Close-up of a person playing a violin, focusing on the body and strings of the instrument.

Young Artist Award Competition (YAC)

Launched in 1993 by Music Director  Emerita Susan Deaver, the NSSO’s Young Artist Competition (YAC) shines a spotlight on Long Island’s finest high school musicians. For over three decades, the YAC has served as a powerful springboard for launching young talent. While many alumni of the YAC have forged illustrious careers as professional conductors, ensemble players, and ensemble founders, others continue to carry their passion for music alongside diverse, successful careers.

This bi-annual competition offers young musicians an exceptional opportunity to sharpen their performance skills, culminating in a rare chance for the winner to solo with a live, full orchestra.

Please return in fall of 2027 for the updated rules and regulations for the Spring 2028 competition. 

2026 Rules, Regulations & Eligibility

    • Residency & Schooling: Restricted to legal residents of the United States residing in Nassau or Suffolk Counties who are currently in high school (Graduation classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030).

    • Eligible Instruments: * Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

      • Woodwinds: Flute/Piccolo, Oboe/English Horn, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Bassoon

      • Brass: French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba

      • Voice: Any vocal range (Newly expanded category!)

      • Other: Harp, Piano, Guitar

      • Note: To verify eligibility for any instrument not listed above, please email nssoyaac@gmail.com before applying.

    • Instrumentalists and vocalists must perform a work written for their instrument and orchestra.

    • Participants may choose to perform an entire movement from a standard concerto or solo orchestral work.

    • The selection must be a minimum of 7 minutes in duration.

    • Performance from memory is not required.

    • All repertoire selections are strictly subject to approval by the NSSO Music Director and the Friends of NSSO. Repertoire eligibility questions can be directed to nssoyaac@gmail.com.

    • First Round (Video Audition): Initial evaluations are based on an unedited video submission using a single-position camera. The video must feature a live accompanist and begin with a clear, spoken introduction stating the performer's name and the piece to be performed.

    • Submission Deadline: The completed digital entry form and the streaming video link must be submitted no later than January 15, 2026.

    • Finalist Notification: Those chosen as finalists will be notified by February 15, 2026.

    • Finalists' Recital: Finalists are required to perform their concerto selection live in a public recital on Sunday, March 1, 2026. This round is open to the public, and applicants must bring their own live accompanist.

    • Winner's Orchestral Performance: The grand prize winner agrees to be available to perform their audition concerto movement live with the NSSO at our season finale concert on Saturday evening, June 20, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center.

    • Program Note: All NSSO concerts and repertoire are subject to change. In the event of a postponement, the NSSO will make every effort to reschedule the winner's performance.

  • A $40 entry fee is required for all applicants.

    1. Digital Payment: You can pay immediately via credit card or PayPal with this link.

    2. Pay by Check: Checks must be made payable to The Friends of NSSO and mailed to:

      Friends of NSSO Attn: Young Artists Competition PO Box 419 Greenvale, NY 11548-0419

Entry Form

Young Artist Award Competition Archive

  • 2026:Ethan Yip, cello

    • Repertoire: Elgar Cello Concerto (1st movement)

      • Ethan Yip began playing cello at age 7, later joining the Manhattan School of Music's Pre-College division under Marion Feldman, where he has received multiple prestigious scholarships. An active chamber musician, he performs with the New York Youth Symphony and has attended elite summer programs at Greenwood, Meadowmount, and Juilliard. His talent has earned him top accolades in numerous competitions, including first prize at the Prima Volta Music International Competition, and he has performed at prominent New York venues including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Merkin Hall.

  • 2024:Sarah Sun, saxophone

    • Repertoire: Debussy Rapsodie for Saxophone and Orchestra

      • Mizuki Natsu began his piano studies at the age of 5, developing into a versatile musician who performs widely on both piano and cello. He has performed solos on both instruments at Carnegie Hall and has collaborated with multiple award-winning ensembles through the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Young Musicians Program. Recognized as a Long Island Scholar Artist, Mizuki has performed with numerous All-County ensembles, served as an alternate cellist for All-State ensembles, and was selected for the prestigious NYSSMA Annual Piano Showcase. His competitive accolades include winning third place at the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Concerto Competition.

  • 2024:Mizuki Natsu, piano

    • Repertoire: Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3

      • Mizuki Natsu began his piano studies at the age of 5, developing into a versatile musician who performs widely on both piano and cello. He has performed solos on both instruments at Carnegie Hall and has collaborated with multiple award-winning ensembles through the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Young Musicians Program. Recognized as a Long Island Scholar Artist, Mizuki has performed with numerous All-County ensembles, served as an alternate cellist for All-State ensembles, and was selected for the prestigious NYSSMA Annual Piano Showcase. His competitive accolades include winning third place at the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Concerto Competition.

  • 2022:Carolyn Lao, flute

    • Repertoire: Nielsen Flute Concerto

  • 2019:Sarah Ma, violin

  • 2017:

    • 1st Prize: Christian Verfenstein, piano

      • Repertoire: Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor

    • 2nd Prize: Alexandra Woroniecka, violin

      • Repertoire: Wieniawski Violin Concerto No. 2

  • 2015:Crystal Kim, cello

    • Repertoire: Elgar Cello Concerto (3rd movement)

  • 2013:Harrison Li, piano

    • Repertoire: Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor

  • 2011:Elizabeth Oh, piano

    • Repertoire: Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor

  • 2009:Lukas Bentel, cello

    • Repertoire: Lalo Cello Concerto

  • 2005:Sho Omagari, violin

    • Repertoire: Vieuxtemps Concerto No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 31

  • 2003:Shane Helfner, oboe (oboe d’amore)

    • Repertoire: J.S. Bach Concerto in A minor

  • 2001:

    • 1st Prize:Meena M. Bhasin, violin

      • Repertoire: Mendelssohn Concerto in E minor

      • 2nd Prize:Nan Aomori, flute

        • Repertoire: Mozart Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Major

  • 1999:Dan Bassin, trumpet Repertoire: Haydn Trumpet Concerto

    • Adam Krauthamer, horn

      • Repertoire: Mozart Horn Concert No. 3

    • Dan Pellegrini, violin

      • Repertoire: Saint-Saëns Violin Concert No. 3 in B minor

  • 1995:Xilun Chen, piano

    • Repertoire: Grieg Piano Concerto

  • 1993 (Inaugural Year):Anton Polezhayev, violin

    • Repertoire: Sarasate Carmen Concert Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 25

Young man holding a cello in a music studio with wooden paneling background.
A black and white photo of a woman with long dark hair holding a saxophone.
A young man wearing glasses, a black suit, and a black shirt, posing against a blue background.