Congratulations 2025 Young Artists Competition Winners!

Junior Division
Winner
Josephine Grayl
Bozeman, Double Bass
 
Runner Up
Elliot Cleary
Helena, Violin
 
Honorable Mention
Ethan Rudy
Bozeman, Violin
Senior Division
Winner
Charlie Snellman
Helena, Cello
 
Runner Up
Tarquin Bennion
Sidney, Violin
 
Honorable Mention
Anastasia Grayl
Bozeman, Cello
Collegiate Division
Winner
Felix Guggenheim
Bozeman, Violin
 
Runner Up
Nate Deuel
Bozeman, Saxophone
 
Honorable Mention
Kevin Halsey
Billings, Clarinet

Junior Division

Elliott Cleary, Ethan Rudy, and Josephine Grayl

Senior Division

Anastasia Grayl, Tarquin Bennion, and Charlie Snellman

Collegiate Division

Nate Deuel, Kevin Halsey, and Felix Guggenheim

Enrich. Engage. Educate.

Montana’s Next Musical Generation

The Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras (MASO) is committed to investing in the future of music in Montana by supporting the next generation of musicians. To nurture the development of young talent, we launched the biennial Young Artists Competition in 1991. Designed as both a performance showcase and a scholarship opportunity, our goal is to inspire Montana's young musicians to pursue their dreams and aspire to professional heights.

orchestra concert symphony music

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!

Junior

Ages 13-15
Prize: $450

Senior

Ages 16 through high school graduate
Prize: $650

College

Undergraduate students
Prize: $1,000

Mark Your Calendar!

The final round will be held live at Reynolds Recital Hall on the MSU Campus in Bozeman on January 11, 2025.

Each year that the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras hosts this competition, rising young musicians from across the state compete for the rare opportunity to perform as soloists with one or more Montana orchestras. This is a valuable opportunity for young artists to make their professional debut – an achievement many seasoned musicians wait years to attain. Finalists are invited to perform live in front of three esteemed judges in the junior, senior, and college divisions.

The competition is open to Montana residents aged 13 through undergraduate school who play an orchestral instrument. Past winners are ineligible to compete again in the same division. Musicians apply by submitting an application including a video recording of the selection they intend to perform at the competition. These entries are evaluated by MASO screening judges. Based on their recommendations, selected musicians advance to the live final round, where nationally recognized judges review their performances and award prizes.

Whether or not they win, the experience of the competition builds stronger musicians, encourages applicants to strive for excellence, and fosters leadership and confidence in performance skills. Audience members at the live final round have the opportunity to witness some of Montana’s finest young musical talent and leave inspired by the remarkable achievements of these musicians.