Competition Info
BIMF Concerto Competition
BIMF will hold a concerto competition during the festival. Its winner will perform with the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra (TSO) in its May 2026 concert. If the BIMF concerto winner performs the same piece as the TSO's Young Artist Winner, TSO would have the option of including the BIMF winner in its June/July concert instead of the May concert.
How to Apply
The application form will be available for BIMF participants to sign up when the festival begins.
Criteria
BIMF participant who is 22 years old or younger and a resident of Kern County. Age is determined by the first day of BIMF (July 16, 2025).
Instrument
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass (Piano soloists are not accepted at this time).
Repertoire
- Any single movement for string instrument and orchestra that meets the following stipulations.
- A composition must have published orchestra parts readily available.
- A composition could be a concerto or another orchestra-accompanied work, such as "Romance," "Elegy," etc.
- A composition with large orchestrations or which include non-standard instruments may be re-arranged to fit the TSO's instrumentation.
- A composition that requires renting music parts may incur a charge to the performer to cover the rental fee.
- A composition longer than 20 minutes requires TSO approval prior to the competition.
- Memorization is required.
Prizes
- 1st prize: $150 cash, certificate, performance at the BIMF Showcase Concert, and performance with the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra
- 2nd prize: $100 cash, certificate, and performance at the BIMF Showcase Concert.
- 3rd prize: $50 cash, certificate, and performance at the BIMF Showcase Concert.
BIMF Young Artist Competition
BIMF will hold the Young Artist Competition during the festival. This year’s category is solo piano. Selected winners will perform at the BIMF Showcase Concert on July 19, 2025. We look forward to hearing your incredible performances!
How to Apply
The application form will be available for BIMF participants to sign up when the festival begins.
Criteria
BIMF participant who is 22 years old or younger. Age is determined by the first day of BIMF (July 16, 2025).
Instrument
Piano Solo
Repertoire
- Free program, no longer than 10 minutes.
- 1 or 2 works from the Baroque to the 21st century. Individual/separate movements from larger works are acceptable.
- Memorization is required.
Prizes
- 1st prize: $150 cash, certificate, and performance at the BIMF Showcase Concert.
- 2nd prize: $100 cash, certificate, and performance at the BIMF Showcase Concert.
- 3rd prize: $50 cash, certificate, and performance at the BIMF Showcase Concert.