Applicants to the 2026–2027 Yen Liang Young Artist Competition for string players must have been born after April 1, 2003, and must submit applications to the competition (including the video recording of a memorized concerto of the applicant’s choice) by no later than October 16, 2026. Please click this link for the application form. The final round of the competition takes place on November 15, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at a location being determined.
The first prize winner will receive a $1500 cash honorarium and the opportunity to perform the auditioned concerto with the Diablo Symphony Orchestra in three concerts in Walnut Creek (February 16 and February 21, 2027, at the Lesher Center for the Arts, and at Rossmoor on a date to be determined). The second-prize winner will receive a $750 cash honorarium.
For more information about the competition, please consult the competition rules. You may also contact Christine Hsia, competition coordinator, at christinehsia@gmail.com.
The Yen Liang Young Artist Competition is an annual concerto competition presented by the Diablo Symphony Association, showcasing the depth of the young local talent in Contra Costa County and beyond. The competition is dedicated to the memory of Yen Liang (1908–2000), a noted artist, architect, and longtime resident of Rossmoor who also played second violin in the Diablo Symphony for many years. The competition rotates every year between strings, winds / brass / percussion, and piano.