OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the 36th Annual Young Artist Competition, now named the Margaret A. Dates Young Artist Competition in recognition of Margaret A. Dates’ extraordinary support of the program and her commitment to its future. The competition is also supported by Duke Energy.
Dates has supported semifinalist and finalist stipends for the competition in recent seasons and has committed a legacy gift to endow the program in perpetuity, ensuring that the opportunity will continue for generations of young musicians.
“Renaming the competition in this way is an absolute honor for us,” said Matthew Wardell, music director and conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. “Ms. Dates’ current and pledged future support of this vital program for talented young musicians is exceptional. Knowing this program will continue long into the future is truly heartening. Few things we do are more rewarding than helping young musicians grow into people who go on to impact the world around them.”
For Dates, the gift reflects a lifelong love of music and a desire to support the next generation of musicians.
“Since childhood, I have been a lover of music and studied to be a classical pianist,” said Margaret A. Dates. “Reflecting on the training and support that I had caused me to think how important and exciting it would be to support today’s young artists in their musical journey. Finding the Young Artist Competition at the Ocala Symphony was the perfect way to accomplish this.”
Applications and video auditions are due by Monday, November 9, 2026 at 5 PM EST. For a full list of application guidelines and the link to apply, visit reillyartscenter.com/symphony/yac/. Instrument and voice students ages 12-25, throughout the U.S, are encouraged to compete.
Competition Finalists will compete in front of a live audience on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027 at 3:00 PM at the Honors Recital held at the Reilly Arts Center. The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 NE 9th St., Ocala. Finalists from each division will receive a cash award of $200.
The winner from each division will be chosen to perform their concerto live with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the Reilly Arts Center on Saturday, March 20, 2026 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 21, 2027 at 3:00 PM for their subscription performance “Fate Awakens”. In addition to performing, the winners will also receive a cash award of $1,800 presented as a check at the performances.
Now entering its 36th year, the competition has become an important part of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to supporting emerging musical talent. The Margaret A. Dates Young Artist Competition provides young musicians with valuable performance experience, professional exposure and financial assistance as they continue their artistic development.
For more information regarding the Young Artist Competition program, please direct any administrative or music questions to personnel@ocalasymphony.com.