Festival of the Arts Boca is accepting applications for its annual Virtual Youth Music Competition, open to string players 18 and under who live in Broward or Palm Beach County. Applications are due December 31, 2026, and can be submitted at festivalboca.org/competition.
The top three finishers will split $9,500 in cash prizes. First place, presented by Baptist Health South Florida, wins $5,000 and a performance at a 2028 Festival event. Second place receives $3,000 and third place receives $1,500.
Entrants must complete the application, pay a $25 donation to the Festival and submit a video performance of five to 15 minutes. There is no required repertoire, so students may choose the piece they play best. Winners will be announced at the Festival concert on March 6, 2027.
Joanna Marie Kaye, the Festival’s executive director, said the competition gives young musicians a real audience and support for their next step. The contest started during the pandemic, when many students lost chances to perform. Its focus rotates among strings, winds and brass, and piano, and judges are music professionals from around the country.
The Festival returns to Mizner Park for its 21st season March 5 to 14, 2027, with 10 nights of music, dance, film and ideas. Full lineup and ticket details will be posted at festivalboca.org.
