2026 Young Artist Competition Results

The Hampton Roads Philharmonic would like to announce the following results for our 11th annual Young Artist Competition. This year’s competition was adjudicated by Dr. Mark Johnson, Dr. Ben Corbin, and HRP Music Director Steven Brindle.

We’re extremely proud to attract the best young soloists that our community has to offer, and each year the level of performance continues to impress our judges.  Hearing young players hone their craft while tackling some of the most challenging repertoire is inspirational and musically invigorating.  Each year our greatest regret is that in a competition of so many well-qualified soloists, we are unable to give a performance opportunity to every deserving performer.  Awards were given to soloists who, in addition to their musical and technical preparation, were able to command the stage by playing with intention, control, and finesse.

Our judges awarded a Grand Prize, Second Place, Third Place, and one honorable mention.

Bravo to all who performed, and we eagerly invite you to participate again next year.

Congratulations to the following soloists!

Placements:

Grand Prize:

Award: $500

Jacob Byma, performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor

Second Place:

Award: $150

Jiaming Wang, performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 

Third Place:

Award: $100

Benjamina Bolger, performing Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1

Honorable Mention:

Megan Baggott, performing Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1

2027 Competition

Details regarding next year’s competition will be published as soon as they are available, but it is anticipated that the orchestra will continue to host this competition again in the first or second weekend of November.

We are working each season to build our competition into what we hope will stand as an important stepping stone for young performing soloists.  We are fundraising ongoing for the event to provide the highest level of professional adjudication and increased award amounts for placements.

Performance Date

Congratulations to our winners and thank you for your participation and support!  Please join us on Sunday, March 7, 2027, at 2:30 pm at the American Theatre to hear the winner’s performance.