The Allentown Symphony Association presents its 20th Annual Schadt String Competition, 2 p.m. March 6, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown.

The Finals Round features three cellists competing for a top prize of $8,000 and a solo performance with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, Nov. 5 and 6.

In a recital-style performance, each finalist plays a concerto with piano accompaniment.

The event is free and open to the public with a small reception to follow.

This year’s semifinalists are from some of the most prestigious music schools in the U.S., including The Curtis Institute of Music, Northwestern University, The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory and Michigan State University. The nine semifinalists compete in a closed competition March 5 for the three finalist spots.

The Judges Panel for the Semifinal and Finals rounds are: Richard L. Aaron, professor of cello, University of Michigan, The Juilliard School; Natasha Brofsky, New England Conservatory cello faculty; Diane Wittry, Allentown Symphony Music Director and Conductor, and David Moulton, Opera Company of Philadelphia Orchestra, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Principal Cellist, Allentown Symphony.

A preliminary round was Jan. 8 in the WDIY-FM, Lehigh Valley Community Radio, studios, Bethlehem. Contestants submitted audio recordings. A panel of three judges selected nine semifinalists.

The Schadt String Competition is a competition for violinists, cellists and classical guitarists, rotating these instruments annually. The competition draws young artists, ages 18-30, studying and living in the United States.

The Schadt String Competition is made possible by the Edwin and Leigh Schadt Trust, established in 1997 to honor their father, a self-taught violinist. In addition to funding the annual string competition, The Schadt Trust provides scholarships to area string musicians, sends young musicians to music camps, and loans two Schadt violins to area string students.

Information: AllentownSymphony.org, 610-432-7961