Sure, singing competitions have proliferated on television like crazy. But to see, in person, an instrumental competition featuring classical music? That's something different. In this area, you can, though, do that: just get yourself to Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra’s annual Instrumental Competition. For nearly six decades, the contest has been putting a spotlight on talented young musicians, up through age 25.

Submissions have been whittled down to the final dozen by the time Saturday’s event begins in Connecticut College’s Evans Hall.

Members of the public can fill the audience and — for free — listen as these talented young people perform. The musicians, who hail from as far away as Texas, include those playing alto saxophone, cello, clarinet, violin and piano.

The winner gets $2,000 and a possible guest soloist gig with the orchestra. (Last year’s winner, cellist Yi Qun Xu, served as a soloist at ECSO’s Feb. 24 concert.)

After the judges announce who won, audience members can enjoy complimentary refreshments — and the winner can celebrate.

The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra’s Instrumental Competition, 1 p.m. Saturday, Evans Hall, Connecticut College, New London; free; ectsymphony.com.