Competition update for 2026 & Beyond

Thanks to the generous support of Thoreson Steffes Trust Company, the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony is excited to announce updates to the Young Artist Solo Competition.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, both the High School and Collegiate winners will be invited to perform as featured soloists in a Symphony Masterworks Series concert.

To realign the competition with performance schedules, the 2025–2026 competition will be limited to High School seniors only. This competition will take place in January 2026, with the winner performing at the April 2026 Young People’s Concerts at Concordia College.

Starting in October 2026, the competition will be held every fall, and winners will perform at the January Masterworks Series concert.

Eligibility: Open to High School and College students living within a 100-mile radius of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony office (808 3rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103).

2025–2026 Schedule High School Seniors ONLY

Competition: January 10, 2026 at MSUM

Performance: April 17, 2026* at Concordia

Repertoire Change Deadline: November 7, 2025

Application Deadline: December 5, 2025

*Note: This performance is part of the Young People’s Concerts, not the Masterworks Series. While not open to the public, the winner may invite friends and family.

2026–2027 Schedule High School & Collegiate

Competition: October 17, 2026 at MSUM

Performance: January 2027 Date TBD at Festival Concert Hall with FMSO

Repertoire Change Deadline: August 7, 2026

Application Deadline: September 4, 2026

Cash Awards

High School Collegiate

First Place $1,500 + performance $1,000 + performance

Second Place $1,000 $500

Please note: previous competition winners are ineligible for future participation.

For questions or more information, please contact Jane Linde Capistran capistra@cord.edu or 701-367-4201

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 2025 THORESON STEFFES YOUNG ARTISTS SOLO COMPETITION!

Click below to watch a recording of the 2025 Finals Performance