About

The Rotary Calgary Concerto Competition is dedicated to supporting, inspiring, and celebrating young classical musicians across Calgary by hosting a highly competitive annual competition with the opportunity to win the rare and formative experience of performing as a soloist with an orchestra.

Since 1981, this competition has provided a platform for the best young classical musicians in Calgary, aged 18 and under, to demonstrate their skills. Each competitor performs an accompanied movement from one of the renowned concertos in the classical music repertoire. The competition attracts talented instrumentalists (non-vocal musicians) who have dedicated themselves to mastering their chosen instrument.

The winners of the competition are given the unique opportunity to collaborate with the Calgary Civic Symphony in a dedicated concert. Rehearsing and performing with a symphony orchestra is an invaluable experience for young musicians, as it allows them to refine their skills, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain exposure to the world of professional classical music.

The venue for this concert, the Jack Singer Concert Hall at the Werklund Centre (formerly known as Arts Commons), is known for its acoustics and grandeur, making it an ideal setting for such a performance. The winners showcase their talent in front of an audience, accompanied by the Calgary Civic Symphony, further enhancing their musical growth and development. 

​This competition serves as a vital platform for young classical musicians in Calgary, providing them with an incredible opportunity to display their abilities and collaborate with a full symphonic orchestra. It's an event that celebrates and supports the next generation of classical music talent in the community.

The purpose of this competition is to select up to four Calgary musicians for the opportunity to gain rehearsal and performance experience with the orchestra in preparation for future national and international competitions. The core objectives of RC3 are: 

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. To administer an annual concerto competition that allows young musicians to gain the experience of competing and being adjudicated on difficult concerto repertoire at a high level of excellence. 

            2. To reward musical achievement through recognition, awards, and the rare opportunity to perform as soloists with a live orchestra.

            3. To promote youth engagement in classical music within the Calgary community. 

            4. To foster discipline, artistry, and confidence in young performers.

The competition will honour the values of excellence, growth, fairness, and kindness.