2021 YOUNG CHAMBER MUSICIANS COMPETITION ANNOUCEMENT
COMPETITION TIMELINE
SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED
DECEMBER 9, 2019 – FEBRUARY 19, 2020
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION BY
FEBRUARY 10, 2020
Register and upload your performance videos
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
MARCH 2020
COMPETITION FINALS
APRIL 26, 2020
Finalists perform, winners selected
PRIZES
Senior Division
First Place: $4,000
+Two (2)-day studio recording session
+Paid performance on 2020-2021 Davidson College Concert Series
Runner-up: $2,000
Junior Division
First Place: $2,500
+Scholarships of $3,000 each to Brevard Music Institute for every member of the ensemble*
Runner-up: $1,500
People's Choice
*Acceptance into the Brevard Music Center is based on candidate’s application/audition and studio availability and is not guaranteed. Tuition scholarships may be applied to the summer of 2020 or 2021. Application fees for the Brevard Music Center will be waived for all WDAV Junior Division winners.
WHY ENTER YCMC ?
VIP Status
This is not a “cattle call” competition where ensemble after ensemble is paraded in front of the jury. The four ensembles selected to compete in the Finals are given VIP treatment from the moment they arrive in Charlotte. Transportation from the airport, lodging, several meals, and rehearsal space are covered by the competition.
Be Heard Around the World
YCMC Finals are broadcast live on WDAV – one of the top classical radio stations in the country. Your friends and family across the world can listen in from our website or mobile app. We’ll also be streaming live video of the competition on Facebook, Twitter, and this website!
Submissions are Easy
Online submissions are easy and quick. Plus, we only charge a $35 application fee.*
Fun
We’re all about FUN. Sure, competitions can be stressful, but since you’ve come all this way, let’s have a good time, too. You love classical music. We love classical music. This competition is all about the JOY OF PERFORMANCE!
*Contact WDAV if the $35 fee presents a financial challenge for your ensemble.
What are we looking for?
How do we participate?
Early Bird entry fee is $25 for all submissions received by 2/10/19. A submission fee of $35 is charged for all submissions after 2/10/19.* All entries must be submitted via ycmc.wdav.org between December 9, 2019 and February 19, 2020. Entrants must submit two (2) separate classical music works of distinct styles and periods: 1770 and earlier (Baroque and earlier) 1770 – 1810 (Classical) 1811 – 1900 (Romantic) 1901 – present (Modern) Both works must include performance of at least one full movement of the piece in question. They must be the same works the ensemble will perform if selected as a finalist. The two works performed must be submitted as two separate videos. The camera angle of the video must be continuous; no editing is allowed. There is no limit to the length of the works submitted. However, the judges are not obligated to view more than the first 5 minutes of each submission.
*Contact WDAV if the $25 fee presents a financial challenge for your ensemble.
Who's eligible to participate?
Senior Division: The average age of an ensemble competing in the Senior Division must not exceed 25 years of age, with no individual member having reached their 31st birthday by April 26, 2020. * All members of the ensemble must perform on both selected works.
* Once the entry is submitted, changes in personnel are only allowed with the prior approval of WDAV.
Junior Division: Musicians between the ages of 14-18. All ensemble members competing in the Junior Division must not have reached their 19th birthday by April 26, 2020.
How will winners be selected?
A screening panel selected by WDAV will review all submissions and choose the best entries in each age group as finalists. Finalists will be invited to compete in a live competition which will take place at Davidson College the weekend of April 25 – April 26, 2020. The competition culminates with a live adjudicated concert in Davidson College’s Duke Family Performance Hall on April 26, 2020.
Questions? Contact Us.
JUDGES
Alan Black
Principal Cello, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra,
Artist Associate in Cello & Chamber Music, Davidson College
Dr. Mira Frisch
Associate Professor of Cello, Director of String Chamber Music
University of North Carolina – Charlotte
David Russell
Anne R. Belk Distinguished Professor of Violin
University of North Carolina – Charlotte
YCMC: Aspire to Greatness
NEWS
2020 Young Chamber Musicians Competition Canceled, Finalists Announced
DAVIDSON, NC - It is with great disappointment that WDAV and Davidson College announce the cancellation of WDAV's 2020 Young Chamber Musicians Competition due to the threat of COVID-19. This difficult announcement is made with the safety...
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PAST COMPETITIONS
2020 Finalists
Due to the threat of COVID-19, WDAV’s 2020 Young Chamber Musicians Competition was cancelled.
Although the finals competition did not take place, the jury did complete its review of applications and announced the four ensembles who were selected to compete in the final round of the competition. They are as follows:
Senior Division:
Persée String Quartet
Elara Quartet
Junior Division:
Dasani String Quartet
The Bach Trio

Persée Quartet

Elara Quartet

Dasani String Quartet

The Bach Trio
2019 FINALISTS
Watch the 2019 Young Chamber Musicians Competition
Senior Division
Ivalas Quartet [WINNER]
Bora Quartet [RUNNER UP]
Junior Division
Dajj Quartet [WINNER]
Arcus Trio [RUNNER UP]
2018 FINALISTS
Watch the 2018 Young Chamber Musicians Competition
Senior Division
AYA Trio [WINNER]
Belka Quartet [RUNNER UP]
Junior Division
Bear Quartet [WINNER]
Quartet Callisto [RUNNER UP]
2017 FINALISTS
Watch the 2017 Young Chamber Musicians Competition
19-24 Age Group
Quartet Amí [WINNER]
Callisto Quartet [RUNNER UP]
14-18 Age Group
Quartet Bellezza [WINNER]
The Orion Trio [RUNNER UP]