NSO Betsy L. Kent Youth Concerto Competition

Applications for the 2025 Betsy L. Kent Concerto Competition are now open.

Application deadline Monday, October 13, 2025; auditions held Saturday, November 8, 2025 1:30-6:00PM.  Please see the below flyer and application forms for dates and details.
A high school and college winner will be selected. Both will be awarded a $400 honorarium, and will perform with the Newark Symphony Orchestra in March or May of the following year*.

2025 Concerto Application + Flyer

A non-refundable fee of $40 must accompany each application. Use the link below to pay online, or refer to the flyer for pay by check details.

For assistance or more information about the competition, please contact Tom Rocek, rocek@udel.edu.

*Competition winners permit the Newark Symphony Orchestra to make photographs, audio recordings and video recordings of Symphony activities in which they participate for archives, publicity, sale or other purposes without additional notice, consent or compensation and disclaim any ownership or property interest in and any power to control any such services, photographs and recordings.  Sample contract available on request.


October 2019, the Newark Symphony Orchestra Annual Youth Concerto Competition was dedicated to our dear friend and colleague, Betsy L. Kent.  Betsy filled numerous roles during her many years associated with the Newark Symphony Orchestra and the Newark Symphony Chorus. She was a reliable and smiling presence, happy to step in and help in any way needed. Betsy served on the Newark Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and was one of the original organizers of the Newark Symphony Chorus serving as Chorus Master, rehearsal accompanist, and membership chair. She conducted several Newark Symphony Chamber Concerts, as well. On the NSO Board, Betsy was a valued member of the NSO Program Committee. Her main passion, though, was Education & Outreach. In that capacity she was responsible for making our Youth Concerto Competition a regionally sought after prize.  We will miss you, dear friend.

2024 Concerto Competition Winners

2023 Concerto Competition Winners

2022 Concerto Competition Winners

2021 Concerto Competition Winners

2020 Concerto Competition Winners

2019 Concerto Competition Winners

2018 Concerto Competition Winners

2017 Concerto Competition Winners

2016 Concerto Competition Winners

2015 Concerto Competition Winners

2014 Concerto Competition Winners