2026 Syllabus - Orchestras

Full Orchestra Definition
A large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, usually including strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments.

String Orchestra Definition
A music group consisting solely of stringed instruments.

Concerto Definition
A piece of music for one or more solo instruments accompanied by an orchestra.

Concertos are only permited in the Concerto Class. 

One of the selections must have been performed at the Local Festival and received a minimum mark of 85 and the recommendation of the local Adjudicator. If applicable, the second selection is the competitor's choice but must follow the rules of this category.

Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will take selection choice into consideration. 

Multiple movements from the same piece will count as one selection. For example, Britten’s The Simple Symphony, Op. 4, contains four movements. Whether you perform all four movements, three movements, two movements, or just one movement, it will still be counted as a single selection.

A pdf of the original scores must be submitted with the registration.  It must be a complete original score in the correct key for all instruments in the performance.

Instrumentation should be indicated if it differs from the score.

If not already in the score, bar numbers should be placed at the beginning of each line of music in the original score.

IMPORTANT – FOR SCHOOL CLASSES ONLY

• Payment may be made by cheque instead of e-transfer. Cheques should be sent by priority post or courier to ensure they arrive at the Festival Office by your festival’s deadline.  
  Cheques MUST be made out to:
  Ontario Music Festivals Association (short forms will not be accepted by the bank) and couriered to: 17 Pinemore Cres., Toronto, ON  M3A 1W5

• All orchestra classes must provide their pieces, composers, and a PDF of the scores at the time of registration.

• Videos of performances may be uploaded at any time, but must be received no later than May 1 for festivals with deadlines before this date, or May 12 for festivals with later deadlines.

General Rules
All competitors must be an amateur. Please click here for the full definition of Amateur vs Professional: omfa.ca/amateur-vs-professional

No announcement of name or selection is permitted prior to your performance.

Live Festival - originals must be provided at the time of registration.

Virtual Festival - a pdf of the music must be uploaded at the time of registration.

It is important to note that if the Festival office has to contact you because of incomplete information (i.e. missing movements, pieces at the wrong grade level, etc.) will result in an additional $25 charge. Failure to pay the charge will result in disqualification and refunds will not be given.

All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (omfa.ca/festival/rules-and-regulations) must be strictly adhered to.

****All of the requirements for video submissions are detailed in the red Virtual Submission Requirements button.****