The Florence Frager Young Artist Competition, which started in the mid-1970s and was named after a member’s mother in 1993, has allowed the Civic to support young talent in the community and showcase them with a full symphonic orchestra for over 40 years.  The audition date for the 2025-2026 season is Sunday evening, on a date to be announced, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Church at 9801 Olive Blvd.  Audition times will be decided closer to the date and will be communicated to applicants.

Information for Applicants

Qualifications – An applicant shall:

  • Be a senior high school student in grades 9-12.
  • Be an orchestral instrumentalist (except piano)
  • Complete the application (CLICK HERE TO APPLY)
  • Reside within a 150-mile radius of St. Louis

Auditions – An applicant shall:

  • Perform from memory a movement from a work in the advanced concert repertoire that is scored for orchestral accompaniment.
  • Audition for ten minutes maximum
  • Supply an accompanist.
  • Bring two copies of the music for the judges without any names on the copies.

Award

The winner(s) shall receive an honorarium and perform as a soloist(s) with the St. Louis Civic Orchestra at its April concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood.  The date is Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

Application Procedure

For information, email stlouiscivicorchestra@gmail.com

Click Here for the 24-25 Florence Frager Young Artist Competition Application

Applications must be received by <DATE TBD>, but only the first 15 will be accepted