Jenny & Norman Nelson Concerto Competition

About the competition

The Jenny and Norman Nelson Concerto Competition is open to instrumental and voice students up to and including the age of 25 years (as of January 1, 2025). They must be studying privately or at an accredited institution on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands.

The final competition will take place on Wednesday, May 7rd, 2025 at 7 pm at the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall at the University of Victoria.

Deadline for applications will be Friday, February 14, 2025.  Finalists will be announced no later than March 1, 2025.

If a finalist is unable to meet the May 7th competition date and rehearsal/concert dates (to be announced) he or she must notify the Music Director immediately.

See past competition winners

2023 Competition for Young Musicians - Results

  • Patrick Cao standing in front of a piano

    First Prize: Patrick Cao

    Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No.2 in D minor, Op.40

  • Felicia Ma holding flowers

    Second Prize: Felicia Ma

    Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K.488

  • Gloria Miao

    Finalist: Gloria Miao

    Bach: Piano Concerto in D minor, BWV1052

  • Kay Kuang

    Finalist: Kay Kuang

    Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat major, Op.73

Long & McQuade logo

Prizes generously donated by Long & McQuade

1st Prize: $600 gift certificate

2nd Prize: $400 gift certificate

The Sooke Philharmonic Society would like to thank Long & McQuade (Marketing & Community Support program Manager Sherri Katz, Hillside Store Manager Michael Arensen) for once again sponsoring the prizes in the form of gift certificates!

Ajudicators:

Robert Holliston, May Ling Kwok, & Sharon Stanis

“Don Chrysler had admiration and respect for the benefits classical music provides – not only to an individual soul, but to civilization as a whole. Having great empathy for those willing to follow their creative spirit and produce great beauty, he realized this was often a path fraught with harsh realities. He therefore decided, early on, to share his time, effort and bounty to bolster, support and encourage the artistic endeavours of others. He was an honourable, intelligent man, tremendously generous.