Rules and Conditions (live)
The competition categories
- Piano solo
- Piano as additional instrument
- Strings solo: violin, viola, cello, double bass
- Woodwinds solo: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone
- Ensemble (each subcategory is assessed separately):
— Classical duo, trio, quartet, quintet
— Piano duo (for piano four hands only)
— 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 May 29, 2025
Solo
| Age group | Maximum age | Maximum playing time |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: | up to 9 years old | up to 7 min |
| Group B: | up to 12 years old | up to 12 minutes |
| Group C: | up to 15 years old | up to 17 minutes |
| Group D: | up to 19 years old | up to 20 minutes |
| Group E: | up to 26 years old | up to 25 minutes |
| Group F: | up to 35 years old | up to 25 minutes |
Ensemble
| Age group | Maximum age | Maximum playing time |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: | up to 13 years old | up to 12 min |
| Group 2: | up to 18 years old | up to 20 min |
| Group 3: | up to 26 years old | up to 25 min |
| Group 4: | up to 35 years old | up to 25 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 procedure
The competition is held in two rounds. All performances are open to the public. The jury consists of reputable performing musicians and teachers from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Austria, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, China and the USA. All jury decisions are final.
1. The first round of the competition is the main round. Based on its results, the winners of the first, second and third prizes, as well as the diploma winners, are determined. Other participants will each receive a certificate of participation.
2. Only the first prize winners from each category and age group will participate in the second (and final) round. According to the results of this round, the winner of the Grand Prix, the highest award of the competition, is determined. The Grand Prix is awarded to the participant who gains 50 or more percent of the jury vote.
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. In groups C, D, E, F, the program must include at least one composition from the era of classicism / romanticism
Venues and locations
Nacka Music School, Nacka Aula (Auditions, May 29, 30, and 31)
Adress: Griffelvägen 13, 131 81 Nacka, Sverige
History Museum (Closing ceremony, June 1)
Adress: Narvavägen 13-17, 114 84 Stockholm
Master classes
Master classes with jury members can be booked via email savshinsky@gmail.com
Fee for 1 hour — € 80
Awards
All participants are awarded diplomas and gifts
Special prizes
- Scholarship for participation at the festival Music October Best 2025, Holland (including travel costs and residence).
- First Prize Winners from age solo groups E, F and ensemble groups 3, 4 — share cash Awards total of SEK 50 000.
- Special prizes for the best performance of a work by a Swedish composers will be awarded as well.
Organizers of the Stockholm International Music Competition are sole holders of the rights to all video or audio recordings and internet broadcasts in all stages of the Competition.