Preliminary Round
All applicants will submit audio files (MP3/WAV) with selections of their own choosing, by November 28, 2025, to be heard and ranked by jurors. The top twelve applicants will be chosen for the Semi-Final live auditions. Semi-Finalists will be notified in early January 2026. No adjudications are provided in the Preliminary Round.
Instrumentalists are encouraged to play selections from different historical periods.
Vocalists are encouraged to include a variety of languages.
See the application form for expanded instructions.
Semi-Final Round - Saturday, February 28, 2026
Semi-finalists will program repertoire of their choice; maximum performance time is 25 minutes.
Instrumentalists are encouraged to play selections from different historical periods.
Vocalists are encouraged to include a variety of languages.
Candidates must provide full titles of works, composer’s full name and composer’s dates with exact times and performance order.
There will be a sound-check slot for each competitor available in the venue the day before the Semi-Finals.
Adjudicators will assess the performances, provide written adjudications, and choose three performers to move forward to the Final Round. The successful candidates will be contacted following the Semi Finals, and the results publicized. The recommendation of the adjudicators is final and not subject to appeal.
Each competitor will be sent an MP3 recording along with their individual adjudication. No personal recording is permitted.
Final Round with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra - Sunday, April 19, 2026
Finalists must perform either a concerto or vocal program no longer than 30 minutes, repertoire chosen from the available WSO repertoire list (see links below).
Selections not on this list must be approved by the WSO prior to submitting repertoire for the Final Round, and rental charges may apply. Repertoire inquiries must be referred to the WSO Program Director.
Instrumental repertoire list
Instrumentalists will prepare to play a full concerto (30 min. max). Should the concerto require arranging to fit the time frame, the conductor will advise.
Vocal repertoire list
Vocalists will prepare a variety of arias or other selections in at least two languages, to be accompanied by full orchestra. Selections may be tailored to comply with the 30-minute performance time.
Original copies for semi-final & final rounds:
Three sets of original scores must be provided for the adjudicators, submitted upon arrival 30 minutes before the audition. For contemporary repertoire, photocopies will be permitted if accompanied by a letter of permission from the publisher or distributor. Printouts from public domain portals such as IMSLP will be permitted on a case-by-case basis and will require approval by the McLellan committee no less than two weeks prior to the performance. Scores purchased online must be accompanied by receipt of purchase specifically by the participant.
Finalists must be available on Friday, April 17 for an individual session with the conductor, which will be held at the Centennial Concert Hall, time TBA.
On the day of the Final Round, there will be a dress rehearsal time with the WSO. Participants will be advised of the schedule.
All performers must arrive one hour before concert time. The finalists will perform in the order determined by the conductor. The finalists must remain in the building during the concert.
The decision of the adjudicators is final and not subject to appeal.
