Competition rules

Competition categories

  • Piano solo
  • Piano as additional instrument
  • Strings solo: violin, cello, viola, double bass
  • Woodwinds solo: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone
  • Brass solo: trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba, saxhorn
  • Pedal harp solo
  • Celtic (levers) harp solo
  • Vocal solo
  • Ensemble
    — Classical duo, trio, quartet, quintet.
    — Piano duo
    — Other instrumental and vocal ensembles of any type (Regarding types of ensembles please contact the competition's organizing committee before filling in the application form)
  • Accompaniment (For the category "Accompaniment" age is unlimited).

Age groups / maximum time limit

Age groups are determined by the age of the contestant on January 15 of 2021.

Solo

Age group Maximum age Maximum playing time
Group A*: up to 9 years old up to 9 min
Group B: 1up to 12 years old up to 15 min
Group C: up to 15 years old up to 20 min
Group D: up to 19 years old up to 20 min. for each round
Group E: up to 26 years old up to 25 min. for each round
Group F*: up to 40 years old up to 25 min. for each round

*Participants from group A, who are studying the first year, can specify this information in the EMail.

*For "Vocal solo" and "Celtic harp solo" category only.

Ensemble

Age group Maximum age Maximum playing time
Group 1: up to 13 years old up to 20 min
Group 2: up to 18 years old up to 30 min
Group 3: up to 26 years old up 25 to min. for each round

The age group for ensembles 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 accompanist (piano player). Ensembles of 15 or more participants are allowed the presence on stage of an adult concertmaster and/or conductor in a non-playing capacity.

Competition Performance procedure

For groups A, B, C of solo categories and groups of 1, 2 of ensemble category, the competition auditions are held in two rounds, with jury reviewing the videos the competitors sent in the form of links to YouTube, set up according to the requirements (see the item "Application and payment"). Based on their results, the winners of the first, second and third prizes, as well as the diploma holders of the competition, are determined. For groups D, E and F of solo categories and group 3 of ensemble categories, the competition auditions are held in three rounds, also reviewing the videos that the competitors sent in the form of links to YouTube, set up up according to the requirements (see paragraph "Application and payment"). Based on their results, the winners of the first, second and third prizes, as well as the diploma holders of the competition, are determined. In the final round of the competition (for groups A, B, C and ensembles 1, 2 - the second, for groups D, E, F and ensemble 3 - the third), only winners of the first prizes nominated by the jury take part. On the closing day of the competition, the organizing committee publishes a video on the site for public access, composed of recordings of the work selected by the jury (from the program of the first rounds) performed by the first prize winners in each category and age group. The video is watched by all members of the jury, and each one votes for one of the participants, regardless of the category. This is how the winner of the Grand Prix of the competition is determined.

Jury

The jury of the competition is made up of reputable musicians, performers, professors and teachers of secondary and higher educational institutions of Russia and foreign countries, grouped in teams of narrow specialization - for instruments or groups of similar instruments, with a minimum of 5 people in each commission. The system for assessing the performance is point-based, the personal points of the jury members are confidential, the average score and resume are sent personally to the participant upon request. The jury's decision is final and not subject to appeal.

Repertoire requirements

For participants in groups A, B, C solo categories and groups 1, 2 ensemble categories: a concert program of two, three or four (for the nomination "Vocal Solo" - from two to six) works of different characters of various styles. For participants in groups D, E of solo nominations and group 3 ensemble nominations: a concert program of one, two or three compositions of different characters of different styles in each of the two rounds. For participants in groups D, E, F, category "Vocal Solo": a concert program of one to four pieces in each round. The pieces of the first and second round must not be repeated.

Prizes

The winners become laureates and diploma holders of the competition. All participants in the competition receive diplomas and certificates. They indicate all the information about the participant sent in the application, including the educational institution, teacher and accompanist. The jury has the right to award cash prizes in groups E and F of solo categories and in group 3 in the “Chamber ensemble” category. Special prize: $2000 towards tuition in Long Island Conservatory of Music (U.S.A.)