The Lois Lyman Concerto Competition is named after music teacher and one of ESYO's founding members, Lois Lyman. It began in 1985. The winner is selected through a rigorous application and performance process from amongst Symphony Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra and Youth Percussion Ensembles' membership each year, representing some of the area's finest musicians. Applicants must perform a concerto before a panel of judges. The winner performs his/her concerto with the Symphony Orchestra that season.
Competition Date
The competition will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the College of St. Rose, Albany. (Snow Date Sun., Jan. 21). The winner will perform with the ESYO Symphony Orchestra as part of the April 21, 2024 concert at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Eligibility/Choice of Competition Music
The competition is open to members of the Symphony Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra and Youth Percussion Ensemble.
Application Deadline
The application and $25.00 participation fee are due by Nov. 17 the deadline will be strictly enforced. No applications will be accepted after the deadline, and any applications that were submitted in time but were incomplete (for example, lacking the name of your accompanist) must be completed by the deadline or the applicant will be removed from consideration.
Preparation and Competition Audition
Competition Results
If you have any questions about your application and/or participation in the competition, please contact Sue Lascoe, ESYO Operations Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To participate, Symphony Orchestra members must fill out the following forms by the indicated deadlines:
2022-23 Competition Winners
Bartók Viola Concerto, Op. posth (ed. Serly)
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor
2021-22 Competition Winner
Elgar Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
2019-20 Competition Winner
Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102
2018-19 Competition Winner
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1, Op. 107
2017-18 Competition Winner
Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16
2016-2017 Competition Winner
Vieuxtemps: Violin Concerto No. 5 in A minor, Op. 37
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Empire State Youth Orchestra
45 MacArthur Drive, Schenectady, NY 12302
Phone: 518-382-7581 | Fax: 518-382-0254