Peter Perret Youth Talent Search
Each year the Winston-Salem Symphony conducts a talent search to identify gifted and accomplished young musicians. Maestro Peter Perret, conductor emeritus of the Winston-Salem Symphony, established the competition as a means of helping to develop young talent, and as a way of recognizing and supporting the teachers and families of musically gifted students.
Rules and Regulations
Applicants compete in two age categories:
Junior Level: ages 8 – 12
Senior Level: ages 13 – senior year of high school
Note: age as of December 31, 2024; proof of age may be required on receipt of your application.
First, second, and third place winners will be named from each age group. First Place winners will perform with the Winston-Salem Symphony on its Concert for Community, March 29, 2025.
Competitors must currently reside in the state of North Carolina.
First Place Cash Award— $250
Second Place Cash Award— $150
Third Place Cash Award— $100
Application Procedure and Deadlines:
A $35 registration fee ($25 for each additional sibling), must be brought to the preliminary competition, or you can prepay your registration fee online using the button below. Proof of North Carolina residency may be required.
Registration deadline: 11:59pm on Friday, November 8, 2024.
Repertoire:
A movement from a concerto is recommended, but other pieces suitable for orchestra are possible. Audition selection is limited to 10 minutes of music for both preliminary and final round auditions. With approval, winners may play the full movement or work (depending on overall length) at the concert.
Accompanists:
An accompanist is required for both in-person and video auditions. Should you require one, contact Symphony keyboardist and UNCSA collaborative pianist Nancy Johnston at johnstonn@uncsa.edu. Please note that Ms. Johnston is available to accompany only from 9am to 4pm on the Preliminary Round day. Her fee is separate and is not included in your registration.
Dates
Registration deadline: 11:59pm on Friday, November 8, 2024.
Preliminary Round: Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 9am–5pm
Participate via video upload (info below) or in-person
Winston-Salem, NC — Crawford Hall, UNC School of the Arts
Final Round: Saturday, January 25, 2025 | Noon–5pm
In-person participation required.
Winston-Salem, NC — Crawford Hall, UNC School of the Arts
Questions?
If you have any questions please contact Charley Bryant, Senior Manager for Artistic Operations, at cbryant@wssymphony.org
Video Submissions:
- Audition in-person is preferable. Video audition is acceptable if you can’t make it to the audition site for any reason.
- Submit the videos through YouTube. Email the link to Charley Bryant (cbryant@wssymphony.org)
- Video audition due by Friday, November 8, 2024 by 11:59pm.
- Video must show all of you and your instrument. If you are a pianist, the angle of the camera must show the keyboard and your hands.
- Review your recording prior to submitting it. Check that the sound is clear enough for the judges to hear you without distortion.
- Avoid recording your audition in a room with too much reverberation and background noise.
- If any details are missing or your video does not follow the above guidelines, your application will not be considered.
- If you have any questions please contact Charley Bryant at the address above.
