Oxfordshire Senior Concerto Competition
Compete to perform a full concerto with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
Held as part of our programme as Orchestra in Residence at the University of Oxford, the Oxfordshire Senior Concerto Competition occurs once every two years, giving young musicians the opportunity to perform a full-length concerto on their instrument with a professional symphony orchestra.
A once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunity
About the Senior Concerto Competition
Held every other year, alternating with the Junior Competition, contestants in the Oxfordshire Senior Concerto Competition compete for the chance to perform as soloist in a full-length concerto with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra as part of our concert season.
After an audition process and a semi-final in which competitors perform to our panel, three finalists proceed to perform one movement each from a concerto of their choice with the Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra. The winner, selected by our panel, will perform a full concerto with the Oxford Philharmonic as part of the following concert season. Both the winner and runner-up will also be awarded a cash prize.
How to apply
Applicants to the Oxfordshire Senior Concerto Competition must be residents or students in Oxfordshire and aged 23 or under on 31 August 2026. Applicants must play to at least Grade 8 standard or equivalent.
Please note that previous winners of the Senior Concerto Competition may not enter again.
Applications for the 2025/26 Senior Concerto Competition will open in September 2025.
Previous Winners
2024
Isobel Neary-Adams
viola
2022
Oliver Simpson
cello
2020
Ewan Millar
oboe
2018
Joshua Asokan
piano
2016
Emma Lisney
violin
2014
Daniel Shao
flute
2013
Makoto Nakata
violin
2012
Savitri Grier
violin
Audition information
Date tbc, October 2025
Venue tbc, Oxford
Details to be announced in 2025.
If you have any questions about the audition process or any of the student performance opportunities, please contact Lydia Bennett, Education Officer.