Young Ensembles Program

Celebrating its 27th year, the Young Ensembles Concert features exceptional chamber ensembles from middle schools in the New York City metropolitan area. As the junior division of the reputable Young Musicians Concert, this program’s mission is to refine young musical talents in the spirit of chamber music, fostering both individual growth and collaborative excellence. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, participants receive a 1-hour coaching session from CMS artists, along with a performance and stage presence workshop that will prepare them for their own performance in the Rose Studio at CMS.

Important Dates

Feb 14, 2025, 9 pm     Application Deadline  

Mar 21, 2025              Announcement of Concert Performers  

April 5-6, 2025 TBD     In-Person Coaching at Lincoln Center  

May 22, 2025 11 am   28th Annual Young Ensembles Concert in Rose Studio at CMS 

Eligibility 

• Instrumental, vocal, or mixed ensembles no more than 12 players in size, with only one performer per part may apply.  
• The program is open to students in public or private schools, but not pre-professional or community music schools. 
• Teachers may submit no more than three ensembles for consideration.  
• All students in the ensemble must attend the same school at the time of application, as well as at the time of performance. 
• All students in the ensemble must actively participate in their school music program (e.g. band, orchestra, chamber music club). 
• Please limit a performing student to only one chamber ensemble application 
• The application must be submitted by the school music teacher on behalf of their students. The school music teacher must agree to serve as the sole point-of-contact between the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the student ensemble. 
• Ensembles must be available for all dates to be eligible to continue in the competition 

Repertoire 

• Ensembles must select a single movement, or single movement work no more than 9 minutes in length  
• Works featuring theme and variation will need to perform the theme, and then adhere to timing limit of no more than 9 minutes in length 
• Arrangements or instrument substitutions will be accepted on a case-by-case basis and with prior approval by the the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Education and Community Engagement Department.  
• The difficulty of the music chosen should reflect the ability of the players. 
• Duos and Sonatas (piano with one instrument) should feature equally challenging parts.  
• Percussion Ensembles: must be able to provide and transport their own percussion instrument(s) and equipment, if selected. 
• The Handel/Halvorsen Duo and any work for two pianos will not be accepted. 
• Suggested repertoire can be found using the NYSSMA Manual’s repertoire lists of instrumental and vocal music for solo and ensemble performance for your reference.