Thoreson Steffes Young Artists Solo Competition
Thanks to the generous support of Thoreson Steffes Trust Company, the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony is excited to announce the 2026 Young Artist Solo Competition.
The competition is now held every fall and the high-school winner will perform with FMSO at the January Masterworks concert.
Eligibility: Open to High School and undergraduate College students living within a 100-mile radius of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony office (808 3rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103).
Final performance piece is subject to orchestral part availability.
2026 Competition details
Competition: October 24, 2026 at MSUM
Performance: January 16 & 17, 2027 at NDSU Festival Concert Hall with FMSO
Repertoire Change Deadline: September 4, 2026
Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
Please note: previous competition winners are ineligible for future participation
Awards
High School
First Place- $1,500 + performance with the FMSO at Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra on January 16 & 17
Second place- $1,000
College
First Place- $1,000
Second place- $500
Congratulations to the winners of the January 2026 Thoreson Steffes Young Artists Solo Competition!
First Place
Synje Peterson, Violin
Grand Forks, ND
Second Place
Elsa Ruth Pryor, Violin
Fargo, ND