Young Artists Series
Applications Open Soon
Our next application period for the Young Artists Series will open in Spring 2026. Please check back here in February 2026 for the updated application and audition details.
Each season, we are inspired by the creativity, dedication, and artistry of the young performers who share their talents with us. Their passion lights up our stage and reminds us of the extraordinary potential of the next generation of musicians.
If you’re a young artist eager to perform and grow — or if you know someone whose talent deserves to be heard — we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity. Together, we can continue celebrating the brilliance of emerging performers.
Intending to connect our youth to live performances of classical music, The Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra announces auditions for young artists to perform as soloists with the orchestra in its 16th Annual Young Artists Series in January-February, 2026. The auditions will be structured as follows:
ELIGIBILITY:
The applicant shall reside or attend school in Ventura County.
The applicant shall be 21 years of age (25 years for vocalists) or younger on January 15, 2027.
The applicant shall provide a reference recommending themselves for the auditions. The reference shall be a music teacher, music coach, or other leader in the musical community.
Applicants who performed with the orchestra at the Young Artists Series in February 2025 are not eligible to audition again this year but may do so in future years.
AUDITION SCHEDULE:
Application Opens: February 1, 2026
April 1, 2026: Application and YouTube recording submission due
Mid-April 2026: Finalists selected and announced
Mid-May 2026: Finalists’ live auditions
June 2026: Final selections announced
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
After the live audition, several finalists will be selected to perform a movement of a concerto, an aria or art song, or one or more other types/pieces of music appropriate for performance with a chamber orchestra.
An application with a shareable YouTube link of the applicant performing a music selection will be submitted for the first round of auditions. The submitted recording should present a piece of music the applicant has ready now and is intended for performance with the orchestra. The submitted selection must be queued and readily accessible on the recording.
The application should list at least two additional pieces from which the final selection can be made by the Artistic Director. Final selections will include considerations of rental availability and cost and suitability of the piece for performance with the orchestra. The audition process and Young Artists Series are subject to changes. For any questions or further information, contact Dr. KuanFen Liu by emailing downbeatplus@gmail.com
The live auditions will take place in mid-May 2026, with exact locations to be announced closer to the date. The annual Young Artist Series concert is scheduled for January or February 2027.