $25 made through PayPal info@lagrangesymphony.org).
6. All contestants will be notified by email of their status by January 10, 2026. Finalists will be expected to perform live for the competition judges on February 7, 2026.

Applications must be submitted electronically by email to YAC2026@lagrangesymphony.org . All application materials must be received in the LSO office no later than 11:59 p.m. on December 6, 2025.

2026 Poster

For young musical artists, this yearly competition organized by the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, is traditionally held in early February at CALLAWAY AUDITORIUM. Callaway Auditorium is located on the campus of LaGrange College, in LaGrange, Georgia.

The 2026 competition is for strings, 2027 is for piano, and 2028 is for winds.

The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, under the leadership of Dr. Barbara Kaplan, began the Young Artists Competition (YAC) in 1996 to encourage professional standards of performance among young musicians. Originally formed to serve residents or resident students within a 50 mile radius of LaGrange, the competition now serves talented young musicians from six southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Each year the contestants perform before nationally and internationally recognized judges. The first place winner is invited to perform with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra later in the concert season.

Participants in the Young Artists Competition compete for three awards:

First Place: Dorothy Allen Turner Award – $1,500

This award honors the memory of Dorothy Allen Turner, longtime LaGrange resident, devoted supporter of music in the community, and widow of the late Dr. Render Turner. Dot’s daughter Isabelle Knight is a former member of the LSO and her granddaughter Callie Knight Hammond is the current assistant concert master of the LSO. Her son in law, Charles Knight, is a past President of the Symphony board. The Cash award of $1,500 includes the opportunity to perform as guest soloist with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra. 1st place winner appears with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra in Callaway Auditorium.

Second Place: Max Kaplan Award – $1,000

The second place award honors the memory of Dr. Max Kaplan. Dr. Kaplan, a university professor, author and lecturer, was a sociologist, violinist and member of the LSO board from 1992 to 1998. A resident of Meriwether County, he was deeply involved in LaGrange’s cultural life. His wide experience with orchestras as concertmaster and conductor, and as co-organizer of the famed Boston Youth Symphony, made him invaluable to the LSO board.

Third Place: NOTE Award – $500

This award was named by the donor, Eunice Connally Carr. The NOTE acronym designates an award which meets a Need, provides an Opportunity for young people, recognizes Talent, and rewards significant Effort on the part of the young performer. Contestant must be under the age of 26 on the date of the competition and must be a resident or resident student of Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina or Tennessee.

Congratulations to the 2026 Winners!

First Place

LEILA WARREN

First Place Winner – the Dorothy Allen Turner Award goes to Leila Warren. She is a junior at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida. Leila studies with Dr. Shannon Thomas, Associate Professor of Violin at Florida State University. She was won Young Artists Competitions sponsored by symphony orchestras in Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, and Arkansas over the past three years, performing with multiple orchestras in the country. Leila performed Violin Concerto in D Major, Moderato Nobile by Erich Wolfgang Korngold . Leila will receive a $1,500 stipend and will be invited to perform with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra at an upcoming Concert.

Second Place

LAUREN YEJIN KANG

Second Place Winner – the Max Kaplan Award goes to Lauren Yejin Kang. Lauren is a freshman at John Carrol Catholic High School in Birmingham, Al, Lauren studies with Sheryl Staples, Principal Associate Concertmaster, New York Philharmonic who is part of the Violin Faculty of The Julliard School. She has performed with multiple symphonies and won competitions in South Korea and the United States. Lauren performed Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 63. I. Allegro non troppo by Camille Saint-Saëns. Lauren will receive a $1,000 stipend.

Third Place

Two performers were selected in a TIE for this award.

GABRIEL PARKER

Third Place Winner – the NOTE Award goes to Gabriel Parker. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from The University of North Texas. Gabriel is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Violin Performance at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University and currently studies with Sergiu Schwartz, Professor of Violin and String Area Coordinator. He has won multiple awards in both violin and piano competitions and has played with symphonies throughout Texas and in Georgia. Gabriel performed Violin Concerto No. 3, “Finale” by Saint-Saëns, Gabriel will receive a $500 stipend.

SAMUEL VAILLANCOURT

Third Place Winner – the NOTE Award goes to Samuel Vaillancourt. Samuel is a twenty-year old at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University majoring in Violin Performance. He currently studies with Sergiu Schwartz, Professor of Violin and String Area Coordinator. Samuel has won honors and accolades in multiple competitions, making his Carnegie Hall debut in 2025 as the Grand Prize Winner of the International Association of Professional Music Teachers, Grand Concours de Austria Competition. Samuel performed Violin Concerto in D Major, Moderato Nobile by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Samuel will receive a $500 stipend.