2026 Young Artists Competition

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces the finalists of its fifth annual international concerto competition (in no particular order). Congratulations to all the participants. The level was extremely high, and the decision was extremely difficult.

Hayden Chiu, Violin
Katherine Chernyak, Viola
David Bernat, Violin
Isabel Breakey, Soprano
Elisha Bae, Violin

Prizes:

First Place

• Performance during the 2025-2026 season

• Professional video recording

• Cash prize of US$1000

• Travel stipend up to US$300 to attend rehearsals and concert

Second Place

• Cash prize of US$500

Third Place

• Cash prize of US$200

Requirements:

• Contestants must be born on or after August 31, 1994 (contestants born after August 31, 2008 require a parent or legal guardian to enter)

• The competition is open to the following instruments: piccolo, flute, oboe, english horn, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, piano, harpsichord, harp, guitar, mandolin, violin, viola, cello, contrabass, any voice classification (soprano, contralto, alto, mezzo-soprano, tenor, counter-tenor, baritone, bass, etc.)

• Contestants must be available the day of the in-person round (read below)

• Previous first prize winners are ineligible to participate

Timeline:

The fifteen finalists have been invited to the in-person round, which will take place in Lowell, MA, on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Wait-listed candidates will be invited to take the places of any of the aforementioned finalists that cannot make the final round.