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's membership each year, representing some of the area's finest musicians. Applicants must perform a concerto from memory before a judging panel. The chosen musician is given the opportunity to perform a solo in concert each season.
Competition Date: The competition will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 (snow date Sun., Jan. 16). The winner will perform with the ESYO Symphony Orchestra as part of the April 3, 2022 concert.
Eligibility/Choice of Competition Music:
Your repertoire selection must be submitted for approval by Oct. 22.
You will be notified by email when approval has been granted.
Repertoire Approval Form:
https://forms.gle/Yaj5KSpJCjbSvzep7
Competition Application and $25.00 Participation Fee Due: Nov. 19, 2021
The application and $25.00 participation fee are due by Nov. 19, 2021, 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:
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