Feature Article Jamie Barton Competitor Extraordinaire
A Musical America Guide to Top Competitions February 2016 Editor’s Note While not every artist who wins a competition ends up a star, there’s no denying that a win can, if not launch a career, at least provide a major boost. Gustavo Dudamel, Joshua Bell, Emanuel Ax, Daniil Trifonov—they can all point to at least one triumph that helped get them where they are today. So what was their approach? Did they hunker down, keep the blinders on, avoid their fellow competitors in order to stay focused? In her interview with Georgia Rowe, mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, recent winner of the Richard Tucker Award and on an astonishingly swift career trajectory, explains that she’s tried that approach. “But the one that is more comfortable to me is the one where I refuse to acknowledge that there’s a competition going on.” She pretends it’s simply another job. “Because hopefully doing your job doesn’t make your mouth go dry and your legs shake!” Clearly it’s an approach that’s worked for her: In the last eight years she’s won five major competitions, starting with the Met Opera National Council Auditions in 2007 and continuing on to the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, the Tucker prize, and others. In her interview, she lets us in on how she prepares to compete, both artistically and A Musical America Guide to Top pyschologically, and on her interactions with other candidates and with the judges. She also suggests starting small—with local and school competitions—and working your way up the ladder. And staying positive— Ms. Barton appears to be the very model of that. COMpetitions In addition to the interview, we’ve combed through our 500-plus listings of national and international competitions to come up with a special list, chosen either by virtue of their prize monies, their prestige, their unusual nature, or a combination. You’ll find information on frequency, deadlines, disciplines, semi-final and finals dates, eligibility, awards options, and much more. And should you screw up the courage to walk onstage and perform for a panel of judges, remember the Barton method: it’s not a competition, it’s just another job. Stay cool and good luck! Regards, Susan Elliott Editor, Special Reports
Cover photo credit: Barton holding her 2013 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World trophy. Photo: Brian Tarr.
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions musicalamerica.com • February 2016 Jamie MusicalAmerica.com spoke with Barton on the West Coast in December, where she was singing Adalgisa in Los Angeles Opera’s Norma and making her San Francisco recital debut at San Francisco Performances.
Georgia Rowe: The Richard Tucker Award capped a string of wins for you—it’s Barton a very big deal considering some of the past winners! Jamie Barton: The Tucker Award, as well as the Marian Anderson Award and Competitor Extraordinaire the Opera Awards’ Young Singer of the Year prize, were all ones that I was put into the running for, without any personal effort on my part. That was something Jamie Barton is one of the fastest-rising stars in the opera world very new to me. They are all career benchmarks, especially the Richard Tucker Award. Just to be nominated is wonderful. I’ve been part of the Tucker family for today, earning rave reviews for her keen musicality and voluptuous, several years, having won one of the Richard Tucker career grants. They really do richly colored instrument. The Atlanta-based mezzo-soprano has take care of the people they attach their name to. also become something of an expert on the current competition scene, having ridden a wave of wins. To name a few: By Georgia Rowe • The 2007 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions • The 2013 Cardiff Singer of the World’s Main and Song prizes
Georgia Rowe has been • The 2014 International Opera Awards Young a Bay Area arts writer Singer of the Year since 1986. She is Opera • The 2014 Marian Anderson Award News’s chief San Francisco correspondent, and a • The 2015 Richard Tucker Award frequent contributor to the San Jose Mercury News, MusicalAmerica.com, San Francisco Examiner, and others. Her work has also appeared in Gramophone, Songlines, Jamie Barton taking a bow at the 2015 Richard Tucker Gala. Eugene Kohn led the Metropolitan and San Francisco magazine. Opera Orchestra. PHOTO: Dario Acosta.
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions musicalamerica.com • February 2016 Jamie Barton Competitor Extraordinaire
Rowe: How do you prepare for a competition? houses—so I just decided going in that I would think about it in different Barton: I think you just have to be sensitive to how they’re processing being Barton: When I was preparing for competitions that I auditioned for, I had terms, as a job audition. The greatest European tour audition ever. in a competition. In the Met competition, there were several people in the a two-fold rule—one, to program music that is accessible to a panel of And these people are my colleagues. When you box it into “this is a finals with me who really had the hunker-down mentality. And I thought, okay, judges, and two, to choose music that I adore. I think a lot of people go into competition and I must win,” I think you end up cutting off the big picture. and I tried not to be in their space. At the same time, there were others who competitions trying to sing exactly what they think the judges want to hear. You never know what mood the judges are going to be in or what they’re were just thrilled to be there. Amber Wagner was a perfect example. Neither I learned early on that trying to predict that was very difficult and usually looking for. All you can do is do your best job. If I treat it as a performance— of us had been to the Metropolitan Opera before, or even spent time in New doesn’t work. I was lucky, even before I did the Met competition in 2007. I as a job—it puts me in a head space that is much less nervous. I can feel, York. We were like little opera kids in a big candy shop. It made for wonderful sang for Gayletha Nichols, who runs the Met competition and goes around to “I’ve got this. This is my job.” memories of that competition. In general, I’ve found that the people I’ve done different young artist programs to hear people. It was my first time singing for competitions with are incredibly gracious and collegial. “I’ve lost easily as many competitions her, so I thought I would sing something very standard. I sang “Va, laisse couler mes larmes” from Werther. It’s fine, but it’s a bit of a mezzo national anthem. as I’ve won. Probably triple. Winning Rowe: What about encounters with judges? Do you meet them, talk with them? She thanked me, and I went on my way. A few weeks later, we met again at gracefully is a lot easier when you’ve Barton: Usually not at all. It’s generally perceived as a very big no-no. Tanglewood and I had the opportunity to sing for her again. I’d just started lost many.” working on the Witch’s aria from Hansel and Gretel, and I sang that. She said “I had in my notes that you sang “Va…” three weeks ago, and I’m going to Rowe: Can you talk a little more about how you interact with other can- tell you, I don’t remember it. But this song is the kind of thing you need to be didates? They are your colleagues, but how do you relate to them in starting everything with.” I followed her advice, and started using it for auditions that environment? and competitions, and people responded to it. I ended up winning the Met competition finals with it. So I think it’s very important to claim a place for yourself that way. At the Tucker Gala dinner with Barry Rowe: Describe how you prepare psychologically. Tucker and baritone Barton: There are two kinds of approaches. One is the hunker-down Sherrill Milnes. mentality: “I’m going to come in, not talk to anybody, and do what I do.” I’ve PHOTO: done that in the past. But the one that is more comfortable to me is the one Dario Acosta. where I refuse to acknowledge that there’s a competition going on. Cardiff, Rowe: For the awards that were not competitions, how did you know that you for instance, was such a high-pressure situation that I knew it was going were in the running? to be impossible to hunker down and focus without blowing a gasket from Barton: With some of them, you get a letter. You know you’re in the running for the pressure. I knew a couple of people there—we’d worked in the same Backstage at the Tucker Gala performance with previous winner tenor Lawrence Brownlee. Cardiff because you have to go through several auditions beforehand, to be able PHOTO: Dario Acosta.
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions musicalamerica.com • February 2016 Jamie Barton Competitor Extraordinaire to be chosen as the American representative. But this is a small community. I had so nerve-wracking! Especially with the Song Prize, I didn’t expect to win at all. I Fourscore app, where I can store opera scores. And it was nice to be able to do heard through the grapevine that I was on the short list for the Richard Tucker would have said my voice is the opposite of the kind of voice they choose for that [Anna Bolena] with Sondra [Radvanosvsky], who’s a friend. We did it for the first Award. The Marian Anderson award was a complete surprise. I didn’t know I had prize. My voice— while I pride myself on being able to show a lot of colors—is time in Chicago about a year ago, and I didn’t have any more Anna Bolenas on won until [Houston Opera Artistic and Music Director] Patrick Summers— who an operatic voice. Recitalists, especially in the U.K., tend to be not so Wagnerian. the schedule—until toward the end of summer, when I got a call from the Met. was the person who had nominated me—called me to tell me. We were in the The Song Prize winners from past years have certainly had a lot of variation. We knew it was going to make my schedule in September just barmy, but it middle of rehearsals for Rheingold in Houston at the time, and I got this call. He But people with my size voice have not tended to be winners. So when they ended up being a wonderful experience. said ‘‘I hadn’t mentioned that I had nominated you for this, but I now get the announced it, my mind just absolutely went blank. The next thing I knew, they pleasure of telling you you’ve won.” Patrick’s been a big part of my musical life for had me walking out onstage and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa was giving me this award, several years, so it was very special to have him tell me. With the [2014] Opera and I was just sort of stammering, “where do I go?” (laughs.) She told me to go Awards, I found out through the Internet. greet the judges. It was just too much to process.
Rowe: When you learn you’ve won at the actual ceremony, what is that Rowe: Competitions really are pressure situations. What have you learned moment like? from these experiences? Barton: Cardiff is the one that comes to mind. Nobody knew. They have this Barton: Certainly they teach you how to have grace under fire. A big part wonderfully sadistic way of having you line up for the announcement. It was of starting this career is cultivating your professional side. Especially during a competition, when there are cameras on you—like at the Met or the Cardiff Barton was a last- competitions— you have to be mindful of what you’re saying, how you’re minute replacement presenting yourself. Even if the cameras aren’t on you backstage, that’s still the in the role of Giovanna Seymour case. The people who are judging you are career professionals. They’re the people in the Met Opera’s who hire you. It’s taught me that you never know what they’re looking for. And production of Anna Bolena this season. that’s okay. There’s nothing more humbling than losing a competition. I’ve lost She is pictured here with Sondra easily as many as I’ve won. Probably triple. Winning gracefully is a lot easier Radvanovsky in when you’ve lost many. the title role. Photo:Ken Howard Rowe: Of course, there’s also the pressure of stepping into a role last minute, Rowe: Your San Francisco recital featured a recent Jake Heggie piece. How do as you did in San Francisco’s Norma and the Met’s Anna Bolena. you approach new works? Barton: Yes. Those were unique experiences. In San Francisco, I got the call Barton: Jake’s piece, The Work at Hand, is very special. The words are by Laura four days before I left Japan. I thought I was going home to Georgia! With Morefield, who passed away from cancer. She was only 50 years old. Even
Barton holding her 2013 BBC Singer of the World trophy. PHOTO: Brian Tarr. Anna Bolena, I had a little more lead time. Thank goodness for my iPad and the though it’s about the process of letting go, it’s just so beautiful. It’s a love song
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions musicalamerica.com • February 2016 Jamie Barton Competitor Extraordinaire to life, and it’s absolutely cathartic to sing it. Every time I approached this piece [Tannhäuser’s muse] Venus, or Ortrud in [Lohengrin]. Those are very interesting Competitions The following listings were drawn from the 2016 Musical America for the first month, I cried. I would sit down at the piano with the vocal score, ladies. Quite honestly, I would love to sing Carmen. She’s vocally a good fit for Worldwide database. Note that the majority have first-prize monies and I kept having to walk away from it. At one point I left Jake a voicemail, me, and such a fascinating psychological character. of $10,000 and over. just sobbing. I adore his music, and I honestly think he’s knocked it out of the Rowe: What is your advice to young singers thinking about entering ballpark with this one. competitions? AGO/ECS Publishing Award in Choral Composition...... 7 Barton: Start at the level where you’re comfortable. For me, that was starting The Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation ...... 7 Rowe: What’s coming up in 2016? with NATS [National Association of Teachers of Singing] competitions and small American Pianists Awards...... 8 school competitions. Then build your way up in terms of getting comfortable The American Prize...... 8 with the atmosphere of a competition. After a year or two, start stretching toward The Azrieli Music Project...... 9 the bigger ones. I find it always makes it easier to go in and do a competition like Gina Bachauer International Junior and it’s a performance—as if it’s your job. Because hopefully doing your job doesn’t Young Artist Piano Competitions...... 9 make your mouth go dry and your legs shake! The moment you let it mentally Banff International String Quartet Competition...... 10 get to you that there is a panel of people literally judging you, that’s when the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition— prize Competition...... 11 nerves get to you. But if I go in thinking that I’m giving a performance for a group BBC Cardiff Singer of the World...... 12 of people, then I tend to be out of my head a bit more. International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition...... 12 Canadian International Organ Competition...... 13 With soprano International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition...... 14 Renée Cleveland International Piano Competition & Festival...... 14 Fleming. PHOTO: Fifteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition...... 15 Dario Acosta Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition...... 16 Concours Musical International de Montréal...... 16 Barton: This year is bringing a whole bunch of new things. Waltraute is the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition...... 17 next Wagner role I’m taking on, at WNO in the spring. Before that, I’m adding Discover National Chamber Music Competition...... 18 Cornelia from Giulio Cesare. I’m very excited about that. George Enescu International Competition...... 18 Rowe: Your dream roles for the future? Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition...... 19 Barton: I’m looking forward to singing Eboli [in Verdi’s Don Carlos]… Fleischmann International Trophy Competition...... 19 Another dream role is Orfeo: the music is just stunning, and how many times Gawon International Award...... 20 do mezzos get the title role? I love Wagner and I’m slowly learning my way The 15th International Edvard Grieg Piano Competition...... 20 through [the canon]. I’d love to do Brangäne [in Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde], or With her cat, River. Michael Hill International Violin Competition...... 21
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions musicalamerica.com • February 2016 cmim_MusicalAmerica_16.02_F_Layout 1 2016-01-22 16:38 Page 1
Competitions …continued 2017 Hilton Head International Piano Competition The New York International Piano Competition...... 37 for Young Artists...... 21 Northern Lights Music Festival Concerto Competition...... 37 Honens International Piano Competition...... 22 Osaka International Chamber Music Competition...... 38 The Hong Kong International PianoArts...... 38 piano Competition 2016...... 23 3rd Edition of “il Pozzolino” International Competition Houston Symphony Ima Hogg Competition...... 23 for Young Pianists...... 39 International Art Song Competition Stuttgart 2016...... 24 Queen Elisabeth Competition—Belgium (Brussels)...... 40 The Third International Conducting Competition The Queen Sonja International Music Competition...... 40 for Chinese Music...... 25 The 15th Arthur Rubinstein International International Telekom Beethoven Competition Bonn...... 25 piano Master Competition...... 41 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis...... 26 Schadt String Competition...... 42 51st International Vocal Competition ’s-Hertogenbosch...... 27 Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition...... 42 Kerikeri International Piano Competition Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition...... 43 (New Zealand)...... 27 International Conductors’ Competition Sir Georg Solti...... 44 MARC BOUCHKOV JAYSON GILLHAM KEONWOO KIM ST ST ST DONALD WOODROW SCOTT TRESHAM The Lotte Lenya Competition...... 28 The Solti Foundation U.S...... 44 1 PRIZE 2013 SCOTT TRESHAM 1 PRIZE 2014 1 PRIZE 2015 The Gerda Lissner Foundation in Association Sphinx Competition...... 45 with the Liederkranz Foundation...... 29 Stulberg International String Competition...... 46 International Franz Liszt Piano Competition...... 29 Toru Takemitsu Composition Award 2016...... 46 Liszt Ferenc International Piano Competition Budapest...... 30 VOICE 32nd Valsesia Musica International Competition 2016...... 47 Lyon International Chamber Music Competition...... 30 MAY 22 JUNE 2 MAY 1 MAY 12 MAY 27 JUNE 7 Viotti International Music Competition, Vercelli...... 47 – – – M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition...... 31 Walgreens National Concerto Competition...... 48 The Mahler Competition...... 32 15th International Henryk Wieniawski Monte Carlo Violin Masters Prix Prince Rainier III...... 32 Violin Competition...... 48 MTNA National Student Competitions...... 33 Wigmore Hall International National Association of Teachers string Quartet Competition...... 49 of Singing Competitions...... 34 Wigmore Hall/Kohn Foundation CONCOURSMONTREAL.CA National Chopin Piano Competition of the USA...... 35 international Song Competition...... 49 The Walter W. Naumburg Foundation...... 35 Wilson Center Guitar Competition & Festival...... 50 Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize in Music Composition Young Concert Artists International Auditions...... 51 at Northwestern University...... 36
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions musicalamerica.com • February 2016 AGO/ECS PUBLISHING AWARD IN THE LICIA CHORAL COMPOSITION ALBANESE-PUCCINI FOUNDATION
The competition seeks outstanding compositions ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES The Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation’s mission DETAILS for SATB chorus and organ in which the organ plays Organ and SATB chorus is to offer young singers the opportunity to enter Travel covered? No a distinctive and significant role; requirements vary our annual international vocal competition and to Frequency Annual for each competition. DETAILS provide assistance to them in the form of awards Cash prizes More than $50,000 Travel covered? No and study grants. Jury chair(s) Stephen De Maio, MAIN OFFICE Frequency Biennial artistic director; Tony 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260 Cash prizes None MAIN OFFICE Russo, artist manager New York, NY 10115 Jury chair(s) Not provided 8 East 69th Street Jury size 6 to 10 UNITED STATES Jury size 1 to 5 New York, NY 10021 212-870-2310 UNITED STATES Application deadline April 1, 2016 Email Website Application deadline July 1, 2016 212-472-3556 Email Website SEMIFINALS (live rounds) ELIGIBILITY Application notes April 25 to 28, 2016. Columbus Citizens Foundation, The competition is open to all composers except Deadline subject to change ELIGIBILITY New York, NY AGO/ECS past winners. Membership in the AGO is Singers ages 21 to 35, prizes total $65,000 and range COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? FINALS (live rounds) not required. ✖ Not open to the public from $1,000 to $12,500. There are seven categories, each of which may have multiple winners. April 29, 2016. Columbus Citizens Foundation, New York, NY ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Voice COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed
BBC CARDIFF SINGER OF THE WORLD 2017 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN DEADLINE – 30 JUNE 2016
For details go to bbc.co.uk/cardiffsinger
ACSOW_16_ad_for musical americ entries2.indda Guide to 1 Top Competitions 21/01/2016 13:57 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 AMERICAN PIANISTS AWARDS THE AMERICAN PRIZE
The winner of the American Pianists Awards DETAILS The American Prize provides evaluation, recognition, Application deadline March 16, 2016: receives a two-year fellowship worth over $100,000, Travel covered? Yes and reward to America’s finest performing artists, Composers, chamber including a $50,000 cash award and career Frequency Quadrennial ensembles, and composers based on recorded musicians, assistance for two years, along with publicity, public Cash prizes $50,000 performances. There are many different categories instrumental soloists, performances, and other opportunities worldwide. Jury chair(s) Not provided and no age limits. The American Prize is proud to classical vocalists, and Jury size 11 or more have awarded over $40,000 in cash prizes in all pianists MAIN OFFICE categories since 2010. 4603 Clarendon Road, Suite 030 FINALS (live rounds) May 10, 2016: Indianapolis, IN 46208 April 7 to 8, 2017. Hilbert Circle Theatre, MAIN OFFICE Conductors, UNITED STATES Indianapolis, IN HCMT—The American Prize ensembles, stage 317-940-9945 25 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100 directors, arts Email Website COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? The Opera Cottage administrators ✔ ✖ Semifinals Semifinals streamed Danbury, CT 06811 ✔ ✔ ELIGIBILITY Finals Finals streamed UNITED STATES SEMIFINALS Nomination only The American Prize judges recorded performances Social links 203-746-2694 Email Website only, submitted via online links or on disc. There is ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES no live competition. Semi-finalists in all disciplines Piano ELIGIBILITY are announced during the summer. The competitions of The American Prize are open to all individuals living, working, and/or studying in FINALS the U.S. and to all U.S. citizens living abroad. There The American Prize judges recorded performances are no age limits. There are separate categories for only, submitted via online links or on disc. There is professional, college/university, community, and no live competition. Finalists in all disciplines are high school age solo musicians and ensembles. announced in the fall, winners by the end of the calendar year. ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Conducting • Piano • Voice • Orchestra COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✖ • Solo Instrumentalist • Chamber Group • Chorus Not open to the public • Band • Opera and Musical Theater Companies Social links 2-10 JUNE 2017 • Stage Directors • Arts Administrators MICHAEL HILL INTERNATIONAL • Chicago Oratorio Award DETAILS VIOLIN COMPETITION Travel covered? No Queenstown and Auckland, New Zealand Frequency Annual Over $100,000 in prizes | Airfares provided for semi-finalists Jury chair(s) David Katz Jury size 1 to 5 Applications due November 2016 violincompetition.co.nz
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions musicalamerica.com • February 2016 THE AZRIELI GINA BACHAUER INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR AND YOUNG MUSIC PROJECT ARTIST PIANO COMPETITIONS
The AMP celebrates, fosters, and creates DETAILS More than 1,000 pianists from 40 countries have DETAILS extraordinary opportunities for new orchestral Travel covered? Yes competed in the Gina Bachauer International Piano Travel covered? No works on a Jewish theme or subject. Two Frequency Biennial Competitions. Candidates are accepted through Frequency Quadrennial $50,000 prizes: the Azrieli Prize in Jewish Music Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 live auditions at sites around the world. Each may Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 (international, works composed after January 2005) Additional prize Performances select his or her own repertory for audition rounds Additional prize Performances and the Azrieli Commissioning Competition (new Jury chair(s) Not provided and finals. Additional prize Management Canadian orchestral works). Jury size 1 to 5 Jury chair(s) TBA MAIN OFFICE Jury size 6 to 10 MAIN OFFICE Application deadline January 1, 2016 Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation 1010 rue Ste-Catherine ouest, Suite 1200 138 West Broadway, Suite 220 Application deadline October 1, 2015 FINALS (live rounds) Montreal, QC H3B 3S3 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Winner’s Gala Concert to be held on October 19, CANADA UNITED STATES SEMIFINALS (live rounds) 2016 with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal 514-282-1155 801-297-4250 No semifinal conducted by Kent Nagano. Maison Symphonique Email Website Email Website de Montréal, Montreal, QC. FINALS (live rounds) ELIGIBILITY ELIGIBILITY Five finalists for each category. June 18, 2016: Junior COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Composers of all faiths backgrounds and affiliations 11 to 14 years old for Juniors and 15 to 18 years finals; June 25 or 27, 2016, depending on availability ✖ Not open to the public are invited to apply. Minimum 15 minutes duration. old for Young Artists (must at least 11 years old of symphony: Young Artists finals. All events take and not older than 18 years old at the start of the place in Salt Lake City, UT. ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Social links competition Composition COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✖ ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Not open to the public Piano Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions musicalamerica.com • February 2016 BANFF INTERNATIONAL STRING QUARTET COMPETITION
Since 1983, BISQC has celebrated the art of ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES chamber music while providing career support Strings • String Quartet for emerging string quartets. Join the most dedicated chamber music audience on the planet DETAILS for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Outstanding Travel covered? Yes music-making, enlightening lectures, passionate Frequency Triennial discussions, delicious food, and spectacular Cash prizes More than $50,000 mountain vistas await you. Additional prize Performances Additional prize Recording MAIN OFFICE Jury chair(s) Vera Beths, Denis Brott, 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive Gérard Caussé, Yoshiko PO Box 1020 Station 23 Nakura, Geoff Nuttall, Banff, AB T1L 1H5 Peter Salaff, Alasdair Tait CANADA Jury size 6 to 10 403-762-6231 Email Website Application deadline March 1, 2016 ELIGIBILITY SEMIFINALS (live rounds) ß The competition is open to string quartets of all August 29 - September 3, 2016: Eric Harvie Theatre, nationalities whose members are under the age of The Banff Centre, Banff, AB Canada. 35 on September 4, 2016. (The ten competing quartets perform in all four preliminary rounds.) ß First and second prize winners of any previous Banff International String Quartet Competition FINALS (live rounds) (BISQC) are ineligible to apply. September 4, 2016: Eric Harvie Theatre, The Banff Centre, Banff, AB Canada. ß Quartets may compete in BISQC a maximum (Three quartets advance to the finals.) of two times only. Quartets that have already competed twice in BISQC are excluded from COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ ✔ participation. Semifinals Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed ß A quartet will be considered the same quartet if 50 percent of the personnel are returning. Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 10 Conductor Musical Comp HP output.indd 6 musicalamerica.com • February21/1/2016 20下午7:3816 BARLOW ENDOWMENT FOR BARLOW ENDOWMENT FOR MUSIC COMPOSITION—PRIZE COMPETITION, cont’d MUSIC COMPOSITION—PRIZE COMPETITION DETAILS COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Travel covered? No ✖ Not open to the public Frequency Annual The winning composer receives a $12,000 ELIGIBILITY Social links commission award in 2017 from the Barlow There are no restrictions with regard to musical Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 Endowment to compose a 15 to 20 minute major style, nationality, age, gender, race, religion, or Jury chair(s) Not provided new work for violin and piano. In 2018, a consortium political persuasion. The only limitations are: Jury size 6 to 10 will perform the work including violinist Alex Woods, ß Composers who have won the Barlow Prize in the Application deadline June 1, 2016 Duo Diarama, and David Bowlin with pianist previous five years will not be considered. Spencer Myer. Application notes ß Members of the Barlow Boards are not eligible. This deadline is a RECEIPT deadline, NOT a mailing MAIN OFFICE deadline. A-501 HFAC ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Brigham Young University Composition FINALS (live rounds) Provo, UT 84602 Notification of winners will be announced on the UNITED STATES website and Facebook by September 15 annually. 403-762-6231 Email Website
International Deadline for Selection Rounds in application: 1st Prize Moscow, Tokyo, 01.12.2016 30 000 euro New York & Utrecht Apply online
JURY Einar Steen-Nøkleberg, Chairman The 15th International Edvard Grieg Piano Competition Jan Jiracek von Arnim 11th International Franz Liszt Bergen, Norway, September 2–10, 2016 Ya-Fei Chuang Piano Competition Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen Antonio Pompa-Baldi Marianna Shirinyan Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra Leif Ove Andsnes 08.10 to Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Foundation Hiroko Nakamura 21.10.2017
Application deadline: May 2, 2016, at 4.00 pm CEST>> Sign up now at www.griegcompetition.com Utrecht The Netherlands www.liszt.nl
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 11 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 BBC CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL HANS GABOR BELVEDERE SINGER OF THE WORLD SINGING COMPETITION
BBC Cardiff Singer of the World is known throughout DETAILS The Hans Gabor Belvedere is the world’s best DETAILS the classical music world as one of the premiere Travel covered? Yes networked singing competition with qualifying Travel covered? Yes showcases for young professional singers at Frequency Biennial rounds in more than 65 cities each year. Male and Frequency Annual the start of their careers. It is broadcast on BBC Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 female singers of all nationalities are invited to enter Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 Television, Radio and online, and can be seen and Jury chair(s) David Pountney the competition in the international qualifying Additional prize Performances heard throughout the world. Jury size 1 to 5 rounds. The jury members of the final rounds Jury chair(s) Not provided are exclusively opera and casting directors of Jury size 11 or more MAIN OFFICE Application deadline June 30, 2016 international renowned opera houses. BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Application deadline June 10, 2016 Application notes Music Department Room E4113 MAIN OFFICE The BBC reserves the right to extend the closing date. BBC Cymru Wales, Broadcasting House Headquarters: Seidengasse 32/3/52, 1070 Vienna Application notes Please find all deadlines for the Qualifying Rounds Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YQ SEMIFINALS (live rounds) Register of Association: ZVR-Zahl 405445994 – LPD here. Wales Main Prize Preliminary Rounds: four concerts June Vienna UNITED KINGDOM 19 to 22, 2017. St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, Wales, United AUSTRIA SEMIFINALS (live rounds) 44.29.2032.2820 Kingdom. 43.681.81883593 From June 25, 2016: South African College of Music, Email Website Email Website Cape Town, South Africa Song Prize Preliminary Rounds: four recitals June ELIGIBILITY 18 to 20. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, ELIGIBILITY FINALS (live rounds) Open to singers of any nationality, at the beginning Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. Conditions are published here. July 2, 2016: Artscape Theater Center, Cape Town, of their professional career, who will have probably South Africa studied at a conservatory of music or equivalent. FINALS (live rounds) ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Entrants must have been born between June 26, Main Prize: June 25, 2017. St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, Voice COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? 1984 and June 11, 1999. See rules for more details. Wales, United Kingdom. ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Song Prize: June 23, 2017. St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, Voice Wales, United Kingdom. Social links COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 12 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL ORGAN COMPETITION CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL ORGAN COMPETITION, cont’d
Competitors from around the world will be ELIGIBILITY DETAILS FINALS (live rounds) meeting in Montreal for the chance to win prizes The CIOC is open to organists of all nationalities Travel covered? Yes October 18, 2017: Notre-Dame Basilica in Montréal, totaling over $95,000 USD in cash and other born after October 19, 1982. To be admitted to Frequency Triennial QC, Canada prizes. They are immersed in an intensive program, the CIOC, candidates must send a completed Cash prizes More than $50,000 Additional prize Performances COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? with an international jury and supportive CIOC registration file bearing a postmark prior to January ✔ ✔ Additional prize Management Semifinals Semifinals streamed team, allowing them to leave Montreal as more 30, 2017. Only complete files will be processed. The ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed confident musicians. first prizewinner of any previous CIOC competition is Additional prize Recording ineligible to apply. Jury chair(s) John Grew Social links MAIN OFFICE Jury size 6 to 10 606 Cathcart, Suite 335 ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Montréal, QC H3B 1K9 Organ Application deadline January 30, 2017 CANADA SEMIFINALS (live rounds) 514-510-5678 October 14-15, 2017: Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, Email Website Montréal, QC, Canada
51st INTERNATIONAL VOCAL COMPETITION 8 – 17 September 2016, ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands Classical Guitar • March 2017 Opera | Oratorio Lied Duo Violin • March 2018 Jury: Jury: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa soprano • Jennifer Larmore mezzo-soprano Elly Ameling soprano Cello • March 2019 Sergei Leiferkus baritone • Pieter Alferink impresario Christianne Stotijn mezzo-soprano • Robert Holl bass Peter de Caluwe La Monnaie Brussels Hans Eijsackers pianist • David Selig pianist FIRST PRIZE: $8,000 & a solo performance Jesús Iglesias Noriega Dutch National Opera Aart-Jan van de Pol Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra Evamaria Wieser Lyric Opera Chicago, Salzburg Festival Diane Wittry, Conductor Joel Ethan Fried Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Prize money: € 45,000 plus engagements Applications due December before competition Preliminary Rounds: May 27 & 28 2016, ’s-Hertogenbosch • June 25 2016, Sulmona, Italy • Auditions also via YouTube Application deadline: 26 April 2016 www.AllentownSymphony.org (610) 432-7961 x206 www.ivc.nu
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 13 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 INTERNATIONAL FRYDERYK CHOPIN CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION PIANO COMPETITION & FESTIVAL
The competition was established in 1927 and is held DETAILS The Cleveland International Piano Competition and DETAILS every five years. Travel covered? Yes Festival consists of four rounds of performances, Travel covered? Yes Frequency Every five years symposia, films, and social events, offering Frequency Triennial MAIN OFFICE Cash prizes More than €50,000 something for casual listeners and music Cash prizes More than $50,000 ul. Tamka 43 Additional prize Performances aficionados. Finalists perform concertos with the Additional prize Performances 00-355 Warszawa Additional prize Recording Cleveland Orchestra. Additional prize Management POLAND Jury chair(s) Professor Katarzyna Additional prize Recording 48.22.44.16.162 Popowa-Zydron MAIN OFFICE Jury chair(s) Andrea Bonatta, guest Email Website Jury size 11 or more 20600 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 1110 professor, Mozarteum Shaker Heights, OH 44012 ELIGIBILITY Salzburg Application deadline December 1, 2019 UNITED STATES Jury size 6 to 10 16 to 30 years old, with two recommendations 216-707-5397 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) Email Website Application deadline December 1, 2015 ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES April 13 to 24, 2020: Warsaw, Poland Piano ELIGIBILITY SEMIFINALS (live rounds) FINALS (live rounds) Ages 18 to 30 years old as of August 6, 2016 July 24 to August 7, 2016: Cleveland Museum of Art October 1 to 23, 2020: Warsaw, Poland and Severance Hall, Cleveland, OH ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Piano FINALS (live rounds) ✔ ✔ Semifinals Semifinals streamed July 24 - August 7, 2016: Cleveland Museum of Art ✔ ✔ Finals Finals streamed and Severance Hall, Cleveland, OH Social links COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 14 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 FIFTEENTH VAN CLIBURN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is quadrennial and held in Fort Worth, TX. Cash awards: $50,000/$20,000/$20,000. Winners also receive three years of artist management services and tour booking, audio recording and distribution, and other prizes. The competition will be streamed Quarterfinal round: May 29 to 30, 2017: Bass live, and a documentary will be produced for PBS Performance Hall, Ft. Worth, TX and international distribution. 20 competitors perform a 45-minute recital. MAIN OFFICE Semifinal round: June 1 to 5, 2017: Bass 201 Main Street, Suite 100 Performance Hall, Ft. Worth, TX Fort Worth, TX 76102 UNITED STATES 12 competitors in two phases: (1) Mozart concerto 817-738-6536 to be selected from a list with Fort Worth Symphony Email Website Orchestra and conductor Nicholas McGegan; and (2) 60-minute recital. ELIGIBILITY Age 18 to 30 years old. Applicants must have been FINALS (live rounds) born after June 10, 1986, and on or before May Final Round: June 7 to 10, 2017: Bass Performance 25, 1999. First-prize winners of previous Cliburn Hall, Ft. Worth, TX Competitions are not eligible to compete. 6 competitors in two phases: (1) Piano quintet FIFTEENTH ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Piano selected from a list with Brentano String Quartet; and (2) Concerto with Fort Worth Symphony DETAILS Orchestra and conductor Leonard Slatkin. VAN CLIBURN Travel covered? Yes Frequency Quadrennial COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? INTERNATIONAL Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed Additional prize Performances ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed PIANO Additional prize Management Additional prize Recording PAST COMPETITION WINNERS COMPETITION Jury chair(s) Leonard Slatkin 2013 Vadym Kholodenko, gold medalist Jury size 6 to 10 2013 Beatrice Rana, silver medalist Application deadline October 13, 2016 2005 Joyce Yang, silver medalist MAY 25–JUNE 10, 2017 2001 Olga Kern, gold medalist FORT WORTH, TEXAS USA SEMIFINALS (live rounds) 1966 Radu Lupu, gold medalist Preliminary round: May 25 to 28, 2017: Bass Performance Hall, Ft. Worth, TX Social links LEONARD SLATKIN, JURY CHAIRMAN 30 competitors perform a 45-minute recital, to CLIBURN.ORG • +1 817.738.6536 include the commissioned work of 4-6 minutes by Marc-André Hamelin. NOW BOOKING 2017 WINNERS. CONTACT SANDRA DOAN AT [email protected].
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 15 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 CONCERT ARTISTS GUILD CONCOURS MUSICAL VICTOR ELMALEH COMPETITION INTERNATIONAL DE MONTRÉAL
The CAG Victor Elmaleh Competition is held DETAILS The Concours musical international de Montréal Application deadline Violin: January 15, annually for solo instrumentalists and chamber Travel covered? No (CMIM) seeks to discover and support young 2016 (The application ensembles performing classical and non-traditional Frequency Annual singers, violinists, and pianists who demonstrate deadline has passed; repertoire. Prizes include cash; BMI Commissioning Prizes Performances, exceptional mastery of their art. It’s the only interested future Prize; Sylvia Ann Hewlett Adventurous Artist Prize; management international competition in North America to be applicants are referred and more than 40 performance prizes with leading Jury chair(s) Not provided held annually and to present three disciplines in a to the competition orchestras, concert series, and festivals. Jury size 6 to 10 three-year rotation. website.) MAIN OFFICE Application deadline April 15, 2016 MAIN OFFICE Piano: January 14, 850 Seventh Avenue, Suite PH-A 305 Mont-Royal Avenue East 2017 New York, NY 10019 Application notes Montreal, QC H2T 1P8 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) UNITED STATES Early bird deadline is April 1, 2016 CANADA Violin 2016: May 27, 2016 (2:30 pm and 7:30 pm) 212-333-5200 514-845-4108 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) May 28, 2016 (2:30 pm and 7:30 pm) Bourgie Email Website Email Website October 2016 in New York, exact dates and locations Concert Hall, Montreal, Canada ELIGIBILITY TBA ELIGIBILITY FINALS (live rounds) Any artist 30 years old or younger Violin age limit: 29 years old on January 1, 2016; FINALS (live rounds) Violin 2016: May 30, 2016 (7:30 pm) May 31, 2016 October 2016 in New York, exact dates and locations Piano age limit: 30 years old on January 1, 2017; ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Voice age limit: 33 years old on January 1, 2018 (7:30 pm) Maison symphonique, Montreal, Canada All solo instruments and chamber ensembles TBA ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✖ Piano • Strings • Voice Not open to the public ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Social links DETAILS Travel covered? Yes Social links Frequency Annual Cash prizes More than $50,000 Additional prize Performances Additional prize Management Jury chair(s) André Bourbeau Jury size 6 to 10
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 16 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 THOMAS AND EVON COOPER INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Cleveland Orchestra collaborate on this international THE THOMAS & EVON competition for musicians ages 13-18 (alternating violin and piano). New for 2016 is a $20,000 first prize cash award. Awards total more than $40,000 COOPER in cash prizes, performance of a full concerto with the Cleveland Orchestra live broadcast on WCLV Classical 104.7 FM, and a full four-year tuition INTERNATIONAL Application deadline April 15, 2016 scholarship to Oberlin Conservatory. SEMIFINALS (live rounds) MAIN OFFICE Semifinals round I and II: July 16-18, 2016 COMPETITION Oberlin Conservatory of Music 77 West College Street Concerto round: July 19. Oberlin Conservatory of Oberlin, OH 44074 Music, Warner Concert Hall, Oberlin, OH Piano 2016 July 14-23 UNITED STATES 440-775-8044 FINALS (live rounds) Email Website Concerto finals: July 22. Severance Hall, Cleveland, OH For ages 13-18 ELIGIBILITY FIRST PRIZE DOUBLED TO $20,000 Open to musicians between 13 and 18 years old COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? at time of competition, and who have not won ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed $40,000 in total cash prizes one of the top three prizes in a previous Cooper ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Competition. Applicants must provide: PAST COMPETITION WINNERS Travel assistance available ß Letter of recommendation from their current 2010 George Li (Age 14, USA), piano Finals with The Cleveland Orchestra teacher 2011 Sirena Huang (Age 17, USA), violin ß $100 entrance fee 2012 Lepmard Colafelice (Age 16, Italy), piano Broadcast live on WCLV 104.9 FM ß Completed application form 2013 Kyumin Park (Age 16, South Korea) and ß DVD or other video format of continuous William Ching-Yi Wei (Age 18, Taiwan), unedited performances of prescribed pieces violin—tied for first prize ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES 2014 Tony Yike Yang (Age 15, Canada) Application deadline: April 15 Piano (2016) and Violin (2017) on alternate years 2015 Gallia Kastner (Age 18, USA) and Belle Ting (Age 15, Taiwan) violin—tied for first prize More information at www.oberlin.edu/cooper DETAILS Travel covered? Travel assistance is Social links available Frequency Annual George Li, Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 2010 First Prize. Jury chair(s) Robert Shannon
Jury size 6 to 10 ROGER MASTROIANNI
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 17 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 DISCOVER NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION GEORGE ENESCU INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
The Discover National Chamber Music Competition DETAILS For three weeks the George Enescu Competition ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES is designed to provide an educational as well as a Travel covered? No transforms Bucharest and Romania into a platform Piano • Cello • Violin • Composition competitive experience for young chamber ensem- Frequency Annual for young talented musicians who aspire to pursue bles. Overall winning ensembles will each receive a Prize Performances an international career. It is the only Romanian DETAILS cash prize and perform on a winner recital in March. Jury chair(s) Not provided competition that is a member of the World Travel covered? No Jury size 1 to 5 Federation of International Music Competitions. Frequency Annual MAIN OFFICE Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 878 Lyster Road Application deadline February 1, 2017 MAIN OFFICE Additional prize Performances Highwood, IL, 60040 ARTEXIM UNITED STATES FINALS (live rounds) Victoria Business Center Jury chair(s) Not provided 847-926-9898 February 2017, Bennett Gordon Hall, Ravinia Calea Victoriei, no. 155, bl. D1, sc. 8, et. 2 Jury size 11 or more Festival, Highland Park, IL Email Website 010073 Bucharest Application deadline June 1, 2016 ROMANIA ELIGIBILITY COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✖ Not open to the public 40.21317.80.81 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) The competition is open to chamber ensembles Email Website Cello: September 11, 2016; Violin: September in 12th grade and younger. Ensembles may consist Social links 17, 2016; Piano: September 23, 2016, Romanian of three to eight musicians and use no more than ELIGIBILITY Athenaeum, Bucharest, Romania one piano. The 2016 George Enescu International Competition for Cello, Composition, Violin, and Piano is open to FINALS (live rounds) ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES participants of all nationalities, born after August Cello: September 13, 2016; Violin: September All instruments 1, 1983. No exception to this age limit is permitted. 19, 2016; Piano: September 25, 2016, Romanian The competition starts with a pre-selection round Athenaeum, Bucharest, Romania that will take place from June 15 to 30, 2016. The COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? application form can be uploaded here. ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 18 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 FISCHOFF NATIONAL FLEISCHMANN CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION INTERNATIONAL TROPHY COMPETITION
Founded in 1973 by Joseph E. Fischoff and fellow DETAILS Each year some of the finest amateur choirs are ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES members of the South Bend Chamber Music Travel covered? No selected to compete at the Cork Choral Festival [April Voice Society, the competition provides an innovative way Frequency Annual 27-May 1, 2016] for the prestigious Fleischmann of encouraging young people to pursue chamber Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 International Trophy. The selected choirs will also be DETAILS music study and performance. Additional prize Performances scheduled for a range of additional festival activities Travel covered? No Jury chair(s) Not provided throughout the week, including fringe concerts and Frequency Annual MAIN OFFICE Jury size 11 or more church and informal performances. Additional prize Recording 303 Brownson Hall Jury chair(s) TBD Notre Dame, IN 46556 Application deadline March 1, 2016 MAIN OFFICE Jury size 1 to 5 UNTED STATES Civic Trust House 574-631-0984 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) 50 Pope’s Quay Application deadline October 31, 2016 Email Website May 6 to 7, 2016: DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, Cork University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN Application notes IRELAND Subsequent to final acceptance, a choir may not ELIGIBILITY 35.3.21.421.5125 See eligibility rules here FINALS (live rounds) change its repertoire, nor the order in which it will May 8, 2016: DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, Email Website be sung. ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN ELIGIBILITY Chamber Music ensembles of three to six players Successful applicants will be notified within two COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? The Fleischmann International Trophy Competition weeks of the closing date. ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed consistently features top-class adult choirs from ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed many countries. A program of a cappella music FINALS (live rounds) consisting of either three or four contrasting works The Cork International Choral Festival takes place Social links whose total duration (actual singing) is between April 27-May 1. Afternoon and evening concerts will 10 and 12 minutes, is required. The music must be hear some of the world’s top amateur choirs compete purely vocal without the addition of percussion for the Fleischmann International Trophy. The instruments. Choirs whose programs do not comply competition occurs on the Saturday of the Festival in with the prescribed limits will incur a time penalty. Cork’s City Hall. The competition is open to any choir of international COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? standing with a minimum of 20 and maximum of 60 ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed voices; purely children’s choirs are not eligible. Social links The program must represent an historically balanced and coherent range of styles and must include: ß A piece composed before 1750 ß An original work by a living composer ß A work by a composer of the choir’s native country
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 19 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 GAWON THE 15TH INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL AWARD EDVARD GRIEG PIANO COMPETITION
Since 2005, the Gawon International Award has DETAILS The competition will take place at Troldhaugen, DETAILS been bestowed on promising young pianists. The Travel covered? Yes Grieg’s picturesque home in Bergen, Norway, Travel covered? No applicant must be able to demonstrate superb Frequency Biennial in September 2016. Competitors will live with Frequency Biennial potential achievement in piano and provide Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 host families and those who do not advance Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 exceptional recommendations from acclaimed Jury chair(s) Oksoo Han through to the second round or semifinals will Additional prize Performances musicians and international awards. Jury size 1 to 5 perform in concert in the Bergen area. First prize Additional prize Recording is 30,000 euros. Jury chair(s) Professor Einar MAIN OFFICE Application deadline December 31, 2017 Steen-Nøkleberg Sambo Hills 102 MAIN OFFICE FINALS (live rounds) Jury size 6 to 10 Pyungchang 12 Gil Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen September 2018, Seoul, KR Jongno-Gu, Seoul (110-847) Troldhaugveien 65 Application deadline May 1, 2016 SOUTH KOREA COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? NO-5232 Paradis – Bergen SEMIFINALS (live rounds) 82.2.379.5698 ✖ Not open to the public NORWAY Email Website 47.55.92.29.92 September 7, 2016: Solo piano and chamber music. Email Website Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen, Bergen, Norway ELIGIBILITY Pianists of any nationality between 17 and ELIGIBILITY FINALS (live rounds) 30 years old The competition is open to pianists of all September 10, 2016: Solo piano with the Bergen nationalities born in the years 1983 through 1999 Philharmonic Orchestra (conductor: Ed Gardner), ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Grieg Hall, Bergen, Norway Piano ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Piano COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 20 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 MICHAEL HILL 2017 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION PIANO COMPETITION FOR YOUNG ARTISTS
The Michael Hill is known for the genuine care DETAILS First prize winner receives $7,000 plus summer DETAILS it shows all its competitors, all of whom receive Travel covered? Yes scholarship, return engagement with Hilton Head Travel covered? Yes professional development. Frequency Biennial Symphony Orchestra, and other performance Frequency Biennial Cash prizes More than $50,000 opportunities; second prize is $5,000; third prize is Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 MAIN OFFICE Additional prize Performances $3,000; the two finalists receive $1,000 each; Sascha Additional prize Performances PO Box 78-141 Jury chair(s) Not provided Gorodnitzki Memorial Prize is $1000. Jury chair(s) Janice Weber Grey Lynn, Auckland 1245 Jury size 6 to 10 Jury size 1 to 5 NEW ZEALAND MAIN OFFICE 64.9.360.6472 Application deadline November 15, 2016 2 Park Lane, Suite 300/301 Application deadline September 30, 2016 Email Website Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) UNITED STATES SEMIFINALS (live rounds) ELIGIBILITY June 2 to 5, 2017: Rounds I and II. Solo and piano 843-842-5880 March 6 to 9, 2017: Rounds I and II (non- Violinists between the ages of 18 and 28 years old accompanied work performed by semi-finalists. Email Website elimination). Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Queenstown Memorial Centre; June 7 and 8, 2015: Head, SC ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Rounds III. String quintets performed by top six ELIGIBILITY Violin semi-finalists. Auckland Town Hall Pianists, 13 to 17 years old FINALS (live rounds) March 11, 2017: First Presbyterian Church, Hilton FINALS (live rounds) ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Head, SC June 10, 2017: Concertos performed by top three Piano finalists. Auckland Town Hall COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Social links Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 21 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 HONENS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION HONENS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION, cont’d
The Honens International Piano Competition ELIGIBILITY Application deadline November 30, 2018 COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? takes place in Calgary, Canada every three years. Pianists of all nationalities, 20 to 30 years old ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed SEMIFINALS (live rounds) ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed The competition searches for an emerging on August 30, 2018. Honens Laureates and August 30 to September 3, 2018: ten pianists complete pianist—a 21st-century artist for 21st- professionally managed pianists are ineligible. advance to the semifinals to perform solo and Social links century audiences. The Honens Prize Laureate ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES collaborative recitals, Jack Singer Concert Hall, is awarded $100,000 CAN and an artistic Calgary, Canada. and career development program valued at a Piano half-million dollars. DETAILS FINALS (live rounds) Travel covered? Yes September 6 and 7, 2018: three pianists advance to MAIN OFFICE the finals, Jack Singer Concert Hall, Calgary, Canada. 888 10th Street SW Frequency Triennial Calgary, AB T2P 2X1 Cash prizes More than $50,000 CANADA Additional prize Performances 403-299-0130 Additional prize Management Email Website Additional prize Recording Jury chair(s) Not provided Jury size 6 to 10
THE PREMIER VOCAL COMPETITION FOR TALENTED HIGH SCHOOL SINGERS next event JUNE 2016 COMPETITION DATES 30 June – 3 July 2016 Open to pianists of any nationality born on or after 30 June 1988 New Zealand New ENTRIES CLOSE – 11 March 2016 OVER $100,000 AWARDED AT REGIONAL COMPETITIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY! TOTAL PRIZE POOL NZ$33,000 Adjudicators: Jan Jiracek von Arnim (Vienna) Apply today: Eleanor Wong (Hong Kong) Albert Tiu (Singapore) New Zealand www.SchmidtCompetition.org Kerikeri | Northland | | Northland Kerikeri www.kipc.nz
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 22 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 THE HONG KONG HOUSTON SYMPHONY INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION 2016 IMA HOGG COMPETITION
The competition scheduled to take place in October DETAILS Named to honor the memory of Miss Ima Hogg, DETAILS 2014 was postponed to 2016 due to social unrest Travel covered? Yes a co-founder of the Houston Symphony, this Travel covered? Yes in Hong Kong. The postponed Competition will Frequency Triennial prestigious competition is designed to identify Frequency Annual now take place between 26 September and the Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 outstanding young instrumentalists and support Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 11 October 2016. Applicants who are first prize- Additional prize Performances their pursuit of careers. Ten musicians will be Jury chair(s) Hans Graf winners of members of the World Federation of Jury chair(s) Chairmanship by selected to perform in the semifinals. Four Jury size 1 to 5 Music Competitions are automatically accepted to College of Jurors finalists will advance to perform with the Houston participate in the competition and will enter directly Jury size 11 or more Symphony to determine the first-prize winner Application deadline January 22, 2016 into Round II. Travel costs are covered ONLY for of $25,000. SEMIFINALS (live rounds) those contestants who go on to Round II. Application deadline June 1, 2016 MAIN OFFICE June 4, 2016: 10 semifinalists at Rice University’s MAIN OFFICE Application notes 615 Louisiana Street, Suite 102 Stude Concert Hall, Houston, TX Room 206 A, 2nd Floor, St. George’s Building Should the applicant have problems meeting the Houston, TX 77002 FINALS (live rounds) No.2 Ice House Street, Central deadline, he/she should contact our office to agree UNITED STATES June 6, 2016: Four finalists at Rice University’s Stude HONG KONG on an acceptable alternative date. 713-238-1429 Concert Hall, Houston, TX 852-9027-1429 Email Website Email Website SEMIFINALS (live rounds) COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? October 6 and 7, 2016: City Hall Concert Hall, ELIGIBILITY ✔ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed ELIGIBILITY Hong Kong Ages 16 to 26 years old; U.S. citizen or student ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed Pianists from all over the world whose dates of birth studying at a U.S. college or conservatory; all are on or later than September 27, 1986. FINALS (live rounds) standard orchestral instruments and piano October 8 and 9, 2016: City Hall Concert Hall, ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Hong Kong ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Piano All orchestral instruments and piano COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 23 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 INTERNATIONAL ART SONG COMPETITION THE BANFF CENTRE STUTTGART 2016
The International Art Song Competition Stuttgart DETAILS is a platform for young singers and pianists to Travel covered? No present this difficult and beautiful art form in front Frequency Biennial of a large audience. Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 Additional prize Performances MAIN OFFICE Jury chair(s) Peter Schreier Internationale Hugo-Wolf-Akademie Jury size 6 to 10 Jägerstr. 40 D-70174 Stuttgart Application deadline June 20, 2016 BISQC GERMANY 49.711.221177 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) Email Website September 22, 2016: Konzertsaal, Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst ELIGIBILITY Stuttgart, Germany B a n f f Open to singers and pianists of all nationalities born after December 31, 1982. Each participant FINALS (live rounds) I n t e r n a t i o n a l may only enter the competition once. A September 24, 2016: Konzertsaal, Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst preliminary jury will select up to 36 duos from S t r i n g Q u a r t e t among the applications that arrive complete and Stuttgart, Germany on time. The decisions are final and only duos (one COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? singer and one pianist) may participate. ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed Competition ✔ ✔ ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Finals Finals streamed Piano • Voice Social links Aug 29 - Sept 4, 2016
APPLICATIONS FOR STRING QUARTETS CLOSE ON MARCH 1, 2016
BISQC.CA
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 24 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL TELEKOM CONDUCTING COMPETITION FOR CHINESE MUSIC BEETHOVEN COMPETITION BONN
Co-organized by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and DETAILS The competition focuses on works by Beethoven DETAILS National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan, this competition Travel covered? No from every phase of his creative life. The picture Travel covered? Yes not only recognizes and grooms young talent but Frequency Biennial of his music is rounded off with compositions by Frequency Biennial serves as a milestone in the development of Chinese Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 his predecessors, contemporaries, and successors. Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 orchestral music in the main. Additional prize Performances Along with the compulsory pieces, candidates Additional prize Performances Jury chair(s) Professor Xia Feiyun may put together a free program to show the jury Jury chair(s) Professor Pavel Gililov MAIN OFFICE Jury size 11 or more their individual artistic potential. Final rounds are Jury size 6 to 10 7/F, Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building performed with orchestra. 345 Queen’s Road Central Application deadline October 31, 2016 Application deadline May 15, 2017 HONG KONG MAIN OFFICE 852-3185-1600 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) c/o Beethovenfest Bonn SEMIFINALS (live rounds) Email Website July 10 to 15, 2017: There will be two parts: sight- Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 3 December 7 to 13, 2017: Deutsche Telekom reading at rehearsal and conducting a rehearsal 53113 Bonn Headquarters, Bonn, Germany ELIGIBILITY with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. Hong Kong GERMANY Born on or after January 1, 1972; experienced in Chinese Orchestra Rehearsal Room, Hong Kong FINALS (live rounds) 49.228.181.11.181 December 15, 2017: Beethoven Hall in Bonn, conducting an orchestra, or currently studying Email Website conducting as a major in a conservatory. FINALS (live rounds) Germany July 16, 2017: Finalists will conduct the Hong Kong ELIGIBILITY ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Chinese Orchestra in prescribed repertoire. Hong COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Pianists from all nations, as well as stateless persons, ✔ ✔ Conducting Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, Hong Kong Semifinals Semifinals streamed who are between 18 and 32 years old at the time of ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? the competition are eligible. ✖ Social links Not open to the public ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Social links Piano
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 25 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION OF INDIANAPOLIS, cont’d OF INDIANAPOLIS Jury chair(s) Jaime Laredo COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Jury size 6 to 10 ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed Hailed by musicians, media, and critics as one of the ELIGIBILITY ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Application deadline February 28, 2018 world’s most important competitions for launching Applicants must be between the 16 and 29 years old Social links a career, “The Indianapolis” has for 30 years searched during the competition dates, which are TBD. SEMIFINALS (live rounds) the globe for the latest violin sensations to emerge September 2018 (exact dates TBA): Eugene and ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES on the concert scene. Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center Indianapolis, IN Strings MAIN OFFICE FINALS (live rounds) DETAILS 32 East Washington Street, Suite 1320 September 2018 (exact dates TBA): Hilbert Circle Travel covered? Yes Indianapolis, IN 46204 Theatre, Indianapolis, IN UNITED STATES Frequency Quadrennial 317-637-4574 Cash prizes More than $50,000 Email Website Additional prize Performances Additional prize Management Additional prize Recording
MTNA 2016–17 Music Teachers National Association Student Competitions The MTNA student competitions provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers in their pursuit of musical excellence. The three-tiered MTNA competitions begin at the state level. First-place winners of each state’s competition advance to a division competition. Division winners compete in the national finals at the 2017 MTNA National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, next March. The competitions are divided into for age groups: Elementary (ages 5-10; composition only), Junior (ages 11-14), Senior (ages 15-18) and Young Artist (ages 19-26). Competitions include Composition, Brass, Piano, String, Voice, Woodwind and Chamber Music. The deadline to apply for the 2016-2017 MTNA student competitions is September 14, 2016. For more information, visit www.MTNA.org
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 26 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 51ST INTERNATIONAL VOCAL COMPETITION KERIKERI INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION ’S-HERTOGENBOSCH (NEW ZEALAND)
Sole classical vocal competition in the Netherlands DETAILS Three international judges will chose winners DETAILS that involves opera and oratorio, as well as art Travel covered? Yes among 14 pianists competing in the semifinal Travel covered? No song for singer-pianist duos. Much attention Frequency Biennial rounds and four in the final rounds. First Prize is Frequency Biennial paid to 20th-century and contemporary music. Cash prizes More than €50,000 $15,000 NZ. An allowance is paid towards travel Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 Finals with symphony orchestra. Master classes, Additional prize Performances costs. Home-stay accommodation is provided Jury chair(s) None media training, feedback from jury members, Jury chair(s) Not provided (if required). Jury size 1 to 5 career development, travel refund possible, Jury size 6 to 10 accommodation with host families. MAIN OFFICE Application deadline Midnight Application deadline April 26, 2016 29 Jennings Road March 11, 2016 MAIN OFFICE RD2 Prins Bernhardstraat 8 Application notes Kerikeri 0295 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) 5211 HE ’s-Hertogenbosch Preliminary Rounds: May 27 to 28, 2016: NEW ZEALAND July 1 and 2, 2016: Turner Centre, Kerikeri, New NETHERLANDS ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; June 25, 2016: Email Website Zealand Sulmona, Italy. 31.73.6900999 FINALS (live rounds) Email Website ELIGIBILITY Auditions also via YouTube/DVD Contestants must be under the age of 28 on July 3, 2016: Turner Centre, Kerikeri, New Zealand ELIGIBILITY FINALS (live rounds) June 29, 2016, i.e., date of birth must be on or after COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? The IVC is open to candidates of all nationalities. Voice (Opera, Oratorio, Lied), September 8 to 17, June 30, 1988. ✖ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed Participants must be at least 18 years of age and ✔ ✖ 2016, Theater an de Parade, ’s-Hertogenbosch, ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Finals Finals streamed have completed conservatory training or its The Netherlands equivalent. Singers: Born in 1985 or later (female); Piano Social links Born in 1982 or later (male). Pianists: COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Born in 1979 or later (applies to all) ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Voice • Lied Duo (singer + pianist) Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 27 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 THE LOTTE LENYA COMPETITION
A unique international theater singing contest ELIGIBILITY SEMIFINALS (live rounds) that emphasizes wide-ranging repertoire and Open to singer/actors of all nationalities, 19 to 32 March 10 to 11, 2016: Manhattan School of Music, the acting of songs and arias within a dramatic years old New York, NY context. The competition recognizes talented FINALS (live rounds) young singer/actors who are dramatically and ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Voice • Musical Theater/Opera April 16, 2016: Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of musically convincing in repertoire ranging from Music, Rochester, NY opera/operetta to contemporary Broadway scores, DETAILS including the works of Kurt Weill. Travel covered? Yes COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Frequency Annual ✖ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed MAIN OFFICE ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed The Kurt Weill Foundation for Music Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 Jury chair(s) Not provided 7 East 20th Street, 3rd Floor SOCIAL LINkS New York, NY 10003 Jury size 1 to 5 UNITED STATES Application deadline January 25, 2016 212-505-5240 Email Website
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 28 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 THE GERDA LISSNER FOUNDATION IN ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL FRANZ LISZT WITH THE LIEDERKRANZ FOUNDATION PIANO COMPETITION
Winners are granted awards ranging from $1,000 to DETAILS One of the world’s most prestigious piano DETAILS $15,000 based upon placement in the competition. Travel covered? No competitions, it is also known for the thorough and Travel covered? Yes A total of $200,000 will be awarded in prizes. Frequency Annual professional support it offers young musicians. The Frequency Triennial Cash prizes More than $50,000 Competition is devoted entirely to the piano works Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 MAIN OFFICE Jury chair(s) Stephen De Maio, of Franz Liszt. Additional prize Performances 15 East 65th Street President Additional prize Management New York, NY 10065 Jury size 6 to 10 MAIN OFFICE Additional prize Recording UNITED STATES Ganzenmarkt 14 Jury chair(s) Joop Daalmeijer 212-826-6100 Application deadline March 4, 2016 3512 GD Utrecht Jury size 6 to 10 Email Website THE NETHERLANDS Application notes Email Website Application deadline December 1, 2016 ELIGIBILITY Applications must be received by March 4, 2016, General Division: 21 to 35 years old; Wagner 5:00 pm EST, and emails are preferred. ELIGIBILITY SEMIFINALS (live rounds) Division: 30 to 45 years old The Liszt Competition is open to professional October 9 to 15, 2017: TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, SEMIFINALS (live rounds) pianists of all nationalities who are at least 19 years The Netherlands ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES March 28 through 31, 2016: General Division; April old and no more than 29 years old at the start of the Voice 1, 2016: Wagner Division, Liederkranz Foundation, 6 competition, October 8, 2017. FINALS (live rounds) East 87th Street, New York, NY October 18, 2017: Finals solo ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES FINALS (live rounds) Piano October 21, 2017: With the Netherlands Radio April 2, 2016: General and Wagner divisions. Philharmonic Orchestra, TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, Liederkranz Foundation, 6 East 87th Street, New The Netherlands York, NY COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✖ Not open to the public ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 29 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 LISZT FERENC LYON INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION BUDAPEST CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION
The tradition of Budapest International Music DETAILS Member of the WFIMC. More than 600 chamber ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Competition was established in 1933. The winner of Travel covered? No artists have taken part in the CIMCL. The prize- Piano • Strings • Voice • Trio (violin, cello and piano) the very first piano competition was Annie Fischer. Frequency Quadrennial winning concert is broadcast on national France • String Quartet • Duo violin and piano • Duo voice The event was revived in 1956 whenceforth it has Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 musique radio. A large audience follows the and piano • Duo cello and piano • Woodwind been held annually, in several categories. Additional prize Performances competition in some of the most beautiful halls Quintet • Brass Quintet Jury chair(s) Kun Woo Paik of Lyon. MAIN OFFICE Jury size 6 to 10 DETAILS Filharmonia Magyarország MAIN OFFICE Travel covered? No Felsovámház utca 52. Application deadline May 2, 2016 54 rue du 1er mars 1943 Frequency Annual 7626 Pécs 69100 Villeurbanne Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 HUNGARY SEMIFINALS (live rounds) FRANCE Additional prize Performances 36.302.4961 September 6 and 7, 2016, Liszt Ferenc Academy of 33.6.52.14.80.45 Jury chair(s) Natalia Gutman Email Website Music, Budapest, Hungary Email Website Jury size 6 to 10 ELIGIBILITY FINALS (live rounds) ELIGIBILITY Application deadline January 15, 2016 Born on or after January 1, 1984 September 9 and 10, 2016, Liszt Ferenc Academy of All nationalities, artists born under 33 years old Music, Budapest, Hungary Application notes ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES End of January of each year Piano COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed SEMIFINALS (live rounds) ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed April 22, 2016: Duo Cello and Piano. Université Lumière Lyon 2 Lyon, France Social links FINALS (live rounds) April 23, 2016: Duo Cello and Piano. Université Lumière Lyon 2 Lyon, France COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 30 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 AlessAndriA • Michele Pittaluga International Guitar and Composition for Classical Guitar Competitions “Premio Città di Alessandria” M-PRIZE CHAMBER ARTS COMPETITION AucklAnd • Michael Hill International Violin Competition Augsburg • International Violin Competition Leopold Mozart bAnff • Banff International String Quartet Competition bArcelonA • « Maria Canals International Music Competition » beijing • Beijing International Music Competition belgrAde • International Jeunesses Musicales Competition berlin • International Max Rostal Competition berlin • « Grand M-Prize aims to identify and showcase the highest DETAILS Prix Emanuel Feurmann » International Cello Competition besAnçon • Concours International de Jeunes Chefs d’Orchestre bilbAo • Concours caliber of international chamber arts ensembles; Travel covered? No International de Chant de Bilbao-Bitzkaia « Pedro Mª Unaue » bolzAno • Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition bonn • International Telekom Beethoven Competition bordeAux • Concours International de Quatuor à Cordes de Bordeaux brAtislAvA • J.N. Hummel provide a world-class performance and adjudication Frequency Annual International Piano Competition bresciA • International Violin Competition “Città di Brescia” bruxelles* • Concours Musical International Reine Elisabeth de Belgique buchArest • George Enescu International Competition buchArest • Le Grand Prix d’Opera International platform for the chamber arts; launch and advance Cash prizes More than $50,000 Singing Competition budApest* • Budapest International Music Competition bydgoszcz • Paderewski International Piano Competition the careers of chamber ensembles through Additional prize Performances cAlgAry • Honens International Piano Competition chArtres • Concours International d’Orgue « Grand Prix de Chartres » clevelAnd • Cleveland International Piano Competition cologne • International Music Competitions Cologne dortmund • International Schubert prizes, visibility, and professional development Jury chair(s) Not provided Competition dublin • Dublin International Piano Competition dublin • Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition düsseldorf • opportunities; and evolve the breadth and depth of Jury size 11 or more “Aeolus” International Competition for Wind Instruments eindhoven • Tromp International Percussion Competition epinAl • Concours International de Piano d’Epinal fort Worth • Van Cliburn International Piano Competition genevA* • Concours de Genève genovA* • the chamber arts landscape. International Violin Competition “Premio Paganini” glAsgoW • Scottish International Piano Competition grAz • International Competition Application deadline March 1, 2016 “Franz Schubert and Modern Music” hAchioji • Gaspar Cassado International Violoncello Competition hAmAmAtsu • Hamamatsu MAIN OFFICE International Piano Competition hAmAmAtsu • Shizuoka International Opera Competition hAnnover • Joseph Joachim International FINALS (live rounds) Violin Competition helsinki • Mirjam Helin International Singing Competition helsinki • Helsinki International Maj Lind Piano Competition M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition helsinki • Jean Sibelius International Violin Competition ‘s-hertogenbosch • International Vocal Competition ‘s-Hertogenbosch University of Michigan School of Music May 20, 2016: The M-Prize Winner is selected from indiAnApolis • International Violin Competition of Indianapolis jAén • International Piano Competition “Premio Jaén” jeju • Jeju International one of three 1st Place Laureate Ensembles from Brass Competition kAruizAWA • International Oboe Competition of Japan kAtoWice • Grzegorz Fitelberg International Competition for Theatre & Dance Conductors kAtrineholm • Swedish International Duo Competition kiev • International Competition for Young Pianists in memory of 1100 Baits Drive the Senior Division during a gala concert at Hill Vladimir Horowitz kobe • Kobe International Flute Competition lichtenberg • Henri Marteau International Violin Competition leipzig • Auditorium, Ann Arbor, MI International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition luxembourg • Concours International de Percussion ludWigslust • Johann Matthias Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Sperger International Double Bass competition lyon • Concours International de Musique de Chambre - Lyon mAnchester • James Mottram International Piano Competition mArkneukirchen • International Instrumental Competition melbourne • Melbourne International UNITED STATES COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Chamber Music Competition miAmi • Murray Dranoff International Two Piano Competition montréAl • Concours Musical International Email Website de Montréal monzA • International Piano Competition Rina Sala Gallo moscoW • International Tchaikovsky Competition munich* • ARD ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed International Music Competition ningbo • China International Vocal Competition norrköping • Wilhelm Stenhammar International Music Competition odense • Carl Nielsen International Music Competition orléAns • Concours International de Piano d’Orléans osAkA • Osaka ELIGIBILITY Social links International Chamber Music Competition oslo • The Queen Sonja International Music Competition pAris* • Concours Long-Thibaud pArmA • “Fondazione Arturo Toscanini” International Music Competitions pinerolo • International Chamber Music Competition “Città di Pinerolo” Junior Division: 18 years and under. Senior Division: porciA • Concours International « Città di Porcia » poznAn* • Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition prAgue* • Prague Spring average age 19 to 35 years old, with no individual International Music Competition pretoriA • Unisa International Music Competitions QingdAo • China International Violin Competition reggio emiliA • International String Quartet Competition “Premio Paolo Borciani” rio de jAneiro • BNDES International Piano Competition member over 40 years old. Senior Division of Rio de Janeiro sAint-mAurice • Concours International pour Orgue Saint-Maurice d’Agaune sAlzburg • International Mozart Competition ensembles may contain members younger than 19 sAntAnder • Paloma O’Shea Santander International Piano Competition sendAi • Sendai International Music Competition seoul • Seoul International Music Competition shenzhen • China Shenzhen International Piano Competition sion • Concours International de Violon years old. Ensembles must have 3 to 8 members « Tibor Varga » Sion Valais sydney • Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia tAkAmAtsu • The Takamatsu International Piano with one member per part. Ensembles may not Competition tbilisi • Tbilisi International Piano Competition tel Aviv • The Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition terni • Concours International de Piano « Alessandro Casagrande » tokyo • International Conducting Competition tokyo • International include conductors. Please see full eligibility Organ Competition Musashino - Tokyo tongyeong • Isang Yun International Music Competition toulouse • Concours International de Chant de la Ville de Toulouse tromsø • Top of the World International Piano Competition trondheim • Trondheim International Chamber requirements at mprize.umich.edu. Music Competition utrecht • International Franz Liszt Piano Competition vAlenciA • Concours International de Piano « José Iturbi » vercelli* • Concours International de Musique Gian Battista Viotti vevey • Concours International de Piano Clara Haskil viennA • International ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Beethoven Piano Competition Vienna viennA • Fritz Kreisler International Violin Competition vilnius • International M.K. Ciurlionis Piano and Organ Competition viñA del mAr • International Musical Competition Dr. Luis Sigall WArsAW* • International Fryderyk Chopin Piano • Strings • Voice • Winds, Open (ensembles of Piano Competition WArsAW • Witold Lutoslawski International Cello Competition WeimAr • any instrumentation/genre) Weimar International Music Competitions xiAmen • China International Piano Competition members of the yerevAn • Aram Kachaturian International Competition zAgreb • Vaclav Huml International Violin Competition zürich • Géza Anda International Piano Competition zWickAu • International Robert Schumann Contest for Pianists and Singers. World * Founding members of the WFIMC Federation of WORLD FEDERATION OF International INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITIONS Phone : +41 22 321 36 20 FÉDÉRATION Wfimc – fmcim Fax : +41 22 781 14 18 Music MONDIALE DES CONCOURS INTERNATIONAUX rue de Carouge 104 [email protected] Competitions DE MUSIQUE 1205 Geneva, Switzerland www.wfimc.org
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 31 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 THE MAHLER COMPETITION MONTE CARLO VIOLIN MASTERS PRIX PRINCE RAINIER III
The competition is one of the most important DETAILS The competition is open exclusively to finalists of ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES events of its kind. It has attracted entries from more Travel covered? Yes International Competitions around the world. Piano • Strings • Voice than 1,200 young conductors of all nationalities. Frequency Triennial Only 50 candidates have been invited to Bamberg Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 MAIN OFFICE DETAILS and of those barely ten have made it to the finals. Additional prize Performances Athos Palace Travel covered? No Jury chair(s) Jonathan Nott 2 rue de la Lujerneta Frequency Annual MAIN OFFICE Jury size 11 or more BP 76 Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 Bamberger Symphoniker - Bayerische 98013 MONACO CEDEX Additional prize Performances Staatsphilharmonie Application deadline September 30, 2015 33.6.74.82.62.80 / 33.1.49.53.05.07 Jury chair(s) See on website Mussstrasse 1 Email Website Jury size 6 to 10 D-96047 Bamberg SEMIFINALS (live rounds) GERMANY May 11 and 12, 2016: Konzerthalle, Bamberg, ELIGIBILITY Application deadline May 1, 2016 49.951.964.7100 Germany Opened exclusively to finalists of International Competitions around the world COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Email Website FINALS (live rounds) ✔ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed ✔ ✖ ELIGIBILITY May 12, 2016: Konzerthalle, Bamberg, Germany Finals Finals streamed Conductors not older than 35 years on January 1, COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? 2016 ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ✔ ✔ ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Finals Finals streamed Conducting Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 32 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 MTNA NATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITIONS MTNA NATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITIONS, cont’d
Music Teachers National Association is a nonprofit ELIGIBILITY DETAILS FINALS (live rounds) organization of nearly 22,000 independent and All entrants must be a U.S. citizen or must hold a Travel covered? No March 18-22, 2017: Baltimore, MD collegiate music teachers committed to furthering U.S. visa or permanent residence (green card) that is Frequency Annual Cash prizes None COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? the art of music through teaching, performance, valid throughout the competition year. All entrants ✖ Not open to the public composition, and scholarly research. Founded must study with a teacher who is a member of Jury chair(s) Not provided in 1876, MTNA is the oldest professional music MTNA or has paid the Nonmember Teacher Fee Jury size 1 to 5 Social links teachers’ association in the United States. of $150. Application deadline September 14, 2016 MAIN OFFICE Elementary Division (ages 5-10) SEMIFINALS (live rounds) 1 West 4th Street, Suite 1500 Junior Division (ages 11-14) The MTNA Student Competitions consist of three Cincinnati, OH 45202 Senior Division (ages 15-18) levels: State Competition, Division Competition, and UNITED STATES Young Artists Division (ages 19-26) National Finals. 888-512-5278 All ages as of January 1, 2016 Email Website ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Piano • Strings • Voice • Composition • Brass • Woodwinds • Chamber Music
THE 9th NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION ® June 18-22, 2018 • Ages 16-21 New York City $50,000 in Prizes and Awards 1st Prize $10,000 • 3rd Prize $3,000 “Great Music on the Minnesota Iron Range.” 2nd Prize $6,000 • 4th Prize $2,000 Ensemble Prizes $6,000 JULY 1 - 21, 2016 Best Performance of Commissioned Work $1,500 Each Remaining Contestant Receives $1,000 Open to Pianists of all Nationalities CHAMBER MUSIC ORCHESTRAL No Elimination of any Contestant throughout the Competition CONCERTS OPERA VOCAL WORKSHOP Seminars and Master Classes For further information contact: MASTERCLASSES CONCERTO COMPETITION e Stecher and Horowitz Foundation 119 West 57th Street, Suite 1401 • New York, NY 10019 USA Phone: (212) 581-8380 • Fax: (212) 581-4186 www.northernlightsmusic.org Application deadline: December 5, 2017 [email protected] • www.stecherandhorowitz.org
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 33 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF SINGING COMPETITIONS
MAIN OFFICE FINALS (live rounds) 9957 Moorings Drive, Suite 401 July 7 to 8, 2016, 54th NATS National Conference, Jacksonville, FL 32257 Chicago, IL UNITED STATES 904-992-9101 NATIONAL MUSIC THEATER COMPETITION Email Website The National Music Theater Competition is seeking out the best emerging music theater soloists. NATS ART SONG COMPOSITION AWARD This competition’s winners are finding success on The purpose of the NATS Art Song Composition Broadway and other theaters across the country. Award program is to stimulate the creation of quality vocal literature through the cooperation of ELIGIBILITY NATSAA singer and composer. All singers 20 to 28 years old as of March 1, 2016. NATS Artist Awards Frequency Biennial Competition for Singers ELIGIBILITY Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 More than $50,000 in prizes; launching Competition is open to any composer. The work Application deadline March 1, 2016 careers of classical singers since 1955 must be: song cycle, group of songs, or extended single song of approximately 15 minutes in length; FINALS (live rounds) for single voice and piano; to a text written in English, Semifinal and Final Rounds take place July 8 to for which the composer has secured copyright 9, 2016, in Chicago as part of the NATS National Conference Art Song clearance; composed within the last two years. Composition Award The GJSTU national competition Frequency Biennial for the music theater soloist NATS NATIONAL STUDENT AUDITIONS A competition to stimulate the Cash prizes None A national round of evaluation Originally for classical repertoire only, auditions creation of quality vocal literature Application deadline December 1, 2017 with more than $30,000 in prizes now include music theater, and the Hall Johnson LIVE Spirituals categories. NATS ARTIST AWARDS (NATSAA) JOURNAL LEARNING The biennial NATS Artist Awards competition is ELIGIBILITY OF SINGING designed to assist singers prepared to launch a CENTER Student singers advance through NATS Regional The official journal of NATS A dynamic database of voice professional career. auditions, which take place a varying times since 1944, with a complete and voice science resources throughout the year. digital library on nats.org for all levels of learning ELIGIBILITY View session recordings online Applicant must be at least 21 but not more than Frequency Annual Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 from past NATS conferences 35 years of age as of January 13, 2016; either the and workshops applicant or his/her teacher for the last year must Application deadline April 23, 2016 be a full or associate member of NATS. FINALS (live rounds) Frequency Biennial July 10, 2016, Chicago Marriott Downtown Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL WWW.NATS.ORG Application deadline January 13, 2016 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF SINGING Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 34 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 NATIONAL CHOPIN PIANO COMPETITION OF THE USA THE WALTER W. NAUMBURG FOUNDATION
The National Chopin Piano Competition (NCPC) DETAILS The competition takes place annually and rotates DETAILS is open to U.S. pianists exclusively. It is held every Travel covered? No among piano, voice, strings, and small string Travel covered? No five years (since 1975), always in Miami, FL. NCPC Frequency Quadrennial ensembles. Prize includes a New York recital and Frequency Annual follows closely the requirements and rules of the Cash prizes More than $50,000 commissioned work. The next competition is for Cash prizes None International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, Additional prize Performances chamber ensemble. Additional prize Performances Poland. Its top winners are accepted to the Warsaw’s Jury chair(s) Not provided Jury chair(s) Not provided Competition automatically. Jury size 6 to 10 MAIN OFFICE Jury size 11 or more 120 Claremont Avenue MAIN OFFICE Application deadline November 1, 2019 New York, NY 10027 Application deadline June 15, 2016 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117 UNITED STATES Miami, FL 33141 Application notes 917-493-4040 SEMIFINALS & FINALS (live rounds) UNITED STATES This deadline will be confirmed in 2018 Email Website September 22 and 23, 2016: American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York, NY 305-868-0624 SEMIFINALS & FINALS (live rounds) Email Website ELIGIBILITY Tentative dates are February 22 - March 1, Open to residents of North America. Average age COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✖ ELIGIBILITY 2020. Competition will be held at a venue to be of ensemble members must not exceed 34 as of Not open to the public The National Chopin Piano Competition is open determined in Miami, FL September 2016; must show confirmation of a to U.S. pianists. Eligibility to be determined based COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? concert career of three years or more. upon the requirements of the International Chopin ✔ ✔ Semifinals Semifinals streamed ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Competition in Warsaw. ✔ ✔ Finals Finals streamed Piano • Strings • Voice • String Quartets • Piano Trios ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Social links • Ensembles of at least 3 members and not more Piano than 8, without a conductor
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 35 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 MICHAEL LUDWIG NEMMERS PRIZE IN MICHAEL LUDWIG NEMMERS PRIZE IN MUSIC COMPOSITION AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, cont’d MUSIC COMPOSITION AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES FINALS (live rounds) In fall 2004 the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of ELIGIBILITY Composition The winner will be announced in early spring 2016 Music established the Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize Nominations for the 2016 Michael Ludwig Nemmers DETAILS COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? in Music Composition, a biennial award honoring Prize in Music Composition preferably should come Travel covered? Yes ✖ Not open to the public classical music composers of outstanding achieve- from recognized experts in the profession; self- Frequency Biennial ment whose body of work exhibits unique creativity. nominations will not be accepted. Nominations Cash prizes More than $50,000 should describe the nominee’s accomplishments Additional prize Performances MAIN OFFICE and qualifications in no more than a two-page Jury chair(s) Not provided 70 Arts Circle Drive letter. Inclusion of a résumé is encouraged but is Jury size 1 to 5 Evanston, IL 60208 not required. Former or present members of the UNITED STATES Northwestern University faculty or employees of the Application deadline February 1, 2016 847-491-3141 Chicago Symphony are not eligible. Email Website
Under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco
with the support of the Prince’s Government OPERA OF MONTE CARLO FROM 14 TO 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
Sous le Haut Patronage de S.A.S. le Prince Souverain avec le soutien du Gouvernement Princier
World Monaco Music & contest reserved for finalists 2017 J.M. Fournier présentent of International Competitions
A UNIQUE PRIZE OF 30,000 EUROS1 2018 Application Deadline: PRIZE PRINCE RAINIER III February 6th and engagements in France and abroad Repertory requirements, schedule, and full details at
Information : www.worldmonacomusic.com SUE MEDFORD, FOUNDER ANDREWS SILL, MUSIC DIRECTOR
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 36 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 THE NEW YORK NORTHERN LIGHTS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION MUSIC FESTIVAL CONCERTO COMPETITION
A first in the world of competitions, and a unique ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Two performances with the NLMF Orchestra in DETAILS feature of the NYIPC, is the fact that no participant Piano Aurora and Hibbing, MN. Travel covered? No is eliminated during the competition’s four rounds. Frequency Annual MAIN OFFICE The Foundation also presents a cash award to each DETAILS Cash prizes None 11 South 4th Street West of the contestants not receiving a major prize. Travel covered? No Additional prize Performances Aurora, MN 55705 The NYIPC includes seminars, master classes, and Frequency Biennial Jury chair(s) Celine Leathead UNITED STATES ensemble playing. Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 Jury size 1 to 5 Additional prize Performances 218 780 2292 Application deadline June 1, 2016 MAIN OFFICE Jury chair(s) TBD Email Website The Stecher and Horowitz Foundation Jury size 6 to 10 FINALS (live rounds) ELIGIBILITY 119 West 57th Street, Suite 1401 July 3, 2016, Mesabi East High School, Aurora, MN Participants of the Northern Lights Music Festival New York, NY 10019 Application deadline December 11, 2017 Young Artists program are eligible. COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? UNITED STATES COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed 212-581-8380 ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Email Website ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Piano • Strings Social links ELIGIBILITY Social links Open to pianists of all nationalities. Applicants must be 16 to 21 years old during the time of the competition.
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 37 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 OSAKA INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION PIANOARTS
The Osaka International Chamber Music DETAILS Prior to performing in the finals with the Milwaukee DETAILS Competition has two divisions: Section One is for Travel covered? Yes Symphony Orchestra, each finalist rehearses the Travel covered? No string quartet; Section Two is for other ensembles, Frequency Triennial full concerto with the conductor, then with the Frequency Biennial such as wind ensemble, piano trio, etc. Cash prizes More than $50,000 conductor and a quintet of MSO musicians, followed Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 Additional prize Performances by a rehearsal with full orchestra. All contestants Additional prize Performances MAIN OFFICE Jury chair(s) Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi are coached on speaking about music and perform Jury chair(s) Peter Takacs 2-2-33, Shiromi Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-8510 Jury size 11 or more outreach programs. JAPAN Application deadline February 6, 2016 81.6.6947.2184 Application deadline October 20, 2016 MAIN OFFICE Email Website 2642 North Summit Avenue Application notes SEMIFINALS (live rounds) Milwaukee, WI 53211 Preliminary round video submission is due on ELIGIBILITY May 13-17, 2017: Izumi Hall, Osaka, Japan UNITED STATES February 20, 2016 Ensembles of any nationality may apply; members 414-962-3055 must be under the age of 35 years. FINALS (live rounds) SEMIFINALS (live rounds) May 20, 2017: Izumi Hall, Osaka, Japan Email Website June 4, 2016: Ten pianists will perform solo recitals. ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES ELIGIBILITY Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Milwaukee, WI String quartet and other ensembles (wind quintet, COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ ✔ For pianists, 16 to 20 years old, of any nationality, saxophone quartet, brass quintet) Semifinals Semifinals streamed June 6, 2016: Ten pianists will perform collaborative ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed living or studying full time in North America. recitals in a violin or cello duo with members of the ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Milwaukee Symphony. Wisconsin Conservatory of Piano Music, Milwaukee, WI FINALS (live rounds) June 8, 2016: Three pianists will perform complete concertos with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, Brookfield, WI COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 38 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 3RD EDITION OF “IL POZZOLINO” INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR YOUNG PIANISTS
MAIN OFFICE DETAILS DONʼT MISS OUR Secretary of “il Pozzolino” International Competition Travel covered? No for Young Pianists Frequency Annual ONSERVATORY OMPETITIONS Piazza Martiri della Libertà n. 1 Jury size 6 to 10 MYA C C ! 20831 Seregno (MB) ITALY Application deadline October 10, 2015 39.0362.222914 FINALS (live rounds) Email Website The final round of the piano competition will be on ELIGIBILITY 27th November 2016. The piano competition is open to pianists of all COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? nationalities born between the 1 January 1999 and ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed 31 December 2010. Social links ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Piano CONCERTO COMPETITION CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION Entry deadline December 1 Entry deadline February 1
Midwest Young Artists Conservatory Midwest Young Artists Conservatory
NATIONAL NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERTO COMPETITION COMPETITION December 2016 February 2017 Each overall winner receives $1000 cash award, an Each overall winner receives $1000 cash award, MYA Conservatory scholarship, a performance on an MYA Conservatory scholarship NPRʼs “From the Top”, and featured performances and a feature performance in March, 2017 in the Chicagoland area in the Chicagoland Area
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 39 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 QUEEN ELISABETH COMPETITION— THE QUEEN SONJA BELGIUM (BRUSSELS) INTERATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION
Established in 1951 on the initiative of Her Majesty DETAILS Through exposure to an international jury of DETAILS Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, as a successor to the Travel covered? Yes influential figures within the opera world, master Travel covered? No Eugène Ysaÿe Competition, the Queen Elisabeth Frequency Annual classes with award-winning professionals, and Frequency Biennial Competition very soon became one of the leading Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 considerable cash prizes, participation in The Queen Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 international competitions for pianists, singers, and Additional prize Performances Sonja International Music Competition offers young Additional prize Performances string players. The piano competition live rounds Additional prize Recording artists a valuable kick-start to their careers. Jury chair(s) Not provided will be held May 2-28, 2016 in Flagey, Studio 4. The Jury chair(s) Arie Van Lysebeth Jury size 6 to 10 MAIN OFFICE 2016 application deadline has passed. The next Jury size 11 or more Universitetsgaten 14 Application deadline April 1, 2017 competition, in 2017, will be for cello. Application deadline For cello 0164 Oslo FINALS (live rounds) MAIN OFFICE January 10, 2017 NORWAY August 18, 2017, The Norwegian National Opera & Rue aux Laines, 20 47.22.99.21.05 Ballet, Oslo, Norway. B-1000 Brussels SEMIFINALS (live rounds) Email Website Cello: May 15-20, 2017; Flagey, Studio 4. Brussels, BELGIUM COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Belgium ELIGIBILITY 32.2.213.40.50 ✔ ✔ Singers of all nationalities born after January 1, 1987, Semifinals Semifinals streamed Email Website ✔ ✔ Voice: May 4-5, 2018; Flagey, Studio 4. Brussels, can apply to take part in the 2017 competition. Finals Finals streamed ELIGIBILITY Belgium ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Social links The Queen Elisabeth International Music FINALS (live rounds) Voice Competition of Belgium is accepting applications Cello: May 29-June 3, 2017; Centre for Fine Arts. from singers and cellists for the 2017 and 2018 Brussels, Belgium competitions, respectively. This competition is for musicians who have completed their training and Voice: May 5-10, 2018; Centre for Fine Arts. Brussels, who are ready to embark upon an international Belgium career. It is open to candidates of all nationalities COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? between the ages of 18 and 30. ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Piano • Strings • Voice Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 40 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 THE 15TH ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN INTERNATIONAL THE 15TH ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN INTERNATIONAL PIANO MASTER COMPETITION, cont’d PIANO MASTER COMPETITION SEMIFINALS (live rounds) COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? April 25 to May 11, 2017. Stage I: recital (35-40 ELIGIBILITY August 23- 29, 2016: 18 participants, six of whom ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed minutes); stage II: recital (50-60 minutes); final stage Pianists of all nationalities, 18 to 32 years old will go on to final round. Shanghai Symphony ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed (3 concerts): chamber music, classical concerto, Orchestra Chamber Hall, Shanghai, China grand concerto. Over $120,000 in cash prizes; free ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Social links hotel accommodations; partial coverage of flight Piano FINALS (live rounds) expenses; practice piano in each hotel room. September 2, 2016: Shanghai Symphony Orchestra DETAILS Concert Hall, Shanghai, China MAIN OFFICE Travel covered? Yes 12 Huberman Street Frequency Triennial Tel Aviv 6407510 Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 ISRAEL Additional prize Performances 972-3-6856684 Jury chair(s) Professor Arie Vardi Email Website Jury size 11 or more Application deadline October 1, 2016
IRELAND Bringing a city to life with song since 1954 Annual - end of April/start of May
1BSUJDJQBUJOH$IPJSTDBOFOKPZUIFGPMMPXJOHGFBUVSFT Ŕ 4VQFSC(BMB$PODFSUT Ŕ /BUJPOBM"EVMU4DIPPM Ŕ 'SJOHF$PODFSUT Competitions Ŕ 'MFJTDINBOO*OUFSOBUJPOBM Ŕ $IPSBM(BUIFSJOHT Fleischmann International Trophy Competition Trophy Competition Ŕ $IPSBM5SBJM Closing date for Competitors: Ŕ /PODPNQFUJUJWF Ŕ 4BDSFE5SBJM 31st October of each year. Participation for International Ŕ .FFUBOE(SFFUT Choirs Ŕ 5IF#JH4JOH Non-Competitive Choirs are also accepted. Ŕ $IPSBM4ZNQPTJVNGFBUVSJOH Ŕ 'FTUJWBM$MVC Closing date for Non-Competitive Choirs: New Commissions Ŕ $IPJSJO3FTJEFODF Ŕ 8PSLTIPQT $IBNCFS$IPJS*SFMBOE 30th November of each year. Ŕ .BTUFSDMBTTFT %JSFDUPS1BVM)JMMJFS www.corkchoral.ie
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 41 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 SCHADT STRING COMPETITION SCHMIDT YOUTH VOCAL COMPETITION
Begun in 1997 following a bequest to the DETAILS The Schmidt Competition encourages youth in the DETAILS Allentown Symphony Association from Edwin H. Travel covered? No arts and provides support and inspiration to our Travel covered? No and Leigh W. Schadt, the competition alternates Frequency Annual next generation of artists. The Schmidt Competition Frequency Annual annually among violin, cello, and classical guitar. Cash prizes $8,000 has impacted the lives of over 5,000 youth Cash prizes More than $50,000 The first prize includes a cash award of $8,000 and Additional prize Performances throughout the country and annually provides Jury chair(s) Not provided a solo concerto engagement with the Allentown Jury chair(s) Diane Wittry scholarships for over 120 high school students. Jury size Not provided Symphony Orchestra. Jury size 1 to 5 MAIN OFFICE Application notes MAIN OFFICE Application deadline December 19, 2016 Miami University There are 12 regional competitions across the U.S. in 23 North 6th Street 109 Presser Hall 2016; application deadlines are two weeks prior to Allentown, PA 18101 Application notes 501 South Patterson competition dates. Click here for details. UNITED STATES Classical Guitar: December 2016; Violin: December Oxford, OH 45056 610-432-7961 x206 2017; Cello: December 2018 UNITED STATES SEMIFINALS (live rounds) See website for all competition dates and locations Email Website SEMIFINALS (live rounds) 513-529-3046 Email Website ELIGIBILITY Classical guitar: March 3 to 4, 2017, Miller Symphony FINALS (live rounds) Age 18-30 (must be 18 or not have reached 31st Hall, Allentown, PA ELIGIBILITY See website for all competition dates and locations birthday by December 19, 2016). Must be a current FINALS (live rounds) Participants must be high school sophomores, COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? resident or citizen of the U.S. Proof of citizenship Classical guitar: March 5, 2017, Miller Symphony juniors, or seniors and recommended by a voice or ✖ Competition not open to the public is required. If not a citizen, a copy of your Student Hall, Allentown, PA choral teacher. Visa or Green Card is required with entry. Not open Social links to prior first-place winners of the Schadt String COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Competition. ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed Voice ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Social links Strings
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 42 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 SHANGHAI ISAAC STERN SHANGHAI ISAAC STERN INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION, cont’d INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION SEMIFINALS (live rounds) COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? August 23- 29, 2016: 18 participants, six of whom ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed The inaugural biennial Shanghai Isaac Stern ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES will go on to final round. Shanghai Symphony ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed International Violin Competition (SISIVC), Shanghai’s Strings Orchestra Chamber Hall, Shanghai, China Social links first world-class violin competition, will be held from FINALS (live rounds) August 14 to September 2, 2016, in Shanghai, China. DETAILS September 2, 2016: Shanghai Symphony Orchestra The competition has a grand prize of $100,000 USD. Travel covered? Yes Frequency Biennial Concert Hall, Shanghai, China MAIN OFFICE Cash prizes More than $50,000 No. 1380 Middle Fuxing Road Additional prize Performances Shanghai Jury chair(s) Vera Tsu Weiling and CHINA David Stern Email Website Jury size 11 or more ELIGIBILITY Application deadline January 31, 2016 Between 18 and 32 years old, born on or before August 14, 1998; born on or after August 14, 1984
I am The American Prize. Recognizing and rewarding American excellence in the performing arts since 2010.
conductors & ensembles composers pianists classical vocalists—no age limits chamber musicians professional—college—community
Judging recorded performances DEADLINES in MARCH & MAY Nan Washburn, music director www.theamericanprize.org Michigan Philharmonic
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 43 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 INTERNATIONAL CONDUCTORS’ COMPETITION SIR GEORG SOLTI THE SOLTI FOUNDATION U.S.
The competition, founded in remembrance of the ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Established to honor the memory of legendary ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES famous conductor Sir Georg Solti, gives young talent Conducting conductor Sir Georg Solti and his dedication to Conducting the opportunity to gather and exchange experiences helping young artists. Solti Conducting Fellow with two big symphony orchestras, the Frankfurt DETAILS receives $25,000, ongoing professional mentoring, DETAILS Radio Symphony and the Frankfurt Opera Orchestra. Travel covered? No and door-opening introductions to Lyric Opera of Travel covered? No Frequency Biennial Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and others. Frequency Annual MAIN OFFICE Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 The amount of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 c/o Frankfurter Museums-Gesellschaft e.V. Additional prize Performances Assistance Award varies. Jury chair(s) Elizabeth Buccheri Goethestr. 32 Jury chair(s) Lady Valerie Solti Jury size 1 to 5 60313 Frankfurt am Main Jury size 6 to 10 MAIN OFFICE GERMANY 1555 Sherman Avenue, Suite 310 Application deadline January 22, 2016 Application deadline June 30, 2016 49.1803.161719 Evanston, IL 60201 SEMIFINAL, FINALS Email Website COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? UNITED STATES No live rounds ✖ 847-448-8329 ELIGIBILITY Not open to the public [Winner concert February 22, 2017: Alte Oper Email Website COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? 2017 Competition: All conductors born between ✖ Not open to the public 1982 and 1997 are eligible to apply. Frankfurt, Germany] ELIGIBILITY Applicant must be: Developing a career as a symphonic/operatic conductor; citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.; no more than 38 years of age as of January 15, 2016. The award will be based on: professional experience in the field of conducting; demonstration of advanced conducting technique; written proposal for use of the funds (see application requirements).
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 44 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 SPHINX COMPETITION
The Sphinx Competition offers young Black and DETAILS Latino classical string players a chance to compete Travel covered? No under the guidance of a renowned panel of judges. Frequency Annual Its primary goals are to encourage, develop, and Cash prizes More than $50,000 recognize classical music talent in the Black and Additional prize Performances Latino communities. Additional prize Management Jury chair(s) Not provided MAIN OFFICE Jury size 6 to 10 400 Renaissance Center, Suite 2550 Detroit, MI 48243 Application deadline November 8, 2016 UNITED STATES 313-877-9100 x719 Application notes Email Website Sphinx Competition application deadline notes ELIGIBILITY SEMIFINALS (live rounds) The competition is open to all Junior High, High February 9, 2016 School, and College age Black and Latino string FINALS (live rounds) players residing in the United States February 12, 2016 ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Strings ✔ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 45 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 STULBERG INTERNATIONAL STRING COMPETITION TORU TAKEMITSU COMPOSITION AWARD 2016
Established in 1975, the Stulberg is one of the DETAILS Cash award of 3,00,000 Yen (about $25,000), total. DETAILS longest-standing string competitions in the country. Travel covered? No The judge may withhold the prize. The composers Travel covered? Yes Its uniqueness stems from its focus on young string Frequency Annual whose works are selected will be invited to attend Frequency Annual musicians, its strong reputation, and the high caliber Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 the performance. Cash prizes 3,000,000 Yen of judges. Additional prize Performances Jury chair(s) Heinz Holliger Jury chair(s) Not provided MAIN OFFICE Jury size 1 to 5 MAIN OFFICE Jury size 1 to 5 3-20-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku 359 South Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 14 Tokyo 163-1403 Application deadline September 30, 2016 Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Application deadline February 1, 2016 JAPAN UNITED STATES 81.3.5353.0770 Application notes 269-343-2776 Application notes Email Website Please submit two copies of the bound score, Email Website February 1 of each year together with a completed entry form to the office ELIGIBILITY by the above deadline. Receipt of entries on the last ELIGIBILITY SEMIFINALS (live rounds) Any person, regardless of nationality, who is not day will close at 6:00 pm (Japan time). The Stulberg International String Competition is May 21, 2016: 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dalton Center over 35 years old at the end of the year that the open to students of violin, viola, cello, or double Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, application is submitted. FINALS (live rounds) bass from around the world. Applicants must be Kalamazoo, MI May 28, 2017: Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, Tokyo, under the age of 20 on January 1, prior to that year’s ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Japan FINALS (live rounds) Composition competition. Proof of date of birth will be required May 21, 2016: 8 p.m. Dalton Center Recital Hall, COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? if selected as a semifinalist. Current students of that Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed year’s judges are not eligible to apply. COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed Strings ✔ Finals ✔ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 46 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 32ND VALSESIA MUSICA VIOTTI INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION 2016 MUSIC COMPETITION, VERCELLI
Valsesia Musica competition (former Viotti Valsesia) DETAILS The Viotti International Music Competition, DETAILS started in 1981 to promote young talented Travel covered? No established in Vercelli in 1950 by Joseph Robbone, Travel covered? No musicians as well as Valsesia, the greenest valley Frequency Annual is one of the most prestigious Italian music Frequency Annual in Italy. It is divided in different sections: violin and Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 competitions. It is renowned for its high standards, Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 orchestra, piano, voice, and a junior’s contest for Jury chair(s) Hubert Stuppner awards, and prestigious jury. Additional prize Performances piano, strings, and chamber music. (chairman, violin and Additional prize Recording orchestra) Heribert MAIN OFFICE Jury chair(s) Pietro Borgonovo MAIN OFFICE Koch (chairman, piano) Via Monte di Pietà 39 Jury size 6 to 10 corso Roma, 35 Jury size 1 to 5 13100 Vercelli 13019 Varallo (VC) ITALY Application deadline July 26, 2016 ITALY Application deadline March 31, 2016 (violin 39.0161.255.575 39.0163.560020 and orchestra); Email Website Application notes Email Website January 8, 2016 (piano) The two disciplines of the Viotti Competition, voice ELIGIBILITY and piano, alternate from year to year. The deadline ELIGIBILITY SEMIFINALS (live rounds) The 67th Gian Battista Viotti International Music for each competition is in late July. Open to violinists, singers, and pianists from all over Violin and Orchestra: May 1, 2016. Teatro Civico in Competition 2016 is open to singers of all the world up to 37 years old Varallo (VC), Italy nationalities who were born after October 29, 1985 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) (women) and after October 29, 1983 (men). The age Voice: October 25 and 27, 2016. City Theatre of ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Piano: August 29 to 30, 2016. Teatro Civico in Varallo limit for the pianists of the Viotti Competition 2017 Vercelli, Vercelli, Italy Piano • Strings • Voice (VC), Italy is 30 years old. FINALS (live rounds) FINALS (live rounds) ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Voice: October 29, 2016. City Theatre of Vercelli, Violin and Orchestra: May 2, 2016. Teatro Civico in Piano • Voice Vercelli, Italy Varallo (VC), Italy COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Piano, August 31, 2016. Teatro Civico in Varallo (VC), ✔ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed Italy ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Social links ✔ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 47 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 WALGREENS 15TH INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL CONCERTO COMPETITION HENRYK WIENIAWSKI VIOLIN COMPETITION
The Walgreens National Concerto Competition is DETAILS Launched in 1935, the Henryk Wieniawski Violin DETAILS one of the largest youth concerto competitions Travel covered? No Competition is the oldest of its kind in the world. Travel covered? No in the nation with over 200 applicants each Frequency Annual Honorary Chairman: Krzysztof Penderecki. Maxim Frequency Every five years year. Winners receive $1000 and performance Additional prize Performances Vengerov will listen to candidates in the preliminary Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 opportunities with the MYA [Midwest Young Artists] Jury chair(s) Not provided selections in different locations on three continents: Additional prize Performances Symphony Orchestra and on the radio programs Jury size 6 to 10 Europe, Asia, and North America. Jury chair(s) Maxim Vengerov From the Top and Introductions (WFMT-Chicago). Jury size 11 or more Application deadline December 1, 2016 MAIN OFFICE MAIN OFFICE Swietoslawska str. 7 Application deadline January 31, 2015 878 Lyster Road FINALS (live rounds) 61-840 Poznan Highwood, IL, 60040 December 28 to 29, 2016. Open Division: MYA POLAND SEMIFINALS (live rounds) UNITED STATES Conservatory Center, Highwood, IL; MYA Division: 48.61.8522642 / 48.61.8528991 October 16 to 18, 2016: Adam Mickiewicz 847-926-9898 Bennett Gordon Hall, Ravinia Festival, Highland Email Website Auditorium in Poznan, H. Wieniawski str. 1, Poznan, Email Website Park, IL Poland ELIGIBILITY ELIGIBILITY COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? Open to violin players of all nationalities aged 16 to FINALS (live rounds) ✔ ✖ All participants must be in the 12th grade or below. Finals Finals streamed 30 years October 20 to 22, 2016: Adam Mickiewicz Auditorium in Poznan, H. Wieniawski str. 1, Poznan, Senior Division is grades 9 through 12; Junior Social links division is grades 8 and under. ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Poland Violin ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? ✔ ✔ Piano • Strings • Voice • Brass • Percussion Semifinals Semifinals streamed ✔ ✔ • Woodwinds Finals Finals streamed Social links
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 48 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 WIGMORE HALL WIGMORE HALL/KOHN FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL STRING QUARTET COMPETITION INTERNATIONAL SONG COMPETITION
The Wigmore Hall International String Quartet DETAILS The Competition celebrates the art of the song DETAILS Competition is one of the most prestigious Travel covered? Yes recital and honors the Lied’s place at the heart of Travel covered? No quartet competitions in the world. Held under the Frequency Triennial the genre. The Competition has grown in status and Frequency Biennial auspices of Wigmore Hall, the leading U.K. venue Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 prestige since its founding in 1997 and continues Cash prizes €10,000 to €50,000 for chamber music, the competition attracts the Additional prize Performances to attract international singers and pianists keen to Jury chair(s) John Gilhooly OBE best young quartets and offers excellent career- Jury chair(s) John Gilhooly OBE embark on significant recital careers. Jury size 6 to 10 development opportunities to prize winners. Jury size 6 to 10 MAIN OFFICE Application deadline March 3, 2017 MAIN OFFICE Application deadline October 13, 2017 Wigmore Hall Wigmore Hall 36 Wigmore Street SEMIFINALS (live rounds) 36 Wigmore Street SEMIFINALS (live rounds) London W1U 2BP September 5, 2017: Wigmore Hall, London, United London W1U 2BP April 14, 2018: Wigmore Hall, London, United UNITED KINGDOM Kingdom Kingdom UNITED KINGDOM Email Website FINALS (live rounds) 44.20.7258.8244 FINALS (live rounds) September 7, 2017: Wigmore Hall, London, United Email Website ELIGIBILITY April 15, 2018: Wigmore Hall, London, United All singers and accompanying pianists must be Kingdom Kingdom ELIGIBILITY under 33 years old at the date of the final of the COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? All members of quartets wishing to apply must be COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? competition for which they are applying ✔ Semifinals ✔ Semifinals streamed under 35 years old at the date of the final of the ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Semifinals Semifinals streamed ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Finals Finals streamed competition for which they are applying ✔ ✔ Finals Finals streamed Voice ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Strings
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 49 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 WILSON CENTER GUITAR COMPETITION & FESTIVAL Featuring $22,000 in prize money, the Wilson Center Guitar Competition & Festival is open to non- DETAILS professional competitors of all ages. This annual Travel covered? No festival features four separate competitions: Frequency Annual Fingerstyle, Classical, Jazz, and Rock/Blues. The fourth Cash prizes $10,000 to $50,000 annual Festival will take place August 18 to 20, 2016. Additional prize Performances MAIN OFFICE Jury chair(s) Not provided 19805 West Capitol Drive Jury size 11 or more Brookfield, WI 53045 Application deadline May 31, 2016 UNITED STATES 262-439-5681 SEMIFINALS (live rounds) Email Website August 19, 2016: Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 West Capitol Drive in Brookfield, WI ELIGIBILITY The Wilson Center Guitar Competition & Festival Judged by a panel of three judges located behind is open to all non-professional guitarists of all a screen. For complete repertoire requirements, nationalities and all ages. Candidates are required please see: www.wcguitarfest.com to complete and submit the application form FINALS (live rounds) and video(s) by the specified due date. Late or August 20, 2016: Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for incomplete entries are not considered. By entering, the Arts, 19805 W. Capitol Drive in Brookfield, WI candidates agree to be bound by official rules and decisions of the judges. For complete repertoire requirements, please see: www.wcguitarfest.com A candidate may not be a professional guitarist and may not be signed to any labels and/or professional COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? management. A professional guitarist is defined ✔ Semifinals ✖ Semifinals streamed as a person who makes a full-time career from ✔ Finals ✖ Finals streamed guitar-related work. Anyone enrolled as a fulltime student is considered a non-professional guitarist. PAST COMPETITION WINNERS The qualification as a non-professional guitarist 2015 will be at the discretion of the Wilson Center Guitar Nathan Bredeson (Shorewood, WI), classical Competition & Festival management. Employees of Matthew Rotker-Lynn (Milwaukee, WI), jazz the organizer, sponsors, and providers of any prize Rachael Carlson (Milwaukee, WI), fingerstyle offered in this competition or any business or entity Frank Cara (Salerno, Italy), rock/blues involved in the competition and the immediate 2014 family members of any of the above are not eligible. Nemanja Ostojic (Bloomington, IN), classical ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Social links Guitar
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 50 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 YOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS INTERNATIONAL AUDITIONS
Young Concert Artists Inc. is a nonprofit DETAILS organization dedicated to discovering and Travel covered? No developing the careers of extraordinary classical Frequency Annual musicians. The sole criteria are exceptional Cash prizes None musicianship, virtuosity, and individuality. Additional prize Performances The musicians compete against a standard of Additional prize Management excellence not each other. There is no limit to the Jury chair(s) Susan Wadsworth number of winners. Jury size 11 or more PRELIMINARY ROUND: MAIN OFFICE Application deadline August 19, 2016 250 West 57th Street, Suite 1222 Dec 3, 2016 Application notes New York, NY 10107 SEMI-FINAL ROUND: UNITED STATES August 29 deadline for live applications, 212-307-6656 September 16 deadline for recorded applications Dec 4, 2016 Email Website SEMIFINALS (live rounds) ELIGIBILITY November 2016, New York, NY Culminates in the Final Applicants at the very beginning of a musical FINALS (live rounds) Round at CARNEGIE HALL career, who offer repertoire within the categories November 2016, New York, NY Feb 4, 2017 listed, provide two appropriate letters of recommendation, and are not under U.S. COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? management. ✖ Competition not open to the public Platinum Award: $1,000 ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Social links Piano • Strings • Voice • Brass • Woodwinds • Chamber Ensembles
REGISTRATION DEADLINE - November 5, 2016 2SHQWRFRPSHWLWRUVDJHVIRXUWRWKLUW\ŰYHIURPDQ\FRXQWU\3LDQRVWULQJV RWKHULQVWUXPHQWSHUIRUPHUVDQGYRFDOLVWVDUHZHOFRPHWRFRPSHWH fortemusicart.org
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 51 musicalamerica.com • February 2016 MORE ON THE
WEb Advertiser Index Stephanie Challener In addition to the Competitions featured in this special report, the Musical America database of more than 450 Publisher and Managing Editor music competitions worldwide is free of charge for the month of February 2016! American Pianists Association...... 26 Susan Elliott The American Prize...... 43 Editor, MusicalAmerica.com News and Special Reports A Musical America Guide to Competitions Why Competitions Matter (or Not) Banff International String Quartet Competition...... 24 [email protected] Our Special Report on the top competitions BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2017...... 7 Joyce Wasserman in the world. Win a Contest, Get a Gig? Van Cliburn International Piano Competition...... 15 Senior Account Manager Concours musical international de Montréal...... 6 732-851-6988 ß [email protected] The Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition...... 17 Frances Wan Jamie Barton: Competitor Extraordinaire Choosing the Best Competition for YOU Cork International Choral Festival...... 41 Design Director | Database Publishing Specialist George Enescu International Competition...... 43 Howard Roth Competition Judging: Keeping Evil Out A List of Competitions You May Not Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition...... 37 Business Consultant of the Jury Room Know About Forte International Music Competition...... 51 Sedgwick Clark The 15th International Edvard Grieg Piano Competition...... 11 Features Editor, Musical America Directory Confessions of a Seasoned Jurist Michael Hill International Violin Competition...... 8 Robert E. Hudoba Hilton Head International Piano Competition...... 28 Manager of Listing Services What Do the Judges Look For? Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra...... 10 [email protected] International Vocal Competition ’s-Hertogenbosch...... 13 Carolyn Eychenne (Europe) Kerikeri International Piano Competition (New Zealand) ...... 22 Advertising Sales Representative International Franz Liszt Piano Competition...... 11 33.1.39.58.14.01 ß [email protected] Liszt Ferenc International Piano Competition...... 41 Andrea Rancati (Italy) Midwest Young Artists Conservatory...... 39 Advertising Sales Representative Monte Carlo Violin Masters Prince Rainier III...... 36 39.02.703.00088 ß [email protected] Music Teachers National Association...... 26 Debra Kraft In The Next Issue… National Association of Teachers of Singing...... 34 Account Coordinator Northern Lights Music Festival and Competition...... 33 [email protected] Osaka International Chamber Music Competition and Festa...... 45 FESTIVALS PianoArts North American Competition and Music Festival...... 36 PUBLISHED BY A 2016 Summer Guide The 15th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition...... 32 Coming 5 April 2016 Schadt String Competition...... 13 Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition ...... 22 Questions? Email [email protected] Stecher and Horowitz Foundation (NYIPC)...... 33 Stulberg International String Competition...... 28 Performing Arts Resources, LLC PO Box 1330, Hightstown, NJ 08520 Wilson Center Guitar Competition & Festival...... 50 609-448-3346 ß [email protected] World Federation of International Music Competitions...... 31
A musical america Guide to Top Competitions 52 musicalamerica.com • February 2016