UMD Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition Prelims

The preliminary round of the UMD Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition invites audiences to witness the first stage in the search for the ensemble’s next featured soloist. Presented by the UMD School of Music, this round features student instrumentalists performing concerto excerpts or concert pieces before an independent jury panel. As the competition progresses through subsequent rounds, the field of contestants narrows until the final round, when a winner and runners-up are announced. The event is free and open to the public, offering a chance to hear emerging soloists showcase their skills in an intimate, general admission setting.

When: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Showtimes: 1:00 PM
Price: Free, no tickets required
Venue: Lower Pavilion, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (The Clarice at UMD), General Admission
Participants: UMD School of Music student instrumentalists
Competition Format: First round of a multi-round competition; students perform concerto excerpts or concert pieces for an independent jury panel. The field narrows until the final round, at which a winner and runners-up are announced.
Accessibility: The venue is committed to accessibility for all guests. Available services upon request include wheelchair accessible seating, size-inclusive seating, large print programs, assisted listening devices, adult and child-friendly sensory packs, quiet spaces, and, for select events or by patron request at least six weeks in advance, ASL interpretation, audio description, and captioning.