BRAINERD — The Heartland Symphony Orchestra is a 55-piece orchestra serving the communities of Brainerd, Little Falls and surrounding areas.

Since the creation of the ASS in 1977, Echo Kowalzek has participated in all stages of the process. His history of involvement includes playing the viola and double bass as well as decades of service on the HSO Board of Directors, including 32 years as Secretary.

The HSO Youth Concerto Competition, held every other year, has been a tradition since 1983 and is an integral part of the spring concert series.

The orchestra and its board have announced a competition to recognize Kowalzek’s legacy through the 2023 Echo Kowalzek Youth Concerto Competition.

Students living in the service area who are of school age or younger can audition in January in front of the judges on any band or orchestral instrument, piano or voice.

One winner will be chosen in each of two age categories: Grades 10-12 and Grades 9 and under.

In addition to their public performances at the Heartland Symphony Orchestra’s spring concerts, each young artist will receive a recording of their performance and a $500 music scholarship from HSO to further their musical education.

This is the 46th season of the Heartland Symphony Orchestra and the spring 2023 concert series, “The Youth Concerto Competition Returns”, will feature the winners of the competition.

The entry form and rules and regulations for this competition can be found and submitted at www.heartlandsymphony.com.

For more information, email [email protected] or contact the Heartland Symphony Orchestra office at 1-800-826-1997.