Every two years, orchestra@uwaterloo holds a Concerto and Aria Competition that is open to University of Waterloo students and recent graduates, and is judged by a panel of professional musicians. Winners perform as soloists with the orchestra in a public concert.
Due to the Covid-19 situation, the next Concerto and Aria Competition has been postponed until early February 2023.
Eligibility
- The competition is open to instrumentalists and singers registered as full-time students at the University of Waterloo
- Recent graduates may also apply - see application form for details
- Joint applications with repertoire for multiple soloists are encouraged
- Previous winners are not eligible
- A refundable deposit is required
- If you have questions, please email Angelica Allen from the Music Office.
Prizes
- The winner of the competition will perform their complete repertoire submission as guest soloist in a public concert with the orchestra
- In the case of a tie, both winners will be awarded a concert appearance as guest soloist
- Second-place winners may be chosen at the discretion of the jury and also be awarded a solo opportunity
Listen to previous winners
2020 Concerto and Aria Competition
Sponsored by Dr. David Taylor
Winner: Ashley Yip, violin
Ashley performed Wieniawski Violin concerto no. 2 in D minor.
Finalist: Robert Choi, cello
Robert performed Dvorak Cello Concerto Op. 104.
Finalist & runner up: Garnet Zhao, piano
Garnet performed Rachmaninov Piano Concerto no. 2 in C minor.
2018 Concerto and Aria Competition
Sponsored by Dr. David Taylor
Winner: Eric Xi Xin Liang, piano
Eric performed the Brahm's 2nd piano concerto on April 4, 2019 in the orchestra concert. Recording link
Second Place tie: Joanna Chu, piano Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
Omer Strumpf, cello Elgar's Cello Concerto in E Minor
Omer Strumpf performed the Elgar Cello concerto at the Fall 2018 concert. Recording link
Joanna Chu's performance schedule will be posted at a later date.
2016 Concerto and Aria Competition
Sponsored by Phyllis and James Forsyth
Winner: Sojung Park, piano
Sojung will perform Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto with orchestra@uwaterloo on Thursday March 31, 2016.
Second Prize: Fred Xu, violin
Fred will perform Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with orchestra@uwaterloo on Thursday December 1, 2016.
Second Prize: George Fan, saxophone
George will perform Glazunov's Saxophone Concerto with orchestra@uwaterloo on Thursday March 30, 2017.
2014 Concerto and Aria Competition
Sponsored by David Taylor
Winner: Jennifer Roloff, oboe
Jennifer performed Richard Strauss’ Oboe Concerto with orchestra@uwaterloo on April 3, 2014
2012 Concerto and Aria Competition
Sponsored by Phyllis and Jim Forsyth
Winner: Andrew Song, violin
Andrew performed Wieniawski's Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor with orchestra@uwaterloo on March 29, 2012.
Winner: Nat Leung, piano
Nat will perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor with orchestra@uwaterloo on November 29, 2012
2010 Concerto and Aria Competition
Sponsored by Professor David Taylor
Winner: Taylor Cao, piano
Taylor performed Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor with orchestra@uwaterloo on April 1, 2010.
Second Prize: Edward Cho, piano and cello
On December 2, 2010, Edward performed excerpts from two concerti with orchestra@uwaterloo:
- Edvard Grieg, Piano Concerto (1st movement)
- Edward Elgar, Cello Concerto (third and fourth movements)
2008 Concerto and Aria Competition
Sponsored by Phyllis and Jim Forsyth
Winner: Taylor Wang, piano
Taylor performed Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 (I. Maestoso) with orchestra@uwaterloo on April 3, 2008.
Winner: Martin Walker, flute
Martin performed Mozart's Flute Concert in G, K. 313 with orchestra@uwaterloo in Fall 2008.
2006 Concerto and Aria Competition
Sponsored by Professor David Taylor
First Prize: Alan Li, piano
Alan performed Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 with orchestra@uwaterloo on March 23, 2006.
Second Prize: Jeffrey Quilliam, clarinet
Jeffrey performed Mozart's Clarinet Concerto with orchestra@uwaterloo on November 30, 2006.
Second Prize: Wallace Wu, violin
Wallace performed Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with orchestra@uwaterloo on March 22, 2007.
Finalists: Jonathan Au, Amanda Kind, Dane Wendell, Sarah Widmeyer
