The rules of the competition
The competition categories
- Piano solo
- Piano as additional instrument
- Strings solo: violin, viola, cello, double bass
- Woodwinds solo: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone
- Brass solo: French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, saxhorn
- Pedal harp
- Accordion
- Ensemble (each subcategory is assessed separately):
— Classical duo, trio, quartet, quintet
— Piano duo
— Other instrumental and vocal ensembles of any kind (for types of ensembles, contact the competition's organizing committee before filling in the application form)
— Children's and youth orchestras (symphonic, chamber, wind, folk instruments) - Accompaniment (For the category "Accompaniment" age is not limited)
Age groups / maximum time limit
Age groups are determined by the age of the participant as of June 12, 2021
Solo
| Age group | Maximum age | Maximum playing time |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: | up to 9 years old | up to 9 min |
| Group B: | up to 12 years | up to 15 minutes |
| Group C: | up to 15 years | up to 20 minutes |
| Group D: | up to 19 years | up to 25 minutes |
| Group E: | up to 26 years | up to 30 minutes |
| Group F: | up to 35 years | up to 30 minutes |
Ensemble
| Age group | Maximum age | Maximum playing time |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: | up to 13 years old | up to 15 min |
| Group 2: | up to 18 years | up to 20 min |
| Group 3: | up to 26 years | up to 30 min |
| Group 4: | up to 35 years | up to 30 min |
The age group for ensembles/orchestras is determined by the average age of the ensemble members. Ensembles of 3 participants up to 14 participants are allowed the presence on stage of a non-competing adult accompanist (piano player). Ensembles/ orchestras of 15 or more participants are allowed the presence on stage of an adult accompanist and/or conductor in a non-playing capacity.
Competition Performance procedure
The competition is held in three rounds, where the jury examines the videos sent by the participants in the form of YouTube links (see the section "YouTube recordings"). The video recording must not be older than 12 months before the competition.
1. The first round is a qualifying round. It is seen by a reduced jury group, that decides which participants advance to the second round. Participants who do not advance to the second round will receive a certificate of participation in the competition.
2. The entries, which have advanced to the second round (that is considered to be the main round), are seen by the entire jury divided into specialized groups consisting of at least five people. The links to the videos from the participants in the second round are published on their personal pages on the competition's website. The jury selects winners of first, second, third and fourth prizes as well as recipients of diplomas.
3. In the third and final round, only the winners of first prizes will participate. The Organizing Committee publishes a selection of the winning entries from each nomination and age group. These videos are viewed by all jurors, who vote for one of the contestants, regardless of nomination. The participant, who has received the most votes, receives the competition's highest prize - the Grand Prix.
Diplomas and certificates are sent to all participants in the form of scanned documents to the email address specified in the application.
The jury consists of interpreters and music teachers of international reputation from Sweden, USA, Germany, Russia, Belgium, Latvia, Austria, Georgia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finlandia and Norway. All decisions of the jury are final.
Repertoire requirements
Two to four free choice compositions of contrasting styles. Style contrasts are for example, different time periods/epochs of music and/or music written by composers from different countries of different character.
Awards
All participants receive prizes, diplomas and certificates.
Special prizes