2021 GUIDE TO TOP COMPETITIONS
 
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Piazzolla Music Competition
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PIAZZOLLA MUSIC COMPETITION
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PIMF Online Virtual Concerto Competition
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PIMFONLINE VIRTUAL CONCERTO COMPETITION
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Plowman Chamber Music Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Since 2006, The Plowman Chamber Music Competition (Plowman) has provided an opportunity for aspiring chamber musicians to perform live in front of an audience and a panel of judges for cash awards totaling over $10,000, including $5000 Grand Prize. See website for more details.
MAIN OFFICE
c/o Odyssey, First Baptist Church 1112 East Broadway Columbia, MO 65201-4910
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to instrumental ensembles of three to six players. Members must be interested in, or already pursuing a career in music. However, ensembles with management as of March 2022 are not eligible. The ensemble may not have more than one piano. Piano is also the only keyboard instrument eligible in the competition. The Plowman Chamber Music Competition is unable to accommodate ensembles that require more than five minutes to set-up and tear-down time (i.e., numerous percussion instruments, complex electronic set-ups, etc.). The ensemble is responsible for arranging for, and/or bringing their own instruments and music.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings • Woodwinds • Brass • Percussion
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Amit Peled (Peabody) |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | $40 per person |
| Application deadline | February 12, 2021 |
| Application notes | Due to COVID-19, the 10th Plowman Competition is postponed, to be rescheduled to either Spring 2022 or 2023. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Spring 2022 or 2023, First Baptist Church, Columbia, MO |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Spring 2022 or 2023, Missouri Theatre, Columbia, MO |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | TBD | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | TBD | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Soma Quartet 2017 Vera String Quartet 2015 Cardinal Winds 2013 Project Fusion 2011 Akropolis Reed Quintet and Aeolus String Quartet, co-Grand Winners
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Primrose International Viola Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Founded in 1979 as the first international competition solely for violists, the Primrose International Viola Competition features the world’s best and most promising young violists. In 2021, 24 invited quarter-finalists will compete for cash prizes and awards over $30,000.
MAIN OFFICE
200 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Primrose International Viola Competition® 2021 is open to violists born after December 1, 1991, and who are ready to embark on an international solo career. The Competition welcomes applicants of all nationalities, ethnic origins, religions, and genders. All applicants must be current members in good standing of the American Viola Society, and are required to submit a nonrefundable application fee of $125 US dollars.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Triennial |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | TBD |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | $125 |
| Application notes | The online application will be available in March 2021 and due on June 11, 2021 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Applicants invited to the live rounds will be notified on or by July 23, 2021. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
December 16, 2021: Colburn School, Los Angeles, CA |
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FINALS (live rounds)
December 18, 2021: Colburn School, Los Angeles, CA |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Princess Astrid International Music Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Established in 1953, this biennial competition hosted by the Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera rotates between violin and conducting. A worldwide scope of talented candidates are invited to be assessed by an internationally distinguished jury. Princess Astrid Mrs Ferner is patron of the competition. The competition is for violin in 2021 and conducting 2022.
MAIN OFFICE
Kjøpmannsgata 46 Trondheim
NORWAY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The competition is open to violinists of all nationalities below the age of 31 at the time of the competition. The candidate must give mandatory information such as name, date of birth, nationality, address and e-mail, as well as upload a CV, biography, artist picture and two application videos. The competition is not open to previous winners of the first prize. By submitting an application the candidate automatically agrees to the competition rules and regulations, and is obliged to follow these throughout the competition.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Conducting • Strings
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
✔ Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Julian Rachlin, Lithuanian violinist and conductor |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | €25 |
| Application deadline | June 1, 2021 |
| Application notes | Applications will reopen January 2021 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
November 15-16, 2021: First and second rounds, recital concerts with pianist (open to the public), Trondheim, Norway |
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FINALS (live rounds)
November 18, 2021: Final round, Trondheim, Norway - Award ceremony and public concert with Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera in Olavshallen at 7:30 pm. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2010 Jie Zhang, pianist; Joachim Carr and John Chen, runners-up 2012 Miriam Helms Ålien, violinist, Alta; Mari Poll, Estonia, and Viktor Stenhjem, Trondheim, runners-up 2014 Elena Schwarz, Sveits/Australia; Giancarlo Rizzi, Italy, and Marcio da Silva, Brazil, runners-up 2016 Mayumi Kanagawa, violinist, United States; Ludvig Gudim, Norway, runner-up 2018 Yuwon Kim, Sør-Korea; Simon Proust, France, and Nils Erik Måseidvåg, Norway, runners-up&$151;all conductors
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Queen Elisabeth Competition—Belgium - Brussels
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Established in 1951 on the initiative of Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth of Belgium as a successor to the Eugène Ysaÿe Competition the Queen Elisabeth Competition very soon became one of the leading international competitions for violinists pianists singers and in 2017 for cellists.
MAIN OFFICE
Rue aux Laines, 20 B-1000 Brussels
BELGIUM
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition of Belgium is holding sessions for pianists, violinists, singers and cellists. This competition is for musicians who have completed their training and who are ready to embark upon an international career. The competition is open to candidates of all nationalities, who are aged at least 18 and who have not yet reached the age of 30 for the instrumental sessions and 32 for the voice competition.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings • Voice
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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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 |
| Jury chair(s) | Mr. Gilles Ledure, chairman |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application fee | €100 |
| Application deadline | December 9, 2020 |
| Application notes | Cello competition 2022: the applications will open in November 2021 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Venue: Flagey, Brussels, Belgium—First Rounds and Semifinals - Piano 2021, May 3-15 - Cello 2022, May 9-21 - Voice 2023, May 14-18 |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Venue: Brussels Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels, Belgium—Finals Piano 2021, May 24-29 Cello 2022, May 30-June 4 Voice 2023, May 25-27 |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| TBD | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| TBD | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2015 LIM Ji Young, Korea, violin 2016 Lukas Vondracek, Czech Republic, piano 2017 Victor Julien-LaFerrière, France, cello 2018 Samuel Hasselhorn, Germany, baritone 2019 Stella Chen, United States, violin
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SOCIAL LINKS
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The Queen Sonja International Music Competition
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THE QUEEN SONJA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION
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Rapido! A 14 Day Composition Contest
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Rapido!® A 14-Day Composition Contest was founded by the Atlanta Chamber Players & The Antinori Foundation in 2009 to promote new chamber music compositions. The contest challenges composers of all ages to submit an original chamber work of 4-6 minutes composed in just 14 days, following specific theme and instrumentation.
MAIN OFFICE
PO Box 20013 Atlanta, GA 30325
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The contest is open to composers of any age and level of experience who are residents or full-time student residents of one of the 50 United States.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Mixed Ensemble
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Robert Spano, music d4irector, Atlanta Sympony Orchestra |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | $40 |
| Application deadline | May 31, 2020 |
| Application notes | We are not accepting applications at this time as we are in the final round of the current cycle. We are looking at June 2022 to accept submissions for the next cycle. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Virtual |
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FINALS (live rounds)
January 2023, Atlanta, GA |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Brian Nabors 2016 Mark Buller 2013 Charles Zoll 2011 John Elmquist 2009 Jon Jeffrey Grier
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SOCIAL LINKS
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The 16th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Competition Dates: April 18-May 3, 2021 Stage I: Recitals (35-40 minutes) Stage II: Recitals (50-60 minutes) Final Stage (three concerts): Chamber Music, Classical Concerto, Grand Concerto More than $120,000 cash prizes; free hotel accommodation; partial coverage of flight expenses; a practice piano in each hotel room.
MAIN OFFICE
9 Bilu Street Tel Aviv 6522214
ISRAEL
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Competition is open to pianists of all nationalities; age limit: 18 to 32 years of age.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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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) | Arie Vardi, Pianist, Conductor and Piano Pedagogue |
| Additional jurors | Hung-Kuan Chen Thomas Duis Taiseer Elias Christopher Elton Alexander Gavrylyuk Tomer Lev Ewa Poblocka Menahem Pressler Craig Sheppard Additional members TBD |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application fee | $150 |
| Application deadline | October 1, 2019 |
| Application notes | Applicants already admitted to the 2020 postponed competition were automatically admitted to the 2021 competition. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
April 25-27, 2021, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Tel Aviv, Israel |
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FINALS (live rounds)
April 29 - May 3, 2021, Tel Aviv Museum of Art and Charles Bronfman Auditorium, Tel Aviv, Israel |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2011 Daniil Trifonov 2008 Khatia Buniatishvili 2005 Igor Levitt 2001 Kirill Gerstein 1974 Emanuel Ax
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Paloma O'Shea Santander International Piano Competition
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PALOMA O'SHEA SANTANDER INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
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Schadt String Competition
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SCHADT STRING COMPETITION
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Schmidt Vocal Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Schmidt Vocal Competition is a program of Schmidt Vocal Arts held at 17 regional locations across the country. The day-long competition affords singers an opportunity to perform live in front of an audience for the chance to win cash awards/scholarships and offers master class training with premier artists.
MAIN OFFICE
6 East 5th Street, Suite 406 Covington, KY 41011
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Participants must be high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors and recommended by a voice or choral teacher.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
✔ Accepting applications?
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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 fee | $45 |
| Application deadline | April 25, 2021 |
| Application notes | Application deadlines are specific to each competition. The application deadline is two weeks before the specified location. Check website for details. |
FINALS (live rounds)
Please see website for all competition dates and locations. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | TBD | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | TBD | Finals streamed |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Franz Schubert and Modern Music
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FRANZ SCHUBERT AND MODERN MUSIC
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Sing Finzi 2021
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SING FINZI 2021
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The Solti Foundation U.S.
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Honoring the memory of legendary conductor Sir Georg Solti and his dedication to helping young artists. Awards: $30,000 Solti Conducting Fellow includes door-opening introductions, ongoing professional mentoring, and introductions to Lyric Opera of Chicago and Chicago Symphony Orchestra; and The Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award (amount varies).
MAIN OFFICE
1555 Sherman Avenue, Suite 310 Evanston, IL 60201
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be: - A career-ready artist in the field of conducting - Developing a career as a symphonic/operatic conductor - A citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. - No more than 38 years of age as of January 15, 2021 - Applicants must apply for awards. The award will be based on the following: - Professional experience in the field of conducting - Demonstration of advanced conducting technique - A written proposal for use of the funds (see Application Requirements).
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Conducting
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
✔ Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Elizabeth Buccheri, Chair, Artistic and Awards Committee |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application deadline | January 15, 2021 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
No live rounds |
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FINALS (live rounds)
No live rounds |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
✖ Not open to the public
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2020 Aram Demirjian 2019 Yaniv Dinur 2018 Roderick Cox 2017 Christopher Allen 2016 Karina Canellakis
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Sphinx Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Sphinx Competition offers young Black and Latinx classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of a renowned panel of judges. Its primary goals are to encourage develop and recognize classical music talent in the Black and Latino communities.
MAIN OFFICE
400 Renaissance Center, Suite 2550 Detroit, MI 48243
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The competition is open to all Junior High, High School, and College age Black and Latinx string players residing in the U.S.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Annual | |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided | |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application fee | $35 | |
| Application deadline | October 20, 2020 | |
| Application notes | https://app.getacceptd.com/sphinxmusic | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
January 27, 2022, Detroit, MI |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Junior Division Finals: January 28, 2022 Senior Division Finals: January 29, 2022 |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
Senior Division 2020 Gabriel Martins, cellist 2019 Sterling Elliott, cellist 2018 Rubén Rengel, violinist 2017 Annelle Gregory, violinist Junior Division 2020 Esme Arias-Kim, violinist 2019 Nygel Witherspoon, cellist 2018 Levi Powe, cellist 2017 Ifetayo Ali-Landing, cellist
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Wilhelm Stenhammar International Music Competition (WSIMC)
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Wilhelm Stenhammar International Music Competition (WSIMC) started 2006 in Norrköping, Sweden, by Sonja Stenhammar and has after that been held every second year. The competition has an obligatory part, where the contestants must perform a work of Wilhelm Stenhammar, the famous Swedish composer.
MAIN OFFICE
Holmengatan 14 602 32 Norrköping
SWEDEN
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Criteria: - 6 opera arias from different periods, 2 from WSIMC obligatory repertoire - 3 arias from oratorio,passion, mass, cantata or concert aria repertoire - 4 Lieder/songs in different styles - 1 piece by Wilhelm Stenhammar.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Not decided yet |
| Additional jurors | -Nader Abbassi, conductor, Cairo, Egypt, and Geneva, Switzerland -Georges Delnon, opera director, Hamburg, Germany -Göran Gademan, casting director, Gothenburg, Sweden -Franziska Maria Kaiser, casting director, Copenhagn, Denmark -Olga Kondina, soprano/professor, Sankt Petersburg, Russia -Karin Veres, soprano/former artistic director, Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Sweden -One more jury member will be engaged |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | €130 |
| Application deadline | February 17, 2021 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
June, 11-16, 2021, Louis de Geer Concert Hall, Norrköping, Sweden |
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FINALS (live rounds)
June 18, 2021, 6-8 pm: Final and Prize ceremony, Louis de Geer Concert Hall, Norrköping, Sweden |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2018 Yohan Kim, South Korea, tenor 2016 Christina Nilsson, Sweden, soprano 2014 Chrystal E Williams, United States, mezzosoprano 2012 Daniel Johansson, Sweden, tenor; Alexandra Popandopulo, Russia, soprano 2010 Jeasig Lee, South Korea, tenor
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Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The third biennial Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition, Shanghai’s world-class violin competition, will be held August 10-29, 2021 in Shanghai, China. The competition has a grand prize of $100,000.
MAIN OFFICE
No. 1380 Middle Fuxing Road, Shanghai 200031
CHINA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Competition is open to all participants between the ages 16 and 33.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | More than $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | David Stern & Vera Tsu Weiling |
| Additional jurors | Martin Campbell-White Glenn Dicterow Ning Feng Emmanuel Hondrè Weigang Li Philip Setzer Hagai Shaham Joel Smirnoff Kyoko Takezawa Maxim Vengerov Jian Wang |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application fee | $100 |
| Application deadline | January 31, 2021 |
| Application notes | No new applications will be accepted. Only contestants who finished the 2020 SISIVC online application, before 23:59 GMT+8, on January 20, 2020, will be qualified to submit or replace their pre-selection video. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
August 16-22, 2021: Shanghai Symphony Hall, Shanghai, China |
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FINALS (live rounds)
August 27-29, 2021: Shanghai Symphony Hall, Shanghai, China |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2018 Nancy Zhou, violin 2016 Mayu Kishima, violin
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Stulberg International String Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Established in 1975, the Stulberg is one of the longest-standing string competitions in the country. Its uniqueness stems from its focus on young string musicians, its high caliber of judges, its reputation for excellence, and its longevity.
MAIN OFFICE
359 South Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 14 Kalamazoo, MI 49007
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Stulberg International String Competition is open to students of violin, viola, cello or double bass from around the world. Applicants must be under the age of 20 on January 1, prior to that year's competition. Proof of date of birth will be required if selected as a semifinalist. Current students of that year's judges are not eligible to apply.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
✔ Accepting applications?
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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 | Mitchell Newman, violin Cynthia Phelps, viola Sara Sant'Ambrogio, cello |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | $130 |
| Application deadline | February 1, 2021 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
May 22, 2021, 9 am. and 4 pm, Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University campus, Kalamazoo, MI |
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FINALS (live rounds)
May 22, 2021, 2021, 7:30 pm, Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University campus, Kalamazoo, MI |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2012 Matthew Lipman, viola 2007 Benjamin Beilman, violin 2005 Jinjoo Cho, violin 1992 Jennifer Koh, violin 1981 Joshua Bell, violin
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Sydney International Piano Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Sydney International Online Piano Competition will occur July 2-18, 2021. Competitors will submit pre-recorded videos for an international jury and compete for career-building prizes and opportunities. The Sydney continues to present events at the highest international level and inspire pianists and audiences alike.
MAIN OFFICE
PO Box R104 Royal Exchange NSW 1225
AUSTRALIA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Must be 18 to 32 years of age
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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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 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Piers Lane AO - Artistic Director and Chairman of the Jury | |
| Additional jurors | Olivier Cazal Mark Coughlan Olga Kern Vladimir Tropp Xiaohan Wang Mira Yevtich |
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| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application fee | $200 | |
| Application deadline | December 4, 2023 | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Online Competition 2021: Preliminary Round, July 2-9, 2021; Semifinal Round, July 10-13, 2021 |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Online Competition 2021: July 14-18, 2021 |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2016 Andrey Gugnin 2012 Avan Yu 2008 Konstantin Shamray 2004 John Chen 2000 Marina Kolomitseva
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Takamatsu International Piano Competition
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TAKAMATSU INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
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Toru Takemitsu Composition Award 2022
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Total awards are ¥3,000,000 (approximately $29,000) each year. The judge may withhold the prize. The composers whose works are selected to be performed at the final selection will be invited to attend.
MAIN OFFICE
3-20-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 163-1403
JAPAN
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Any person, regardless of nationality, who is not over 35 years old at the end of the year his/her application is submitted.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
compposition
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
✔ Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Brian Ferneyhough |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | Free |
| Application deadline | September 30, 2021 |
| Application notes | Please submit two copies of the bound score, together with a completed entry form to the following office by the above deadlines. Mailed entries must be received by the above dates. Receipt of entries on the last day will close at 6:00 pm (Japan time). |
FINALS (live rounds)
Sunday May 31, 2022 at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, Tokyo, Japan |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✖ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
The final concert postponed to January 19, 2021
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Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The competition welcomes pianists 8-28 from the world over who pursue the musical ideals espoused by the late Mme. Rosalyn Tureck. The competition consists of eight categories divided by repertoire difficulty. A competitor may compete in up to three categories and required to perform a contemporary work.
MAIN OFFICE
23 West 73rd street New York, NY10023
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
8 to 28 years old, based on eligibility for certain categories.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Triennial |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | To be announced |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | $180 |
| Application deadline | October 15, 2019 |
| Application notes | Preliminary unedited DVD with repertoire to be intended to perform deadline: October 15, 2022 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
December 2022 |
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FINALS (live rounds)
December 2022 |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
SOCIAL LINKS
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37th Valsesia Musica International Competition 2021
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Valsesia Musica competition (former Viotti Valsesia) started in 1981 to promote young talented musicians as well as Valsesia, the greenest valley in Italy. It is divided in different sections: violin and orchestra, piano, voice and a juniores contest for piano, strings and chamber music.
MAIN OFFICE
corso Roma, 35 I-13019 Varallo (VC)
ITALY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to violinists, singers and pianists from all over the world up to 37 years old.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings • Voice
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
|
DETAILS |
|
| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | Less than €10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | To be decided |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | €100 |
| Application deadline | April 17, 2020 |
| Application notes | Spring 2021: violin and orchestra Autumn 2021: voice |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Teatro Civico in Varallo (VC) Italy, exact dates to be determined: Spring 2021, violin and orchestra; October 2021, voice |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Teatro Civico in Varallo (VC) Italy, exact dates to be determined: Spring 2021, violin and orchestra; October 2021, voice |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✖ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2020 Giuseppe Gibboni and Selma Spahiu, violin and orchestra 2020 Piano—to be decided in mid-December as the online competition is in progress 2019 Ho Joun Lee, voice 2018 So Hyung In, piano
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Walgreens National Concerto Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Walgreens National Concerto Competition is one of the largest youth concerto competitions in the nation with over 200 applicants each year. Winners receive $1000 and performance opportunities with the MYA Symphony Orchestra and on the radio programs From the Top and Introductions (WFMT-Chicago).
MAIN OFFICE
878 Lyster Road, Highwood Illinois, 60040
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
All participants must be in the 12th grade or below. Senior Division is grades 9 through 12, Junior division is grades 8 and under.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings • Voice • Woodwinds • Brass • Percussion
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
✔ Accepting applications?
|
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) | Varies each year |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | $0 for non-MYAC Participants |
| Application deadline | December 1, 2021 |
| Application notes | 11:59pm on the deadline date |
FINALS (live rounds)
December 28-30, 2021: Open Division—MYA Conservatory Center, Highwood, IL MYA Division—Bennett Gordon Hall, Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, IL |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✖ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 MYAC Senior: Ella Saputra, violin Open Senior: Masha Lakisova, violin MYAC Junior: Momo Fredrickson, violin
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SOCIAL LINKS
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16 International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Competition started in 1935 and is the oldest violin competition in the world. Among the prize-winners: Ginette Neveu, Ida Haendel, David Oistrakh, Igor Oistrakh, Wanda Wilkomirska, Charles Treger. It is conducted every five years. Contestants perform with piano and chamber orchestra and with symphony orchestra (two concertos, including one by H. Wieniawski).
MAIN OFFICE
Swietoslawska str. 7 61-840 Poznań
POLAND
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Competition is open to violin players of all nationalities born between 1991 and 2006.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Quinquennial | |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Augustin Dumay | |
| Additional jurors | Agnieszka Duczmal Daniel Stabrawa Piotr Anderszewski |
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| Jury size | 11 or more | |
| Application fee | €50 + €150 | |
| Application deadline | November 15, 2021 | |
| Application notes | November 15, 2021; for more information go to the Competition website. | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
October 12-16, 2022, Adam Mickiewicz University Auditorium, Poznań, H. Wieniawski str. 1, Poland |
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FINALS (live rounds)
October 18-20, 2022, Adam Mickiewicz University Auditorium, Poznań, H. Wieniawski str. 1, Poland |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2016 Veriko Tchumburidze 2011 Soyoung Yoon 2006 Agata Szymczewska 2001 Alena Baeva 1996 Reiko Otani 1991 Bartlomiej Niziol, Piotr Plawner
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Wigmore Hall/Bollinger International Song Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Competition celebrates the art of the song recital and honours the Lied’s place at the heart of the genre. The Competition has grown in status and prestige since its foundation in 1997 and continues to attract international singers and pianists keen to embark on significant recital careers.
MAIN OFFICE
Wigmore Hall 36 Wigmore Street London W1U 2BP
UNITED KINGDOM
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
All singers and accompanying pianists must be under 34 at the start date of the Competition for which they are applying.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
TBD Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | John Gilhooly OBE - Director, Wigmore Hall |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | £25 (initial) plus £35 (if selected) |
| Application deadline | March 18, 2021 |
| Application notes | Deadline to be confirmed |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Wigmore Hall, London, September 7, 2021 |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Wigmore Hall, London, September 9, 2021 |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| TBD | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| TBD | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Mikhail Timoshenko, bass-baritone 2017 Julien Van Mellaerts, baritone 2015 Milan Siljanov, bass 2013 Timothy Fallon, tenor 2011 Dominik Koninger, baritone
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition is one of the most prestigious quartet competitions in the world. The Competition is held under the auspices of Wigmore Hall, the leading venue for chamber music. It attracts the best young quartets and offers excellent career development opportunities to prizewinners.
MAIN OFFICE
Wigmore Hall 36 Wigmore Street London W1U 2BP
UNITED KINGDOM
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
All members of quartets wishing to apply must be under 35 at the start date of the Competition for which they are applying.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
TBD Accepting applications?
|
DETAILS |
|
| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Triennial |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | John Gilhooly OBE - Director, Wigmore Hall |
| Additional jurors | Jonathan Brown, viola, Casals Quartet Hélène Clément, viola, Doric Quartet Simin Ganatra, violin, Pacifica Quartet Louise Hopkins, cello, Head of Strings, Guildhall School of Music & Drama Laura Samuel, violin, leader BBCSSO and ex-Belcea Quartet Kyril Zlotnikov, cello, Jerusalem Quartet |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | £25 (initial) plus £35 (if selected) |
| Application deadline | October 2021 |
| Application notes | Application deadline will be mid-October 2021 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Wigmore Hall, London, April 8, 2022 |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Wigmore Hall, London, April 9, 2022 |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2018 Esme Quartet 2015 Quatuor Van Kuijk 2012 Arcadia Quartet 2009 Danish String Quartet 2006 Formosa Quartet
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Young Concert Artists International Auditions
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Young Concert Artists Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and developing the careers of extraordinary classical musicians. The sole criteria are exceptional musicianship, virtuosity, and individuality. The musicians compete against a standard of excellence, not each other. There is no set number of winners.
MAIN OFFICE
1776 Broadway, Suite 1500 New York, NY 10019
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants at the beginning of a musical career, who offer repertoire within the categories listed, provide two appropriate letters of recommendation, and are not under U.S. management.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings • Voice • Brass • Woodwinds • Chamber Ensembles
PANDEMIC & SAFETY
Due to the pandemic, is this competition:
✔ Scheduled?
✔ Accepting applications?
|
DETAILS |
||
| Travel Covered? | No | |
| Frequency | Annual | |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 | |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Daniel Kellogg, President | |
| Jury size | 11 or more | |
| Application fee | $55 early deadline / $85 final deadline | |
| Application deadline | August 2, 2021 | |
| Application notes | Early deadline: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Final deadline: Monday, August 2, 2021 |
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SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
November 2021, New York, NY |
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FINALS (live rounds)
November 2021, New York, NY |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| TBD | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2012 Julia Bullock, soprano 2011 Paul Huang, violin 1997 Jeremy Denk, pianist 1984 Dawn Upshaw, soprano 1982 Carter Brey, cellist 1973 Emanuel Ax, pianist
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SOCIAL LINKS
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