Ten Semi-Finalists from across the globe will compete for a chance at a monetary prize and to perform with the Houston Symphony in the solo spotlight. Continuing last year's tradition, the emerging musicians will compete for the Gold Medal prize of $25,000 given by Houston Symphony patrons John and Tracy Dennis in honor of his grandmother. In total, this year's competition has $43,000 in monetary prizes.

On May 29, each of the semi-finalists will perform two concertos from memory with piano accompaniment. A panel of judges  will select four finalists to perform live with the symphony. The four finalists will then perform one of their concertos again on May 31 accompanied by the Houston Symphony in front of a live audience at Stude Concert Hall.

The first place winner will earn a performance opportunity with the Houston Symphony at its second annual Day of Music celebration on July 12. The second place winner will have the opportunity to perform with the Houston Symphony at a Miller Outdoor Theatre concert on June 28.