Zenith Virtuosi at Drake University

February 22, 2026

Zenith Virtuosi at Drake University is a young artist festival open to all high school aged students currently participating in their school band/orchestra programs, or who is taking private lessons in the case of home schooled students.

Zenith Virtuosi at Drake University will run for five consecutive Sundays beginning January 25, 2026, and will culminate with a public concert on February 22, 2026, at 4:00pm.

All Zenith Virtuosi festival activities will take place on the Drake University campus (Harmon Fine Arts Center). Acceptance into this festival is contingent on:

1. A successful audition.
2. Fulfillment of tuition obligations.

Tuition for the festival is $175 per participant, with a 50% discount for each additional sibling. Video auditions are due on Sunday, December 14, 2025. For any questions regarding Zenith Virtuosi at Drake University, please contact Dr. Héctor Agüero.

Audition for Zenith Virtuosi

Registration:

To register for Zenith Virtuosi, please fill out the registration form by following this link.

Submit your audition:

Prepare and submit the following requirements in one video file to the following link. Please be sure to title your video with your instrument and your full first and last name. The title should look like this: Oboe_Hector_Aguero. As a reminder, all audition video submissions are due Sunday, December 14, 2025.

Video Audition Guidelines:

• Start with a brief introduction (30 secs). Include your name, grade level, and whether you have participated in Zenith Virtuosi in the past.
• Play two (2) contrasting excerpts, taken from a concerto, sonata or other solo work that will display both technical skill and lyrical style. You may choose to play etudes instead of a solo. It is recommended that you consult your music teacher concerning choice of excerpts. Do not use piano accompaniment. Each piece should not exceed 2 minutes.

Quick Tips:

• Your entire body from head to toe including hands and instrument should be visible on the video. Position the camera so that your music stand does not block the view. You may sit or stand for your video.
• Do not use piano accompaniment on your recording.
• Make sure that the final version you submit represents your best playing. Unlike a live audition, you can keep recording until you are satisfied.
• Impressions matter – Dress comfortably but nicely for the video. This is an important opportunity and dressing professionally is one simple way to show that you take it seriously. (Do not purchase anything new for this!)
• Prepare and practice – Preparing your music well in advance of the recording and audition can be one of the strongest predictors of success.

Zenith Virtuosi Schedule:

• Rehearsals: January 25, February 1, February 8, & February 15, 2026, from 3:00pm-5:00pm
• Performance: February 22, 2025 at 4:00 pm
• Location: Drake University Harmon Fine Arts Center
  • 1310 25th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311

Zenith Virtuosi Repertoire:

• Tchaikovsky - Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
• Dvorak - Selections from Symphony No. 9 in E minor, From the New World