The Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra is offering a unique opportunity to young aspiring musicians.

Students coming from as far as Kirkland will be auditioning this Sunday for a chance at a solo performance with the orchestra.

“We’re just really excited to do this this year,” said Maestro Wesley Shulz, one of the judges and the main organizer behind the event.

Shulz is in his second year as the orchestra’s director and conductor, but since it is not an annual event it is his first involvement with the competition.

Also at the judge’s table with Shulz will be Marcus Talley. Talley works with Seattle University’s fine arts program and as a freelance performer in the Seattle area.

“One thing we strive for is education outreach,” Shulz added. “[The students] are the future of music.”

There are 17 applicants auditioning for the Young Artist Concerto Competition ranging in age from 13 to

18 years old and in musical talent from cellists to pianists.

“What we are really looking for is a student that has something to say in their music,” Shulz explained. He wants the soloist’s creative voice to come out in the piece, to connect to the music.

The competition will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27 at Bainbridge Performing Arts. One winner will be chosen to perform with the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra on May 31 and June 2.

Each student auditioning will perform a piece of their choice in front of Shulz and Talley. The winner will perform the same piece at the BSO’s end-of-the-year concerts on May 31 and June 2.

The winners will be given the same treatment as any soloist with BSO would: they will receive publicity by the Bainbridge Performing Arts and the opportunity to work closely with Shulz.

But for those who don’t win, their hard work won’t go in vain. The judges will provide feedback to all those auditioning, and they will leave on Sunday having experienced the process of auditioning for a solo part with a professional symphony.