The Pasadena Showcase House of Design began as a fundraiser in 1965. It is now the largest, most successful and one of the oldest house and garden tours in the U.S.

The Pasadena Showcase House Instrumental Competition has awarded nearly $400,000 in prize money since it began in 1985. String, woodwind and brass players ranging from ages 16 to 24, living or attending school in Southern California, compete for individual prizes ranging from $500 to $7,000. The judging panel includes members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the prize monies for the Instrumental Competition are provided from the proceeds of PSHA’s annual benefit event, The Pasadena Showcase House of Design.

The 2003 Grand Prize winner, trombonist Achilles Liarmakopoulos, performed a solo performance at Disney Hall prior to the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing for the 2004 Pasadena Showcase House Youth Concert. The 1999 Grand Prize winner, violist Richard O'Neill, was the featured soloist for the 2000 Pasadena Showcase House Youth Concert. The 1996 Grand Prize winner, cellist Jonathan Karoly, became the youngest member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at age 22 and has been a member of the judging panel.

For inquiries about our Instrumental Competition:
competition@pasadenashowcase.org

This Instrumental Competition is open to:

String and woodwind musicians between ages 16-23;
Brass musicians between ages 17-24; and
Competitors who either reside or study in the Los Angeles, Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, or Ventura counties.

The 2010 Pasadena Showcase House Instrumental Competition is scheduled for November 6, 2010 at Thayer Hall on the campus of the Colburn School, 200 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Applications and audition DVDs must be received no later than Friday, October 8, 2010. For this year's application, rules and regulations, please click here.