Youth Competitions

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Every spring ECHO hosts two youth competitions for musically talented students in the Houston.

The Concerto competition winner performs with the orchestra in a major concert as a featured guest artist.

The Composition competition winner's piece is performed by the orchestra in a major concert.

ECHO is committed to fostering young talent in our backyard and to bringing the next generation of musicians to our audience.

Performers, learn about the Concerto Competition

Composers, learn about the Composition Competition

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2026/7 COMPOSITION Competition

Announcing the ECHO Youth Composition Competition, open to student composers in grades 7–12 in the Houston area. This annual initiative encourages young musicians to explore their creative voices through original orchestral writing. The winning composition will be evaluated by professional musicians, receive a cash award, and be featured in performance by the ECHOrchestra.

This is an exciting opportunity for youth composers to hear their music come to life with a full orchestra and for audiences to hear the next generation of composition!

For more information about the competition, please see our guidelines 2025/6 (This guideline will be updated soon).

Application instructions and payment links will be updated soon. Please note that payment must be submitted before sending in your work.

2026/7 CONCERTO Competition

Announcing the ECHO Young Artist Concerto Competition, open to student musicians in grades 7–12. This annual program supports emerging performers by providing an opportunity to prepare and present a full concerto at a high artistic level. The winning musician will be evaluated by professional artists and will receive a scholarship prize toward further musical study, sponsored by Casa Argentina.

This is an exciting opportunity for talented performers to play with a full orchestra and for the audience to delight in their skill and musicianship!

For more information about the competition, please see our 2025–26 guidelines (this guideline will be updated soon). Application instructions and payment links will be updated shortly. Please note that payment must be submitted before sending in your work. Our first‑round video submissions have now closed. We wish the best to all competitors.

ECHO is delighted and grateful to Casa Argentina for underwriting the Youth Concerto competition award.