The Montgomery Philharmonic
Bernie Rappaport
Middle School Young Artist Competition

Bernie Rappaport was a member of the Montgomery Philharmonic in the trumpet section. Dr. Rappaport was a Pediatric Dentist in Prince George’s County and loved playing the trumpet. Community music was important to him, as well as helping young people. When Bernie passed away in 2009, the Montgomery Philharmonic felt that it was important to pass along his love of music and children by holding a Young Musician’s Competition in his honor.

The Bernie Rappaport Young Musician’s Competition gives middle school-aged musicians an opportunity to audition to play a major work with a symphony orchestra each year. There is not just one winner, but rather a small group of soloists that plays the concerto tag–team style. This gives very young musicians great access to a major concerto, without having the pressure of memorizing the entire concerto. Although there can be up to five members in the soloist group, it usually comprises three winners.