2020 GUIDE TO TOP COMPETITIONS
COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
✖ Not open to the public
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The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The American Prize: Providing evaluation, recognition and reward to America's finest performing artists, ensembles and composers, based on recorded performances. Professional, college/university, community, high school. No age limits. No live competition. The American Prize is proud to have awarded over $75,000 in cash prizes in all categories since 2010.
MAIN OFFICE
The American Prize 25 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100 The Opera Cottage Danbury, CT 06811
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The competitions of The American Prize are open to all U.S. citizens, whether living in this country or abroad, and to others currently living, working and/or studying in the United States of America, its protectorates and territories. There are no age limits. There are separate categories for professional, college/university, community and high school age solo musicians and ensembles.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Conducting • Piano • Strings •
Voice • Composition • Orchestras • Choruses • Bands • Opera companies • Musical theater companies • Stage directors • (Charles Nelson Reilly Award) • Arts administrators • Chamber ensembles • Instrumental soloists • Orchestral programming (Vytautas Marijosius Award) • Performance of American Music (Ernst Bacon Award) • Education / outreach award (new in 2020) • Chicago Oratorio Award (performances and cash prizes)
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | David (Volosin) Katz, chief judge |
| Additional jurors | Sharon Sweet, voice Susanne Mentzer, voice Jeffrey Biegel, piano Lorin Hollander, piano Judith Zaimont, composition Additional judges to be announced |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application deadline | May 4, 2020 |
| Application notes | Final deadline for composers, chamber musicians, instrumental soloists, classical vocalists and pianists is July 6, 2020 Final deadline for conductors, ensembles, stage directors, arts administrators, and American music performance in August 3, 2020 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
The American Prize judges recorded performances only, submitted via online links or on disc. There is no live competition. The contests select Semi-finalists, Finalists, Runners-Up and Winners in separate announcements over the course of the contest year. |
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FINALS (live rounds)
The American Prize judges recorded performances only, submitted via online links or on disc. There is no live competition. The contests select semifinalists, finalists, runners-up and winners in separate announcements over the course of the contest year. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
✖ Not open to the public
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Philip Brunelle, conductor
2018 Symphony Number One, professional orchestra
2014 Justin Dello Joio, composer
2012 Kenneth Kiesler, conductor
2011 Gemma New, conductor
2010 Roomful of Teeth, professional chorus
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SOCIAL LINKS
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ARD International Music Competition
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ARD INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION
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The Azrieli Music Prizes
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The biennial Azrieli Music Prizes (AMP) offer opportunities for the discovery, creation, performance, and celebration of excellence in new concert music through the awarding of three $50,000 CAD cash prizes: The Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music, the Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music, and the Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music.
MAIN OFFICE
22 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 202 Toronto, ON M4T 2S3
CANADA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The $50,000 CAD Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music is awarded biennially through a competitive process to a composer who has written the best new major work of Jewish music. Works may be nominated by individuals and institutions. Eligible works may have been premiered within ten years of the award date, but must not have a significant performance history, and must not have been commercially recorded. The Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music is awarded to encourage composers to creatively and critically engage with the question “What is Jewish music?” A commissioning fee of $50,000 CAD is given to the composer who proposes a response to this question in the shape of a musical work that displays the utmost creativity, artistry and musical excellence. Previously the Azrieli Commission was open exclusively to Canadian composers. Starting with the 2020 prize cycle, it i open to composers worldwide. Scores, proposals and supporting documents for both these prizes are accepted from nominators and individual composers of all faiths, backgrounds and affiliations. The winning submissions are chosen by the AMP Jury for Jewish Music—a group of international experts assembled from the fields of music creation, culture, presentation and performance. With the 2020 prize cycle, the Foundation has introduced The Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music. This $50,000 CAD cash award is offered to a Canadian composer to create a new musical work that creatively and critically engages with the challenges of composing concert music in Canada today. Proposals and supporting documents for the Canadian Commission are accepted from Canadian composers of all backgrounds and affiliations. The winning proposal is chosen by the AMP Jury for Canadian Music—a national panel of experts assembled from the fields of music creation, culture, presentation and performance. ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Composition
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Jewish Prizes - Boris Brott (L'Orchestre classique de Montréal) / Canadian Prize - Ana Sokolovic (Université de Montréal) |
| Additional jurors | Jewish Prizes Jury Betty Olivero, music composition, Bar Ilan University Brian Current, composer/conductor, The Royal Conservatory Neil Levin, artistic director, Milken Archive of Jewish Music Steven Mercurio, conductor, past music director, Spoleto Festival Canadian Prize Jury Andrew Staniland, music composition, Memorial University Barbara Croall, freelance composer David Pay, artistic director, Music on Main Mary Ingraham, musicology, University of Lethbridge |
| Jury size | 5 |
| Application deadline | TBA |
| Application notes | The Call for Scores and Proposals for the 2020 Azrieli Music Prizes is now closed. The 2020 Laureates were publicly announced on November 7, 2019. The Call for Scores and Proposals for the 2022 AMP competition will be released early in 2021. This round will focus on choral music. Please visit Please visit for more information. |
FINALS (live rounds)
Winner’s Gala Concert held biennially in mid-October on even years in Montréal, Canada. The 2020 Gala Concert will take place in Salle Pierre Mercure on October 22, 2020 with Le Nouvel Ensemble Moderne and soloist Kristina Szabo (mezzo-soprano) conducted by Lorraine Vaillancourt. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ Semifinals | ✖ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2020 Yotam Haber - Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music Yitzhak Yedid - Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music Keiko Devaux - Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music 2018 Kelly-Marie Murphy - Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music - for her En el escuro es todo uno (In the Darkness All is One one), a double-concerto for cello, harp and orchestra Avner Dorman - Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music - for his Nigumin (Violin Concerto No. 2) 2016 Brian Current - Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music - for his Seven Heavenly Halls for tenor, choir and orchestra Wlad Marhulets - Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music - for his Klezmer Clarinet Concerto
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SOCIAL LINKS
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2020 Gina Bachauer Junior and Young Artists International Piano Competitions
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2020 GINA BACHAUER JUNIOR AND YOUNG ARTISTS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITIONS
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Banff International String Quartet Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Since 1983 BISQC has celebrated the art of chamber music while providing career support for emerging string quartets. Join the most dedicated chamber music audience on the planet for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Outstanding music-making, enlightening lectures, passionate discussions, delicious food, and spectacular mountain vistas await.
MAIN OFFICE
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive PO Box 1020 Station 23 Banff, AB T1L 1H5
CANADA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
* For the purposes of rules 2 and 3, a quartet will be considered the same quartet if 50 percent of the personnel are returning.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Triennial |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Barry Shiffman, director, BISQC |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | March 1, 2022 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
August 29-September 3, 2022 Eric Harvie Theatre, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Banff, AB, Canada (The ten competing quartets perform in all four preliminary rounds) |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Three quartets advance to the finals: September 4, 2022 Eric Harvie Theatre, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Banff, AB, Canada |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✔ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Marmen Quartet & Viano String Quartet (tie) 2016 Rolston String Quartet 2013 Dover String Quartet 2010 Cecilia String Quartet 2007 Tinalley String Quartet 2004 Jupiter String Quartet 2001 Daedalus Quartet 1998 Miró Quartet 1995 Amernet Quartet 1992 St. Lawrence String Quartet 1989 Quatuor Manfred 1986 Franciscan Quartet 1983 Colorado Quartet
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Barlow Endowment for Music Composition--Prize Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The 2020 winning composer receives a $12,000 commission for a major new work for song cycle of 9-12 minutes. The work will be performed by consortium of performers including Tony Arnold and Diane Reich with the option of another performer.
MAIN OFFICE
A-501 HFAC Brigham Young University Provo, UT 84602
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
There are no restrictions with regard to musical style, nationality, age, gender, race, religion, or political persuasion. The only limitations are: (1) Composers who have won the Barlow Prize in the previous five years will not be considered; and (2) Members of the Barlow Boards are not eligible.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Composition
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | $11,000 to $50,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | June 1, 2020 |
| Application notes | This deadline is a receipt deadline, not a mailing deadline. |
FINALS (live rounds)
Notification of winners will be announced on website and Facebook by September 15 annually. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
✖ Not open to the public
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Becca Sims - Composer, Pierrot Ensembl and Percussion + Electronics
2018 Tawnie Olson - Composer, SATB Choir
2017 Stacy Garrop - Composer, Reed Quintet
2016 Gilad Cohen - Composer, Violin and Piano
2015 Alberto Colla - Composer, Symphony Orchestra
2014 Ben Hjertmann - Composer, Saxophone Quartet
2013 Narong Prongchareon - Composer, Wind Ensembe
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SOCIAL LINKS
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BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2021
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
BC Cardiff Singer of the World is known throughout the classical music world as one of the premiere showcases for young professional singers at the start of their careers. It is broadcast on BBC Television, Radio, and online, and can be seen and heard throughout the world. Main prize is for opera and oratorio with orchestra; Song Prize is for art song with piano.
MAIN OFFICE
BBC Cardiff Singer of the World / BBC Cymru Wales Central Square Cardiff CF10 1FT
WALES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to singers of any nationality, at the beginning of their professional career, who will have probably studied at a conservatoire of music or equivalent. Entrants must have been born between June 20, 1988 and June 11, 2003. See the rules on our website for more details.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Aidan Lang, general director, Welsh National Opera |
| Additional jurors | TBD |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application deadline | June 30, 2021 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Main Prize Preliminary Rounds: Four concerts June 13-16, 2021, at St David's Hall, Cardiff, Wales, United KingdomSong Prize Preliminary Rounds: Four Recitals June 12-17, 2021, at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom |
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FINALS (live rounds)
St David's Hall, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom: Main Prize Final: June 19, 2021 Song Prize Final: June 17, 2021 |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✔ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Andrei Kymach, baritone (Ukraine) 2017 Catriona Morison, mezzo-soprano (Scotland) 2015 Nadine Koutcher, soprano (Belarus) 2013 Jamie Barton, mezzo-soprano (United States) 1999 Anja Harteros, soprano (Germany) 1995 Katarina Karneus, mezzo-soprano (Sweden) 1989 Dmitri Hvorostovsky, baritone (Russia) 1983 Karita Mattila, soprano (Finland)
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Besançon International Competition for Young Conductors
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Established in 1951 the Besançon Conducting Competition is the most complete competition in the world with classical, Romantic, 20th-century, and contemporary music, oratorio, opera. Alexander Gibson, Gerd Albrecht, Seiji Ozawa, Michel Plasson, Zdenek Macal, Sylvain Cambreling, and Yutaka Sado are among the most prestigious winners of the Competition.
MAIN OFFICE
Festival de musique Concours de jeunes chefs d'orchestre 2 rue Morand 25000 Besançon
FRANCE
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Competition is open to candidates of any nationality, under the age of 35. No prior qualifications are required.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Conducting
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Biennial | |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided | |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application deadline | December 31, 2020 | |
| Application notes | Application deadline to be confirmed; registration subject to availability | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Berlin, Germany - Hochschule für Musik "Hanns Eisler" Beijing, China - Central Conservatory of Music Montréal, Canada - Faculté de musique de l’Université de Montréal Besançon, France - Conservatoire à rayonnement régional du Grand Besançon |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Final rounds in Besançon, September 20-25, 2021 First round Symphony Second round Concerto and Symphony Semifinal Oratorio & Opera Final Symphony and World Premiere |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ Semifinals | ✖ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Nodoka Okisawa (Japan) 2017 Ben Glassberg (United Kingdom) 2015 Jonathon Heyward (United States) 2011 Yuki Kakiuchi (Japan) 2009 Kazuki Yamada (Japan)
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Blue Danube/Bartok International Opera Conducting Competition 2020 (8th Edition)
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Competition tests (over three rounds) how well a conductor works with a professional opera house's orchestra, choir, and soloists. The jury evaluates the conductor's ability to rehearse verbally & also guide and inspire those on stage through gesture and command non-verbally. Several operas in diverse styles are required.
MAIN OFFICE
Blue Danube Musikimpresario GmbH Strozzigasse 31 A-1080 Wien (Vienna)
AUSTRIA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
No age limit. Conductors must submit their CV; recent video/audio tapes of opera, symphonic or other conducting; and complete the application form found on the Competition's webpage. Acceptance is based on training and experience appropriate for such a Competition.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Conducting
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No | |
| Frequency | Biennial | |
| First prize | ||
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Maestro Nayden Todorov, director/music director of the Sofia Philharmonic & former Director of State Opera Ruse/Bulgaria | |
| Additional jurors | Maestro Jozsef Horvath, Koloszvari Magyar Opera House, Romania Maestro Larry Newland, Opera and symphonic conductor, U.S. & Slovak Republic Emmanuel Siffert, Swiss opera and orchestra conductor Conductor from Hungarian Opera/Budapest- to be announced |
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| Jury size | 1 to 5 | |
| Application deadline | May 15, 2020 | |
| Application notes | Open until 52 conductors apply, are accepted, and confirm the Competition places with deposits. | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
The first two rounds take place with the Hungarian Opera Cluj in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, June 16-24, 2020, with the entire opera company: orchestra, choir, soloists, pianists, stage manger and stage director. |
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FINALS (live rounds)
The final (third) round takes place June 25-27, 2020, with the Hungarian Opera Cluj in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, along with the entire opera company: orchestra, choir, soloists, pianists, stage manager and stage director. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✔ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2017 Chris McCracken (United Kingdom) 2015 Junghyun James Cho (Korea) 2013 Lorenzo Coladonato (Italy) 2011 Vinicius Kattah (Brazil) 2009 Marco Bons (Holland
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William C. Byrd Young Artist Competition
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WILLIAM C. BYRD YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION
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Canadian International Organ Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Competitors from around the world will be meeting in Montreal for the chance to win prizes totaling over $95,000 USD in cash and other prizes. They are immersed in an intensive program, with an international jury and supportive CIOC team, allowing them to leave Montreal as more confident musicians.
MAIN OFFICE
1200, rue de Bleury Montréal, QC H3B 3J3
CANADA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The CIOC is open to organists of all nationalities born after October 21, 1985. To be admitted to the CIOC, candidates must send a completed registration file bearing a postmark prior to January 31, 2020. Only complete files will be processed. The First prizewinner of any previous CIOC competition is ineligible to apply.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Organ
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Triennial | |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Jean-Willy Kunz, artistic director, Canadian International Organ Competition | |
| Additional jurors | Martin Baker (UK) Bernard Foccroulle (Belgium) Michael Kapsner (Germany) Rachel Laurin (Canada) William Porter (USA) Louis Robilliard (France) Dong-Ill Shin (South Korea) Patricia Wright (Canada) |
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| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application deadline | January 31, 2020 | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Organ performance: October 11-12, 2020 at Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church in Montréal, QC, Canada |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Organ performance: October 16, 2020 at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montréal, QC, Canada |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✔ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2017 Alcée Chriss (United States) 2014 David Baskeyfield (United Kingdom) 2011 Christian Lane (United States) 2008 Frédéric Champion (France)
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Charlotte New Music and Beo String Quartet Composition Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Charlotte New Music (CNM) and Beo String Quartet has announced the fifth composition contest/call for scores by emerging and mid-career composers aged 35 years and older who also live in the U.S. There are no limits on the length of the compositions submitted.
MAIN OFFICE
8640 University City Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28213
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Entrants must: currently reside in the continental U.S.; have been born in 1984 or earlier; and be willing to give a presentation on their music and attend the performance late June 2021 at the 10th annual Charlotte New Music Festival. Note:CNMF current/former staff and guest composers are ineligible for this opportunity; CNMF alumni are eligible.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Composition
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Additional jurors | Jury members are made up of past guest composers of the Charlotte New Music Festival. |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | September 30, 2020 |
| Application notes | Submissions will only be accepted September 1-30, 2020. |
FINALS (live rounds)
September 9-October 10, 2020, Charlotte, NC (via email submission) |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
✖ Not open to the public
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2018 Kerrith Livengood, "This is My Scary Robot Voice"
2017 Kyle Sanna, "Sequence for Minor White"
2016 Max Duykers, "Glass Blue Cleft"
2015 Andrew List, String Quartet No. 5 "Time Cycles"
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SOCIAL LINKS
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China International Music Competition
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CHINA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION
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Christmas Carol Commission Competition
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CHRISTMAS CAROL COMMISSION COMPETITION
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Cleveland International Piano Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Fifteen days of exquisite performances, informative round-table discussions, and parties. Audiences experience the best of the best and the First Prize winner takes home an award of $75,000, a Carnegie Hall recital debut, a recording on the Steinway & Sons label, and the launch of a U.S. concert career.
MAIN OFFICE
20600 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 1110 Shaker Heights, OH 44122
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to pianists of any nationality between the ages of 18 and 32. Eligibility for the competition is determined by the contestant’s age as of August 8, 2020.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Quadrennial | |
| First prize | More than $50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | $5,000 to $10,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Matti Raekallio, The Juilliard School | |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application deadline | November 26, 2019 | |
FINALS (live rounds)
August 7-8, 2020, Severance Hall, Cleveland, OH |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✔ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✖ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2016 Nikita Mndoyants, Russia 2013 Stanislav Khristenko, Russia 2011 Alexander Schimpf, Germany 2009 Martina Filjak, Croatia 2007 Alexander Ghindin, Russia
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
May 27- June 12, 2021. Cash and career-management prize packages are valued at over $2 million, including concert tours, publicity packages and training, websites, and individualized artistic and financial consultation. Widespread exposure for participants includes global media coverage; an HD, fully produced webcast to millions internationally; and large-scale media projects.
MAIN OFFICE
201 Main Street, Suite 100 Fort Worth, Texas 76102
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Age 18 to 30 years old. First-prize winners of previous Cliburn Competitions are not eligible to compete.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Quadrennial | |
| First prize | More than $50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Marin Alsop, music director, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | |
| Additional jurors | Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, pianist Rico Gulda, pianist and head of artistic planning and dramaturgy, Wiener Konzerthaus Andreas Haefliger, pianist Wu Han, pianist and co-artistic director of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Stephen Hough, pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, pianist, artistic director of the Bravo! Vail Music, and curator for Chamber Music for the Mainly Mozart Festival Gabriela Montero, pianist Orli Shaham, pianist Lilya Zilberstein, pianist |
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| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application deadline | October 15, 2020 | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
June 2-6, 2021, Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX |
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FINALS (live rounds)
June 8-12, 2021, Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✔ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2017 Yekwon Sunwoo, Gold Medalist
2013 Vadym Kholodenko, Gold Medalist
2013 Beatrice Rana, Silver Medalist
2005 Joyce Yang, Silver Medalist
2001 Olga Kern, Gold Medalist
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
May/June 2023 (specific date TBA). Quadrennial international competition for 13- to 17-year-old pianists held in Dallas, TX, on the campus of SMU and at Meyerson Symphony Center. All performances webcast live and on demand. Final round performances with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
MAIN OFFICE
201 Main Street, Suite 100 Fort Worth, Texas 76102
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Competitors must be 13 to 17 years of age
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Quadrennial |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | January 10, 2023 |
FINALS (live rounds)
June 2023 (specific date TBD), Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, TX. Three finalists perform full concertos with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Webcast live and on demand. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✔ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Shuan Hern Lee
2015 Alim Beisembayev
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
CAG seeks to partner with young musicians who exemplify artistic excellence and engagement with their audience, have an entrepreneurial spirit, and who will go on to create an impact in the world. Prizes include: Management by CAG; New York showcase performance; professional career development and coaching.
MAIN OFFICE
135 East 57th Street, 7th Floor New York, NY 10022
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The 2020 competition is open to all instruments, voice, and chamber ensembles. Please see CAG's website for the full list and eligibility requirements. [http://www.concertartists.org/competition] Age limits (as of April 15, 2020): - Solo instrumentalists: 30 - Instrumental ensembles (including those with one singer): average age of 30 - Solo singers: 35 - Vocal ensembles: average age of 35 If you are over the age limit, you must include a statement explaining why you are in the early stages of your professional career. No individual member of an instrumental ensemble may be aged over 35, and no individual member of a vocal ensemble may be aged over 40. Ensembles should have been in existence with the same membership since at least April 15, 2019 (12 months prior to the competition deadline).Please note: CAG represents solo singers for recitals, chamber music, and orchestral engagements only, but not for opera.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings • Voice •
All solo instruments • Chamber ensembles
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No | |
| Frequency | Annual | |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided | |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application deadline | April 15, 2020 | |
| Application notes | The earlybird deadline is March 31, 2020 (save $40 on the application fee) | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
October 2020, New York City, exact dates and locations TBD |
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FINALS (live rounds)
October 2020, New York City, exact dates and locations TBD |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ Semifinals | ✖ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2008 Claire Chase, flute
2005 Parker String Quartet
1998 Eighth Blackbird
1994 Jennifer Koh, violin
1985 David Krakauer, clarinet
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Concours musical international de Montréal - CMIM
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The CMIM is one of the world's most highly regarded classical music competitions; one of only two competitions in North America to be held annually and present three disciplines (voice, violin, piano) in a three-year rotation. Prizes total $500,000 per cycle and winners benefit from many professional opportunities. Disciplines: CMIM 2020: Piano; CMIM 2021: Voice; CMIM 2022: Violin.
MAIN OFFICE
305 Mont-Royal Avenue East Montreal, QC H2T 1P8
CANADA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Piano 2020 age limit: Born in 1990 or later
Voice 2021 age limit: Born in 1988 or later
Violin 2022 age limit: Born in 1993 or later ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings • Voice
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Annual | |
| First prize | More than $50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Zarin Mehta, président of the jury and President of CMIM | |
| Additional jurors | TBD | |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application deadline | December 13, 2019 | |
| Application notes | Piano 2020 - November 15, 2019 Voice 2021 - Interested future applicants should refer to the competition website. |
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SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Piano 2020, May 7-8, 2020, 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Bourgie Concert Hall, Montréal, QC, Canada |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Piano 2020, May 12-13, 2020, 7:30 pm, Maison symphonique, Montréal, QC, Canada |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✔ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Hao Zhou (United States), 1st Prize, Violin 2018 Mario Bahg (South Korea), 1st Prize, Voice (Aria) 2018 John Brancy (United States), 1st Prize, Voice (Art Song) 2017 Zoltan Fejervari (Hungary), 1st Prize, Piano 2016 Ayana Tusji (Japan), 1st Prize, Violin 2013 Marc Bouchkov (Violinist, Belgium), 1st Prize, Violin 2011 Beatrice Rana (Pianist, Italy), 1st Prize, Piano
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Cooper-Bing Competition
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COOPER-BING COMPETITION
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Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Oberlin Conservatory and The Cleveland Orchestra present the 11th annual Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition at Oberlin, July 16-24, 2020, featuring pianists ages 13 to 18. Cash prizes total $40,000, including a $20,000 first prize. Three finalists perform full concertos with The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall. Note: The competition alternates annually between piano and violin—piano 2020, violin 2021.
MAIN OFFICE
Oberlin Conservatory 77 West College Street Oberlin, OH 44074
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The 2020 competition is open to pianists ages of 13 and 18, as determined by the competitor's age as of July 16, 2020, and who have not won one of the top three prizes in a previous Cooper competition, and who is not currently enrolled in Oberlin College.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Robert Shannon, Oberlin Conservatory, director of Division of Keyboard Studies |
| Additional jurors | Angela Cheng, professor of Piano, Oberlin Conservatory Alvin Chow, professor of Piano, Oberlin Conservatory Stanislav Ioudenitch, professor of Piano, Oberlin Conservatory Haewon Song, professor of Piano, Oberlin Conservatory Gabriel Kwok, head of Keyboard Studies, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ewa Poblacka, head of Piano Department, Bydgoszcz Academy of Music, Poland Boris Slutsky, Piano Faculty, Peabody Conservatory and Yale School of Music Alexander Korsantia, professor of Piano, New England Conservatory |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | April 15, 2020 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Semifinals, Oberlin Conservatory, Warner Concert Hall, Oberlin, OH
Round 1: July 18-19, 2020, approximately 30 Pianists/ 30-minute recitals
Round 2: July 20, 2020, 15-minute recitals by pianists who advance from Round 1
Concerto Round, July 21, 2020, Oberlin Conservatory, Warner Concert Hall, Oberlin, OH—10 pianists perform complete concertos with piano accompaniment
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FINALS (live rounds)
Recital Finals, July 22, 2020, Oberlin Conservatory, Warner Concert Hall, Oberlin, OH—six finalists perform 30 minute recitals
Concerto Finals, July 24, 2020, Severance Hall, Cleveland, OH—three finalists perform complete concertos with The Cleveland Orchestra
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✔ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2018 Tony Siqi Yun, 17, Canada
2016 Ryota Yamazaki, 17, Japan
2014 Tonly Yike Yang 15, Canada
2012 Leonard Colafelice, 16, Italy
2010 George Li, 14, United States
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Dublin International Piano Competition
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DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
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The George Enescu International Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Intended as a natural extension of the George Enescu Festival, the most important international cultural event organized by Romania and a true national cultural brand, George Enescu International Competition recognizes, supports, and promotes young talents worldwide, endorsing in this way the future golden generations of classical music.
MAIN OFFICE
Victoria Business Center Calea Victoriei, nr. 155, bl. D1, sc. 8, et. 2 Bucuresti cod 010073
ROMANIA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
George Enescu International Competition for Composition, Cello, Violin and Piano is open to participants of all nationalities, born after August 1, 1987. No exception to this age limit is accepted.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings • Composition
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 |
| Smallest prize | €5,000 to €10,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Dmitry Sitkovetsky for the violin section; Cristina Ortiz, piano; David Geringas, cello; Zygmunt Krauze, composition |
| Additional jurors | See website for all jury members |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | April 15, 2020 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest, Romania
- Cello: Sunday, September 6, 2020
- Violin: Saturday, September 12, 2020
- Piano: Friday, September 18, 2020 |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest, Romania
- Cello: Tuesday, September 8, 2020
- Violin: Monday, September 14, 2020
- Piano: Sunday, September 20 2020 |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✖ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
Piano
- 2018 Daria Parkhomenko
- 2014 Josu de Solaun
- 1964 Elisabeth Leonskaja
Violin
- 2014 Stefan Tarara
- 2007 Anna Tifu
- 1999 Alexandru Tomescu
Cello
- 2018 Marcel Johannes Kits
- 2016 Zlatomir Fung
- 2011 TIan Bonian
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The 47th Fischoff Competition takes place May 8-10, 2020, in South Bend, IN. The largest chamber music competition in the nation is open to ensembles with three to six members and includes both senior and junior divisions. $38,500 in prize money will be awarded.
MAIN OFFICE
119 Haggar Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Fischoff Competition is open to ensembles with three to six members. Senior division members must be age 18-35. Junior division members must be 18 or younger. Rulebooks can be found on our website.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings • Winds • Brass
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 CAD |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Additional jurors | Senior String Jurors - Daniel Avshalomov, viola, American String Quartet Faculty, Manhattan School of Music & Aspen Music Festival & School - Norman Fischer, cello, professor of cello and director of chamber music, Rice University head of chamber music, Tanglewood Music Center - Ani Kavafian, viola, professor, Yale University artist, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center - Seth Knopp, piano, piano and chamber music faculty, Peabody Institute artistic director, Yellow Barn Senior Wind Jurors - Deborah Chodacki, clarinet, associate professor, Louisiana State University School of Music - Jeff Nelsen, horn, Canadian Brass professor, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music - Michael Powell, trombone, American Brass Quintet trombone and chamber music faculty, SUNY at Stony Brook - Debra Richtmeyer, saxophone, professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Junior String Jurors - Anthony Arnone, cello, associate professor, University of Iowa School of Music - Elinor Freer, piano, assistant professor of chamber music, Eastman School of Music artist faculty, Bowdoin International Music Festival - Rebecca McFaul, violin, Fry Street Quartet associate professor of Professional Practice, Utah State University Junior Wind Jurors - Velvet Brown, tuba, professor of tuba and euphonium, Pennsylvania State University - Matthew Levy, saxophone, Saxophonist/Director, PRISM Quartet Artists-in-Residence, Temple University - Nancy Stagnitta, flute, instructor of flute and chamber music, Interlochen Arts Academy Powell Artist |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application deadline | February 26, 2020 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
May 8-9, 2020, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN |
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FINALS (live rounds)
May 10, 2020, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✔ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Fleischmann International Trophy Competition - Cork International Choral Festival
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Each year some of the finest amateur choirs are selected to compete for the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy. The selected choirs will also be scheduled for a range of additional festival activities throughout the week including fringe concerts, church, and informal performances.
MAIN OFFICE
Cork International Choral Festival Civic Trust House 50 Pope’s Quay, Cork
IRELAND
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
– Open to any choir of international standing (except specifically children’s choirs)
– Minimum twenty/Maximum sixty voices
A programme of a cappella (purely vocal) music consisting of either three or four contrasting works whose total duration (actual singing) is between ten and twelve minutes, is required. The music must be purely vocal without the addition of percussion instruments.
The contrasting programme must represent an historically-balanced and coherent range of styles and must include:
- A piece composed before 1750
- An original work by a living composer
- A work by a composer of the choir’s native country.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Choral music
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | Less than €10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application deadline | October 31, 2020 |
| Application notes | Closing date for receipt of completed applications is October 31 of the preceding year. |
FINALS (live rounds)
The Fleischmann International Trophy Competition of the Cork International Choral Festival is held annually over the five days preceding the first Monday in May in Cork City Hall. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✖ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✖ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Chamber Choir KGBL, Slovenia
2018 Adolf Fredrik Church’s Chamber Choir, Sweden
2017 Codetta, Ireland
2016 Helene Stureborgs Kammarkӧr, Sweden
2015 New Dublin Voices, Ireland
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SOCIAL LINKS
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International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Since 1982 the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition has been one of the world's best networked singing competitions with qualifying rounds in more than 70 cities worldwide each year. The singers are judged by a jury consisting of artistic and casting directors from the world;s most prestigious opera houses.
MAIN OFFICE
International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition Seidengasse 32/3/52 1070 Vienna
AUSTRIA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Singers (males/females) of all nationalities are invited to enter the competition, for Ladies and Gentlemen, born between 1988 and 2002. See the rules on our website for more details
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | Less than €10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | John Mordler, Opera Monte Carlo, artistic director |
| Additional jurors | Michael Ajzenstadt, The Israeli Opera Tel-Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv (Israel), artistic administrator Dmitry Bertman, Helikon Opera, Moscow (Russia), artistic director Rosetta Cucchi, Wexford Festival Opera, Wexford (Ireland), artistic director Heribert Germeshausen, Theater Dortmund, Dortmund (Germany), Opernintendant Olga Kapanina, The Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, Moscow (Russia), casting director Peter Katona, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London (United Kingdom), casting director Guntars Kirsis, Dzintari Concert Hall, Jurmala (Latvia), mManaging & artistic director Christoph Meyer, Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Düsseldorf (Germany), Generalintendant Guy Montavon, Theater Erfurt, Erfurt (Germany), Generalintendant Hein Mulders, Aalto-Theater und Philharmonie, Essen (Germany), Intendant Björn Peters, Sächsische Staatsoper - Semperoper, Dresden (Germany), Künstlerischer Betriebsdirektor Henning Ruhe, Bayerische Staatsoper - Künstlerischer Betriebsdirektor, Munich (Germany), Göteborg Opera - designated artistic director (Sweden) Christina Scheppelmann, Seattle Opera, Seattle (USA), general director Florian Scholz, Konzert Theater Bern, Bern (Switzerland), Intendant Christoph Seuferle, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Berlin (Germany), Operndirektor Egils Silins, Latvian National Opera, Riga (Latvia), general director Diane Zola, Metropolitan Opera, New York (USA), assistant general manager |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application deadline | May 15, 2020 |
| Application notes | Application deadlines vary according to the 70 qualifying rounds worldwide. Please see website for details. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Enrollment, First Rounds, Semifinals and Finals from May 30- June 6, 2020, Dzintari Concert Hall, Jurmala, Latvia |
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FINALS (live rounds)
June 6, 2020, Finals Concert with orchestra, Dzintari Concert Hall, Jurmala, Latvia |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ Semifinals | ✖ Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ Finals | ✔ Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2018 Sungho Kim, South Korea, tenor 2017 Aigul Akhmetshina, Russia, soprano 2016 Nicholas Brownlee, USA, bass-baritone 2011 Rachel Willis-Sørensen, USA, soprano 2009 Pretty Yende, South Africa, soprano 2007 Angela Meade, USA, soprano 2002 Burak Bilgili, Turkey, bass 1990 Angela Gheorghiu, Romania, soprano, 3rd
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SOCIAL LINKS
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