Sarasota Orchestra announced that it will update the format of its Edward and Ida Wilkof Young Artists Competition. Each year, up-and-coming young musicians from across the region gain valuable experience participating in the annual competition. Open to all instrumentalists residing in Charlotte, Manatee or Sarasota Counties as well as Sarasota Youth Orchestras participants from additional counties, the competition will now include both a Junior and Senior level with separate categories for piano, strings and woodwind/brass/percussion. Judges may select up to three winners in each category and age group. Cash prizes will be granted to the winners selected. The Edward and Ida Wilkof Young Artists Competition was established in 1966. The Wilkofs wanted to plant a seed in talented youth and encourage them to aspire to professional heights. The couple’s endowment is an outgrowth of Edward Wilkof’s longtime dedication to the Orchestra, having served many decades as a generous philanthropist and longtime member of the Orchestra’s Board of Directors. The competition is open to instrumentalists ages 9-14 (Junior Level), ages 15-19 (Senior Level). Interested participants may enter the competition by submitting a high-quality recording of the work to be performed, along with entry form and entry fee of $25. Submissions are due February 4, 2023. Final round auditions will take place at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center on February 25, 2023. Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/Education for full details.