Young Artist Competition
Congrats to our 2026 Winner!
Thank you to the students, teachers and parents who participated in the 2026 Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition. Students competed from as far as Ames, Iowa City and Anamosa. This year's Young Artist winner is Akiho Sugiyama (violin) with two judges.
Sugiyama, a student of Scott Conklin, from the University of Iowa, will be performing Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, 1st movement with the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra on our February 21 "Celebrating Youth" concert, so make sure to mark your calendars!
The application deadline has passed.
Please continue to watch this page for continue updates.
Send to: Henry Weberpal, 1106 North Jay Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501, or by email to henry.weberpal@ottumwaschools.com
Do you sing, play a stringed instrument, woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, harp or guitar?
Do you live in Iowa and are in 9th-12th grade and will be 19 or younger on the application deadline date?
$300
First Place
And an opportunity to play with The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra!
$200
Second Place
$100
Third Place
Audition Date
December 7, 2025 @ 1:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Join the Youth Orchestra
The mission of the Ottumwa Symphony Youth Orchestra(s) is to provide a rewarding orchestral music experience for young musicians in the greater Ottumwa area who wish to expand their knowledge of symphonic repertoire, as well as to participate in superior musical performances with a professional and dynamic conductor.