Shown above are the Senior Division participants of the PTSO Young Artist Competition for 2026 from l. to r.: Mikhail Groth, tenor saxophone; Haydn Montgomery, snare drum; Thea Barnett, balalaika; Chase Gardner, cello; Amidah Soong, violin; Kai Anderson, violin; Juniper Fleischer, viola; and Gina Tran, violin. (Photo by Josie Morales)
NOTE: The information below is from our last Young Artist Competition. We will be scheduling another one in the spring of 2027. Read the information and documents posted below from last year to learn more about how this event is organized. We hope you participate in the future!
7th Annual
PTSO Young Artist Competition 2026
April 11, 2026
Grace Lutheran Church, 1120 Walker St, Port Townsend
Application deadline – March 28, 2026
This event is not open to the general public as audience members. Participants and their accompanists, as well as participants’ close adult supporters may observe the performances as long as they do not disrupt the required quiet atmosphere in the hall.
Details about the competition requirements and how to apply are contained on two important documents below. Click on the links to open the documents for downloading. Be sure to read them carefully. Complete and sign the application, which can be mailed to the address shown at the bottom of the form or emailed as an image to Pamela Roberts, YAC Coordinator, at ptsoyac@gmail.com.
We look forward to working with you and encourage you to participate in 2026 – it’s fun and a great way to get together with other young musicians!
APPLICATION 2026
(Required & due March 28, 2026)
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact:
Pamela Roberts, YAC Coordinator
ptsoyac@gmail.com
360-765-0124
Our goal is to provide students a positive performing experience. We hope you will choose to participate!
The Young Artist Competition is sponsored by the Port Townsend Symphony Orchestra
Tigran Arakelyan, Music Director and Conductor
The mission of the Port Townsend Symphony Orchestra is to entertain, inspire and engage the community through musical excellence and affordable concerts.
Poster by Pamela Roberts; photo by Karl Perry.
Past Winners
2026 7th Annual Young Artist Competition Winners
SENIOR
1 – Chase Gardner, cello
2 – Amidah Soong, violin
3 – Hayden Montgomery, snare drum
JUNIOR
1 – Juniper Fleischer, piano
2 – Lydia Brown, violin
3 – Darius Weinblatt, violin
CONDUCTOR AWARDS
Junior – Ren Lee-Mader
Senior – Kai Anderson
2025 6th Annual Young Artist Competition Winners
SENIOR
1 – Steven Woolbright, snare drum
2 – Hayden Montgomery, percussion
3 – Chase Gardner, cello
JUNIOR
1 – Juniper Fleischer, viola
2 – Darius Weinblatt, violin and William Morgensen, string bass
3 – Annaleigh Harrison, piano
CONDUCTOR AWARD – Chase Gardner, cello & Steven Woolbright, snare drum
2024 5th Annual Young Artist Competition Winners
SENIOR
1 Anabel Moore – violin
2 Amidah Soong – violin
3 Bella Ferland – string bass
JUNIOR
1 Juniper Fleischer – piano
2 Annaleigh Harrison – piano
3 Bodhi Fleischer and Kai Anderson – violins
CONDUCTOR AWARD – Nola Bertucci – violin
2023 4th Annual Young Artist Competition Winners
1 – Zia Magill, violin
2 – Anabel Moore, violin
3 – Nola Bertucci, violin
CONDUCTOR AWARD – Aiden Murney, piano
2022 3rd Annual Young Artist Competition Winners
1 – Aliyah Cassidy Yearian, violin
2 – Magdaline Ferland, viola
3 – Cora Brinton, violin
CONDUCTOR AWARD – Elijah Hill, piano
2021 2nd Annual Young Artist Competition Winners
1 – Maria Powell, tenor saxophone
2 – Tusker Behrenfeld, violin
3 – Magdaline Ferland, viola
CONDUCTOR AWARD – Mateu Yearian, electric bass
2019 1st Annual Young Artist Competition
1 – Kincaid Gould, clarinet
2 – Aliyah Yearian, violin
3 – Zia Magill, violin and Cora Brinton, violin
2019 1st Annual Young Artist Competition Winners
