31st Young Artists Debut! – Apply by 1/21/2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Age restrictions: Artists ages 10 to 18 (up to 21 for singers)

Boundaries: Up to 1 ½ hours from Portland-Metro Area

We are seeking exceptional classical ensembles of three or more to apply for our Young Artists Debut! Program. The program has been updated to focus on young artists performing with other young artists. (Note: Artists may apply in multiple categories. Full applications and fees apply.)

Ideal performing artists possess:

• Extraordinary talent, skill, and musicality.

• The temperament, comfort, ability, and desire to speak publicly, perform, and collaborate with other artists and mentors.

• Flexibility and enthusiasm to participate in this fun and educational program. As we have for 30 years, we are offering exceptional young classical musicians in the form of ensembles the opportunity to become YAD! winners. This year we are expanding to allow

  additional artists specializing in visual arts and other performing arts

  to participate. Be prepared to collaborate with these types of artists as well to create a fantastic experience for all artists and audience members.

• The commitment to fulfill program requirements and timelines.

• All ensembles are encouraged to apply!

Repertoire requirements:

• Chamber music in the public domain, readily available for rental or purchase, no longer than 12 minutes.

• A minimum of a trio of performers. If a piano is a part of the piece, a pianist must be a part of the ensemble.

• The piece must not be performed publicly until after the Young Artists Debut! Concert & Showcase on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

If you are selected and fulfill program requirements, you will:

• Earn the honor of becoming a Young Artists Debut! Winner – an elite college resume and biography builder – and receive an honorarium to further artistic endeavors.

• Be eligible to be the recipient of the first Deveney Award for Artistic Excellence. The winner will receive special recognition as well as a monetary prize.

• Participate in arts-centric educational mentoring sessions with YAD! judges and brainstorming sessions with other winning artists to create an exceptional immersive program.

• Obtain professional artistic guidance to sharpen your performance, a professional head shot, the opportunity to collaborate with a community of artists, exposure, and access to professional photos and a video of your work as a participant in the Young Artists Debut! Concert & Showcase at The Reser on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

All who apply receive:

• Feedback on their application from YAD! judges.

• The opportunity to apply to earn volunteer hours or Intern with Cognizart.

• Priority access to Cognizart programs including 360 Arts Camp and The Arts Backstage.

We encourage all young artists to apply and be a part of the Cognizart Community and to be able to participate in many activities and events!

Availability:

Winning artists are required to participate in all events.

(Live auditions will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at The Reser.  Finalists must be available.)

• Photo Shoot – Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in NE Portland.

• Young Artists Debut! Concert & Showcase –Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at The Reser. (You will need to take the day off school.)

• Up to six other floating dates between Saturday, February 15, 2025, and Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Communication & Marketing:

An important educational part of the Young Artists’ Debut! program is

professionalism. Participants must be accountable, respectful, punctual and fully committed to the success of the concert. Each Young Artists will be responsible to fill at least 20 seats

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2025. We encourage applying early! All steps MUST be completed for consideration:

1. Complete and submit the application form below and pay the nonrefundable $250 application fee via the MetroArts Inc. PayPal Donation link above or here. Only one fee is required per ensemble.

2. Email your YouTube* performance link to Cognizart’s Program Assistant Laura Tuffli at laura@metroartsinc.org with subject line “2025 YAD 31 Classical Ensemble Application for (insert your last names)” (Details for this requirement are listed below.)

YouTube Performance Link:*

• Introduce yourself at the beginning of the recording. State your names and ages and how long you have been working on your craft.

• Video your performance in one take. Reminder, the piece must be public domain no more than 12 minutes in length.

• The file must be in .mp3 or .wav format only. (Upload to YouTube and share the link with us in the email as noted previously.)

Artists will be notified of their standing in the competition by Thursday, January 30, 2025. All who apply are considered a part of the Cognizart Community and will be invited to attend Young Artists Debut! events. We appreciate you!

Questions?  Text Laura Tuffli, Program Assistant, at (503) 482-9322.

Please text your intent to apply to the number above with your name and category (visual arts, performing arts, ensemble) ASAP.