Young Artist Competition

YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION Sponsored by THE PEORIA AREA CIVIC CHORALE

Congratulations to our 2025 Young Artists!

Emmy Gerth

Emmy Gerth

Mia Lykins

Izzy Hosein

Emmy Gerth – Washington Community High School Sophomore
Performing Friday, December 19

Mia Lykins – Washington Community High School Sophomore
Performing Saturday, December 20

Izzy Hosein – Dunlap High School Senior
Performing Sunday, December 21

Vocalists in grades 8-12 are invited to participate in auditions for the Civic Chorale’s annual Young Artist Competition. Auditions for our 2026 competition will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the First Christian Church (6400 N. University St., Peoria) beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Winners of this competition will have the privilege of performing their auditioned piece as a soloist at one of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale’s An American Family Christmas concerts at the Caterpillar Performing Arts Center at Five Points Washington on December 18th or 19th at 7:30 p.m. or 20th at 2:30 p.m. In addition, the winners will also receive a plaque and a $350 scholarship to be used for music study (voice lessons, music camp, college courses, etc). For more information, contact the PACC office at office@peoriacivicchorale.org.

AUDITION RULES

• Fill out an application by Friday, October 9, 2026   Register here
• Musical selections should be classical or musical theater and are subject to approval by the PACC music director. Selections should demonstrate adequate difficulty and showcase the vocal abilities of each vocalist. Winners will perform the piece they audition with on the American Family Christmas Consideration should be given to selections that will complement the atmosphere of the concert.
• Audition selections are subject to approval of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale’s Artistic Director. Should a selection not be approved for audition, the candidate will be notified and be given an opportunity to select another song.
• Applicants should contact the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Business Office well in advance of the application deadline should they have any doubts concerning audition repertoire.
• All audition pieces should be memorized.
• At the time of the audition, each participant MUST provide each of the three judges with a copy of their music.
• Each student needs to have his/her own accompanist at the audition. A piano accompanist WILL NOT be provided by the Civic Chorale organization.
• Students may not win this competition in consecutive years.
• Questions can be directed to office@peoriacivicchorale.org (attn: Young Artist Competition) or 309-693-6725.
• You will be contacted via e-mail or phone to schedule an audition time.
  Please fill out the Young Artist Competition Form in order to apply.

Thank you to our Young Artist Corporate Sponsors!