FOOSA 2025
Concerto Competition Guidelines

Prize: The opportunity to perform as soloist with the FOOSA Philharmonic under the direction of Thomas Loewenheim.

Eligibility: Applications will be accepted from FOOSA Philharmonic participants only. Individual instrumental soloists as well as groups performing double concertos and similar works with more than one soloist will be accepted. 

Repertoire: Candidates may play either

  • A complete concerto or other work for soloist(s) and symphony orchestra of 15 minutes or less in duration

               OR

  • One movement of a concerto or concerted work for soloist(s) and symphony orchestra of 15 minutes in or less duration

Works from any period are acceptable. Please consult FOOSA Music Director Thomas Loewenheim (tloewenheim@csufresno.edu) in advance to determine if your concerto is suitable for the ensemble. The suitability of the concerto and the availability of performance materials will be considered in accepting an entry and in judging the auditions. (Please check to confirm that the score and orchestra parts are available on IMSLP, or be prepared to bring the score and parts with you. There will no exceptions; we cannot order music for you.)

Competition:  There will be two rounds for the FOOSA Concerto Competition. Concerto Competition Preliminaries will be uploaded via video to the Acceptd site. Competition Finals are open to the public. Both events will be held at the California State University Fresno Concert Hall. 

Candidates must perform all works from memory. Exceptions may be made depending on circumstances.

  • The Concerto Competition is open to all candidates who have been accepted into the FOOSA Philharmonic program and who have completed their acceptance registration.  

  • All concerto competition candidates must submit a formal request via JotForm on or before April 30th. 

  • Once approved, you will then be given the opportunity to upload your concerto movement or piece lasting no more than 15 minutes to the Acceptd site.

  • Video entries must be submitted on or before May 15th.

  • Your video will be reviewed by our FOOSA faculty and up to 4 finalists will be chosen to play with the orchestra. 

Application: Performers wishing to compete must complete an application form. Click here to submit an ONLINE CONCERTO COMPETITION APPLICATION.

Applications must be submitted to the FOOSA Office by 11:59 PM on May 15, 2025. No late applications will be considered.