Congratulations to the finalists of the 45th Annual Maine High School Concerto Competition!
The Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO) was delighted to present the 45th Annual Maine High School Concerto Competition. For 45 years, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra has been encouraging and recognizing the outstanding talents of Maine’s high school instrumentalists. We invite you to become a part of this long history by participating in the 45th Annual Maine High School Concerto Competition. Monetary prizes have increased this year. The first-prize winner for the Annas-Cupp Award will be featured in a concerto performance with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra at the annual Young People’s Concerts. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talents and become part of Bangor Symphony Orchestra history!
Awards
1st place: Ronan Sands, cello
2nd place: Elizabeth Ruggiero, violin
3rd place: Ryker Olson, viola
Honorable Mention: Thomas Bailey, violin; Carson Dunn, violin; and Calista Post, violin
Concert
Join us to experience the musical talents of the next generation as it flourishes on stage. As the winner, Ronan Sands has been awarded the Annas-Cupp Award and will perform the first movement Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor live with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra during the annual Young People’s Concerts on May 11, 2026 at 10:00am and 11:45am at the Collins Center for the Arts. The 10:00am concert is sold out, but tickets are still available for the 11:45 am show. For tickets, please navigate to the ticket reservation page.
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important Dates (2026)
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026 All applications must be postmarked prior to midnight
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026 Applicants notified of selection for public audition recital
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026 Public audition recital (Storm date TBD)
SUNDAY, MAY 10 & MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026 Winner rehearses and performs with BSO