Discover MSO & PianoArts Wisconsin Competition

The winners of our 2023 Wisconsin Youth Piano Competition! Alexander Bo (center) of Middleton, Wisconsin, took first place. Paul He (right) of Pewaukee, won second place, and Komei Okamoto (left) of Brookfield, won third. All three received cash prizes. In addition, Alexander Bo has the opportunity to perform with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra next season. Well done, gentlemen!

DISCOVER MSO & PIANOARTS WISCONSIN YOUTH COMPETITION.

Concerto Competition
Proudly presented by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra & PianoArts
Sponsored by the JoAnne Krause Education Endowment Fund

2025 Competition Concertos

Preliminary Round Audio Submission:
Early April: (submission link posted in March)

Semifinal and Final Dates:
June 13 through 16, 2025
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music

Eligibility
Open to pianists ages ten to sixteen. Must be a Wisconsin resident to apply. 
Requirements 
Performance of the first movement of a concerto selected from the 2025 Competition Concerto listing and a solo work of the contestant’s choosing. 

Competition Opportunities
Preliminary Round pianists will receive performance comments from the jury. Up to twelve pianists will be advanced to the semifinal round. 

Semifinalists receive coaching on speaking about music and a rehearsal with the pianist performing the concerto’s orchesral reduction. The competition recitals will be perfored for a jury and a public audience

Semifinal Round Recitals performed for the jury are open to the publci. The jury advances three pianists to the fials. . 

Finalists rehearse and perform concertos with an MSO conductor and quintet. The public is invited to the program. Following performances, the jury announces prizes and awards the first place winner with a performance with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

Prizes
First Place $1,000
and performance with Milwaukee Symphony on Youth Concert Series
Second Place$750
Third Place $500