2025 Raleigh Symphony Orchestra Rising Stars Auditions
We are pleased to announce the annual statewide RSO Rising Stars Concert on Saturday, May 3, at 7:00pm at Meredith College’s Jones Auditorium. If you are a student (high school and college) who resides in North Carolina and are between the ages of 15 and 23, here is your chance to perform as a soloist with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra!
Auditions accepted until Friday, March 21, at 7pm
Thanks to everyone who auditioned this season! Our judges will review the submissions and be in touch with all applicants by March 31st. Results will also be posted here and on RSO’s social media pages. And make sure to join us at the concert on May 3rd!
2023 winner Daniel Garcia, clarinet
How to apply:
1. Read all the Rules for Entry (below)
2. Submit the Rising Stars Application Form.
3. Pay your Application Fee. All applications must include both the form and the $40 registration fee* to be considered. (Use the link provided to pay through Square.)
4. Upload a recorded audition to YouTube. See below for submission instructions and recording guidelines.
*If you have need of registration scholarship or have any other questions about registration, please contact Executive Director Andrea Luke at manager@raleighsymphony.org or (919) 546-9755.
1 - Rules for Entry
- Select a work which you can play from memory - typically one movement of a concerto, sonata, or comparable orchestral-accompanied solo work composed or transcribed for your instrument.
We recommend that you select a composition that is in the standard orchestral repertoire and that can be affordably acquired through rental, but we can make reasonable accommodations.
A good guide to what is readily available is Luck’s Music Library www.lucksmusic.com.
Contact manager@raleighsymphony.org if you have questions about whether your piece qualifies.
- Applicants must have their primary residence in North Carolina. Attending school out of state is acceptable, but you must note your primary NC address in the application.
- Applicants are limited to musicians between the ages of 15 and 23 as of January 1, 2025. We will accept any instrument or voice part, as long as an orchestral accompaniment to your work is available! The judges will give equal consideration to all applicants who meet the above conditions, regardless of race, education, sex, gender identity, or instrument/voice part.
- All submissions (including application form, registration fee, and video submission) must be received by Friday, March 21, 2025 at 7:00pm.
- Winners should plan to be available on these dates.
Rehearsal: Monday, April 28, 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Rehearsal: Wednesday, April 30, 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Sound Check/Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, May 3, 11:00am - 1:30pm
Concert: Saturday, May 3 - 7:00pm (call 6:30pm)
- All rehearsals and the concert will occur in Jones Auditorium at Meredith College in Raleigh. We will schedule 30-45 minute rehearsal blocks within the Monday & Wednesday rehearsals, plus a shorter block during the final dress rehearsal. You won’t need to be present for the entire rehearsal, but will be expected to show up in time to warm up and be ready to play at your scheduled rehearsal time.
- All winners will receive up to 4 complimentary guest tickets to the final concert.
2 - Application form
Fill out the Rising Stars Application Form online (registration is now closed). Incomplete applications will be not be considered. In addition, you MUST provide an current email address where can be reached – this is critical for communication throughout the entire process.
2023 winner Jacob Wang, piano
3 - Application Fee
Once you have completed and submitted the application above, you will need to pay your registration fee*, which is non-refundable.
The fee can be paid either online through Square or by mailing a check to PO Box 25878, Raleigh, NC 27611.
*If this fee is a barrier to entry, please contact Executive Director Andrea Luke at manager@raleighsymphony.org or (919) 546-9755; several scholarships for registration are available..
4 - Submit your audition
Upload your video to YouTube, then either share it with us via email or through YouTube’s sharing settings. We accept all instruments and voice parts performing the length of a standard concerto movement.
Click for instructions on uploading a private video. Once you have uploaded your video, share to manager@raleighsymphony.org.
Recording Guidelines:
ALL PERFORMANCES MUST BE ACCOMPANIED (piano reduction of orchestral part or piano arrangement is acceptable).
The performance will be expected to be performed from memory, so auditioning from memory shows our judges that you will be prepared for the performance. If you need to look at your music during the audition, this is not cause for disqualification, but may affect the judges’ perception of your readiness.
Make sure you and your instrument are in frame. Ideally we would also like to see your accompanist in the video, but the most important thing is your performance as a soloist. Try to record so that your face, both of your hands, and your instrument are fully in frame.
Judges will make their determinations based on your technical ability, interpretation, and expression - not your video quality. Prioritize recording with a good-quality microphone, but the judges understand that not everyone has access to the same quality of recording equipment.
Please make sure you have read all these rules thoroughly before you apply.
All submissions are due on March 21, 2025, by 7:00pm
All applicants will be contacted via email after the judging is complete. Those selected to perform will be posted on this page by March 31.
If you have any questions about applying, feel free to contact us!
Andrea Luke, Executive Director
Above: a gallery of images from 2022 and 2023 Rising Stars Concerts, featuring Kyrese Washington, flute; Jonghee Yoon, organ; Daniel Garcia, clarinet; and Jacob Wang, piano.