Each summer CCMF proudly presents the CCMF Concerto Competition for participants interested in pursuing a solo performance opportunity. The competition is open exclusively to CCMF participants and it is held live in the Jewel Box Recital Hall at Northeastern Illinois University on the opening day of the festival. Winners of the CCMF Concerto Competition receive an invitation to perform a solo work with the Northeastern Illinois University Orchestra during the following academic year.

Next Competition Date - Saturday, July 25th, 2026

Eligibility - Participants must be fully accepted to CCMF in order to enter the competition.

Instruments - Piano and Strings

Competition Repertoire - One movement from a concerto or solo piece. Refer to the pre-approved repertoire list. Works outside this list will need individual approval. Contact CCMF for further details.

Accompanist - CCMF will provide an accompanist for the competition at no additional cost. Participants are welcome to collaborate with their own accompanist as well.

Concerto Competition Fee - There is a additional fee to enter the Concerto Competition.

All music must be performed from memory for this event.