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RULES & REGULATIONS

TIMETABLE

  • September 30th, 2024 – Deadline for FREE APPLICATION
  • October 1st-6th, 2024 – Evaluation and Judging of submitted video entries
  • October 7th-8th, 2024 – Notification of Finalists
  • October 7th-11th, 2024 – Submission for Final Round & Payment of Administrative Fees
  • November 3rd, 2024  – Announcement of competition results
  • November 25th, 2024 – Dispatch of E-Certificates

COMPETITION GUIDELINES 2024

The Salzburg International Music Competition is structured into initial and final online rounds, offering a seamless experience for participants. Entrants begin with a FREE APPLICATION by submitting video recordings for the preliminary phase. Winners will be chosen based on these entries, with the possibility of multiple winners in each age category.

1. COMPETITION PROCEDURE

1.1 Preliminary Round (FREE APPLICATION)

Participants are invited to visit the official Salzburg International Music Competition website and complete the application form on the “FREE APPLICATION” page. Entrants must provide a link to a video recording of their performance, which can be hosted on major platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, or others.

Ensure full compliance with the “Repertoire & Video Guidelines” outlined in Section 3. Non-compliance will result in disqualification from progressing to the final round.

1.2 Final Round (INVITATION & APPLICATION)

Only those selected from the preliminary phase will proceed to the final round. Finalists may choose to use the original video or submit a new recording by the specified deadline.

Finalists will receive email invitations detailing the application process for the final round. Notifications will be sent on the date finalists are announced. Please regularly monitor your email, including the spam folder, as sometimes our communications might be misclassified.

Finalists must follow the link provided in the invitation email to complete the final application steps before the deadline:

  • Remit the final application fee through a secure payment portal.
  • Complete and submit the Final Application Form.
Final Application Fee Details:
  • Individual Final Application Fee: €88
  • Chamber Group Final Application Fee: €144 

* Note: The final application fee is a one-time, non-refundable payment.

* For minors, guardians will need to sign an authorization form allowing the competition organizers to use the participant’s name, images, and video content in promotional materials on our website and across social media platforms worldwide.

2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS & TIME LIMITS

The Salzburg International Music Competition is open to musicians from around the globe, regardless of age. Participants will be categorized into twelve distinct age groups, each with a specific time limit for performances.

  • CHILD PRODIGY – Born in 2019 and younger – 10 minutes maximum
  • RISING STAR I – Born in 2018/2017 – 10 minutes maximum
  • RISING STAR II – Born in 2016/2015 – 10 minutes maximum
  • JUNIOR VIRTUOSO I – Born in 2014/2013 – 15 minutes maximum
  • JUNIOR VIRTUOSO II – Born in 2012/2011 – 15 minutes maximum
  • ASPIRING ARTIST I – Born in 2010/2009 – 20 minutes maximum
  • ASPIRING ARTIST II – Born in 2008/2007 – 20 minutes maximum
  • EMERGING TALENT I – Born in 2006/2005 – 20 minutes maximum
  • EMERGING TALENT II – Born in 2004/2003 – 20 minutes maximum
  • ADVANCED PERFORMER I – Born in 2002/2001 – 25 minutes maximum
  • ADVANCED PERFORMER II – Born in 2000/1999 – 25 minutes maximum
  • PROFESSIONAL – Born in 1998 and older – 25 minutes maximum

Participants must perform within their designated age group and should not compete in categories above or below their age. Proof of age may be requested by the competition committee.

3. REPERTOIRE & VIDEO GUIDELINES

Participants are free to select their own repertoire, and all evaluations will be based on video submissions. The following rules and restrictions apply:

  • Participants may submit any published piece or combination of pieces, provided the total duration adheres to the maximum time limits outlined above. Cuts can be made to fit time requirements if necessary.
  • Acceptable video entries include performances with piano, orchestra, chamber ensemble, wind band, percussion, or any other accompaniment specified in the published work.

COVID-19 Exception: The competition will accept recordings with pre-recorded accompaniment for those unable to record with a live accompanist due to social distancing measures.

  • Videos must have been recorded within 18 months prior to the deadline, which is September 30th, 2024.
  • Each performance must be presented in a single take, without any edits. If multiple pieces are submitted, they must be combined into a single video file that does not exceed the time limits for the participant’s age category. The Salzburg International Music Competition reserves the right to disqualify any entry that has been edited in a manner that is not compliant with this rule.
  • Participants may use multiple cameras for recording, but no additional sound effects should be added. An introductory title including the musician’s name, title of the piece, and composer is permissible.
  • Sheet music submission is not required at the time of application. However, if requested by the committee, participants must provide an original score or a copy accompanied by the publisher’s written permission for use in the competition.
  • There is no live round; all awards will be determined based on video submissions. It is recommended that participants submit the highest quality videos possible to accurately represent their performances.

4. MARKING SYSTEM

  • FIRST PRIZE – Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 93/100 points
  • SECOND PRIZE – Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 86/100 points
  • THIRD PRIZE – Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 79/100 points
  • FOURTH PRIZE – Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 72/100 points
  • Special Mention Recognition – Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 65/100 points
  • Honorary Mention – Awarded to the competitor who scores at least 55/100 points

There is no limit to the number of awards that may be granted.

5. TERMS & CONDITIONS

A link to the full terms and conditions can be found at the bottom of this website. The competition reserves the right to update these rules at any time, and the final interpretation of these rules rests with the Salzburg International Music Competition.

FREE APPLICATION