We are currently accepting applications for the Seattle Philharmonic’s 2026 Don Bushell Concerto Competition, now through Saturday, April 25, 2026.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS
To be eligible to perform at the 2026 Don Bushell Concerto Competition, applicants must comply with all of the following entry requirements:
- The competition is open to musicians in any of the orchestral instrument classes: piano, string, percussion, woodwind and brass. Compositions and contestants featuring two or more solo parts are admissible. Singers are welcome to audition with works for solo voice and orchestra.
- All applicants must be sixteen (16) years of age or older on the day of competition (May 23rd, 2026).
- All applicants must be a current resident of the State of Washington.
The winner of the competition will be invited to perform their concerto with the Seattle Philharmonic during our 2026-2027 season.
Competition Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Competition Site: Kerry Hall – 710 E Roy St, Seattle, WA 98102
Deadline for Entry: All applications must be submitted online by Saturday, April 25, 2026
Applications must include:
- A completed application form
- A recording demonstrating the applicant’s skill level, submitted as an unlisted YouTube link
- Non-refundable entry fee of $50.00*
*If you are in a position of financial hardship, please download and fill out this form: DOWNLOAD Application Fee Reduction/Waiver form. Email it to bushell@seattlephil.org and we will take your circumstances into consideration.
Please review the competition rules and policies for important information regarding the audition process and repertoire selection before submitting an application!
For questions or more information about the competition or application process, please contact the Competition Chair:
Jack Reed
bushell@seattlephil.org
COMPETITION HISTORY
The Don Bushell Concerto Competition is named in honor of the Seattle Philharmonic’s first Music Director, Don Bushell, who started this annual event in 1946 to provide aspiring musicians an opportunity to perform as soloists with the orchestra. Today, this prestigious competition continues to provide professional development and an exclusive concert performance opportunity for outstanding area soloists.