Young musicians sought for State Fair competition
The annual Utah State Fair announces the 63rd year of Classical Music Competition to be held in August at the Utah State Fairpark. Classical music students ages 8-23 are encouraged to participate. Entry categories include solo piano, strings, wind/brass/percussion, voice, harp, and organ. Cash awards and ribbons will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category.
This competition is the exclusive qualifier for the Utah Symphony and Opera annual “Salute to Youth” . Winners of the Utah State Fair Music Competition may be invited to audition for the Symphony. Those wishing to qualify for an audition must select a piece that meets the Salute to Youth requirements.
Judy Duncombe, Fairpark Assistant General Manager, invites additional funding support for the competition.
“We continue to provide the Classical Music Competition through the Utah State Fair Corporation, with sponsorship from the Utah Federation of Music Clubs, and Baldassin Performance Pianos.”
In an effort to continue to provide quality judging by internationally renowned judges, and keeping entry fees as low as possible, additional funding from private sources is welcomed, Duncombe said.
Mu Phi Epsilon, a national music fraternity, continues their offers of cash awards and hundreds of volunteer hours in support of the Classical Music Competition.
Approximately 300 student musicians participated in 2004. Jim Hardy is returning for his second year as the Music Competition supervisor.
Although the competition is closed to the public, the winners will be presented in recital the first two evenings of the 150th Utah State Fair on Sept. 8 and 9.
Entry dates are June 1 through July 1. Entries will not be accepted prior to June 1, and must be postmarked by July 1, or hand delivered to the Fairpark Administration Office, 155 N. 1000 W. SLC, UT 84116. Date and deadlines will be strictly adhered to. For more details, entry forms, and competition rules, see www.utahstatefair.com. Questions may be directed to Tami Gowans or Judy Duncombe at (801) 538-8400.