Search Results

3 < Back SEC Rachmaninoff Sound Espressivo invites Musicians of All Ages to celebrate Live Music Performance by participating in the Application Deadline March 2, 2024 at 4:59:00 AM Apply Regulations Celebrating the Life and Music of Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) For the FULL Description please visit Rachmaninoff Competition main page Open to Pianists and Vocalists Apply by March 1, 2024 Submit a video of your performance of ONE composition by Sergey Rachmaninoff Live Finals Audition DATES: April 5-12, 2024 Suggested Repertory by Rachmaninoff Piano - S olo, Concerto, Chamber Ensemble Voice - Art Songs ( Romances ), Operatic Arias(with or without accompaniment) If selected for LIVE Final Audition Perform ONE or TWO compositions by Sergei Rachmaninoffon LIVE Public Internet TV Broadcast Receive on-air comments from Judges right after your performance For the FULL Description please visit Rachmaninoff main page Previous Next

< Back Previous Shuhuai Linus Zhang Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 25, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Linus has been studying violin under Ms. Shuwei Liu for 6 years. He joined Los Angeles Youth Orchestra in 2023 and is now the concert master. He toured Vienna and Praha with the orchestra in 2024.

< Back Stephen Stirling French Horn Learn More Videos About Stephen Stirling is a renowned horn soloist. Since studying at the Royal Northern College of Music with Ifor James and later with Julian Baker, he has worked mostly in the rather rarefied world of chamber music. He enjoys an enormously varied career travelling all over the world, particularly relishing playing in unusual and far-flung places. Stephen is the Principal Horn of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. He has broadcast concertos on BBCTV and Radio 3, and appeared with orchestras such as the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Orchestra of St John’s, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales with Richard Hickox, Sir Neville Marriner, Heinz Holliger, Iván Fischer and Douglas Boyd. His recordings of the complete Mozart Horn Concertos with the City of London Sinfonia are frequently broadcast on Classic fM. He has also recorded the virtuosic Double Horn Concertos by Vivaldi. Gary Carpenter’s marvellous new Horn Concerto was written for him and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and given its world and broadcast premiere in April 2005. Other recent first performances have included solo works by Martin Butler and Stephen Dodgson. Stephen has a world-wide reputation as a chamber musician being in constant demand at festivals in the UK and abroad. He is a member of Endymion Ensemble, The Fibonacci Sequence, Capricorn, Arpege and the New London Chamber Ensemble. His many critically acclaimed CDs include the first recordings with Endymion, of York Bowen’s Horn Sonata and his beautiful Quintet for Horn and Strings, and Mozart’s entire output for wind ensemble with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. CDs of horn quintets by Stanford and Dunhill have just been released. His second recording of the Brahms Horn Trio, with the Florestan Trio, was nominated for a Gramophone award and in the USA, Fanfare described it as the equal of any recording whether modern or ‘Golden Age’. Spring 2007 saw the release by Deux-Elles of Horn – rare works of chamber music featuring the horn, with the Fibonacci Sequence. Stephen is a professor at Trinity College of Music, London, on the faculty of the Yellowbarn Summer School in Vermont and a seasoned participant at the Dartington International Summer School. More information at www.stephenstirling.com Previous Next

< Back Previous Dwight Stone Next Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 30, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Dwight Stone is a composer, pianist, and conductor based in the Bay Area of California. His diverse catalog spans vocal, choral, brass, orchestral, guitar, and piano works. Rooted in tonality yet enriched with polychords and aesthetic dissonance, Stone’s music explores harmonies that move beyond the mainstream. He is a multiple prizewinner in the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) Composition Competition and the United States Open Music Competition (USOMC), recognized for original piano compositions, improvisation, and choral works. An advocate for live performance, Stone founded two thriving concert series—St. Paul’s Concert Series in Walnut Creek and Trinity Concert Series in Pleasanton—bringing artists and audiences together in vibrant community settings. The StoneMusique Catalog includes more than 60 piano works, three dozen choral compositions, and pieces for brass, orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo voice. His commissioned works include Whither Thou Goest (piano solo), An Irish Blessing (SSAA a cappella), Awake! Awake! (TTBB, 2 French horns, piano)—winner of the Jewish Music Competition of Los Angeles—and Psalm 100—Make a Joyful Noise! (SATB choir, oboe, organ, timpani). His compositions have marked significant cultural events, such as And On That Day (Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, 2015 World Peace Interfaith Celebration) and Love Is! (gospel-pop, premiered at the 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Interfaith Celebration in Walnut Creek). Stone’s CD Amsterdam (flute and piano) with flutist Nika Rejto was featured at the Greater San Francisco International Flute Festival and the Festival of New American Music (FENAM) in Sacramento. He has performed internationally in New Zealand, Croatia, Austria, and France, and locally as a soloist, accompanist, and member of ensembles including The Touchstones (popular music) and The CoolTones Big Band (jazz). Dwight Stone resides in Walnut Creek and serves as Minister of Music and Worship at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pleasanton. His compositions, arrangements, and performances continue to inspire singers, congregations, and audiences alike. stonemusique.com

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back This is a Title 01 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

< Back Previous Adrian Zhang Next Cellist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 30, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Born in the vibrant city of Vancouver, Canada, Adrian Zhang is poised to captivate audiences with his extraordinary musical talent. At just eight years old, he has already distinguished himself as a rising star in the world of classical music. Adrian began studying the cello at the age of four, quickly demonstrating a level of dedication and artistry far beyond his years. Gifted with perfect pitch, he possesses a remarkable ability to recognize and reproduce musical notes with effortless precision. His passion and expressiveness have already earned him numerous accolades—including first prizes and a prestigious platinum award—and at only five years old, Adrian was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. His performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, leaving audiences inspired and enthralled. While Adrian shines as a soloist, he also finds great joy in performing chamber music and collaborating with professional musicians in orchestral settings. A true multi-instrumentalist, Adrian is also a virtuoso pianist and drummer, showcasing a versatility that sets him apart from his peers. His seamless transition between instruments reflects both his musical intuition and his boundless curiosity for sound. Beyond music, Adrian is equally devoted to his academic and athletic pursuits. A bright and inquisitive third-grader, he excels in Math and Technology, demonstrating a sharp intellect and a passion for learning. Outside the classroom and concert hall, Adrian loves playing baseball, where his agility, teamwork, and competitive spirit shine through. With his rare combination of talent, discipline, and joy, Adrian Zhang embodies the promise of a remarkable young artist whose journey has only just begun.

< Back Natalia Preziosi Composition Learn More Videos About Maestro Natalia Preziosi lives in Milan (Italy) Natalia Preziosi , born in Russia, began studying the piano at the age of seven in Hungary. She began writing music at the age of twelve, creating her first composition called " Polka-joke " for the piano. She graduated from the Belarusian State University of Arts and Culture in the city of Minsk in orchestral conducting . She studied composition and orchestral conducting under the guidance of the famous composer, organist and conductor of Moscow, national honourable artist of the Russian Federation Oleg Jancenko . Natalia has worked as a conductor performing numerous concerts and tours in Russia, Belarus, the Ukraine and Poland . But she debuted to the general public with her own music at the age of twenty-five in the "national" theaters of Brest and Minsk with the drama "All about Monica" directed by A.Dolnikov and with the funny opera based on the famous comedy by Oscar Wilde "The importance of being Earnest" directed by E. Milovanov. Since 1993 she lives in Italy with her family . And it is where she studied the aesthetics of composition at the Turin conservatory with the first Italian musicologist Enzo Restagno. Natalia had the fortunate opportunity to merge the great Russian musical culture with the centuries-old Italian musical tradition together with deepening her musical knowledge of lyrical and symphonic works. From this study of both Russian and Italian works she managed to give rise to a new compositional style that mixes the best of the two cultures and thanks to which she managed to compose innovative symphonic works, for chamber and ballet, such as: Concert n ° 1 for violin and orchestra in LA min . dedicated to Pyotr Tchaikovsky published in Italy and Germany in the encyclopedia by Tobias Broecher, as the best works of the twentieth century for a conceptual violin (1894-2006); "Soufflè" - a ballet for a string orchestra, dedicated to Igor Stravinsky. Published in Milan. A Ballet- a Fable "The wooden eagle" in two acts . It is Dedicated to her own son Marcello Massetti and all children of the world. Published in Milan. "Light and Shadow" - a vocal cycle for four voices and piano. Dedicated to W.A.Mozart. Published in Milan. Clavier trio. A Tribute to piano composers. Dedicated to various composers. A String Quarte t . Dedicated to W.A.Mozart. Published in Milan. Symphony No. 1 "Italian" . Symphony No. 2 "Little Symphony" . Songs for flute, violin, guitar. "Gathered the tears of all women" for soprano, mezzo soprano and orchestra. Dedicated to all women in the world. " The figure of Maestro Natalia Preziosi is one of the most important composers and talents of the vast European music scene, thanks to the collaboration with great artists, theaters and concert halls of the highest prestige and level, " a Milanese publishing house writes. Natalia Preziosi is a member of the following institutions and foundations: * the National Committee of Italian Composers CIDIM of Rome since 2006, * of S.I.A.E (music, opera, DOR) since 1994. * The National CIDIM Italian Composers Committee in Rome since 2006. * of the international foundation "Women in music", Rome, since 2005. * She is a finalist and winner of international composition competitions, such as "Women in Music" (200, 2008), T.I.M. Rome (2010). M.A.P. Milan (2014) for Carnegie Hall. "Eurodonne" Rome Award (2016). * Knight of honor of the Federation United European Nobility (2018.) Diploma 2019 SanMarino Republic. Click on photo to enlargeHers music is performed in theaters, auditoriums, houses-museums of the main Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Turin, Bari, Pesaro, San Sepolcro, Cuneo, Vittorio Veneto, Regio Emilia, Republica San Marino in monographic concerts and in concerts with composers classics: Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, Schubert, Mascagni, Clara Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Biset, Fanny Mendelssohn, Debussy, Ravel, Dvorak, Brahms, Albeniź, Coplamd, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Puccini, Britten. Natalia Preziozi periodically works with the singers, pianists, violinists of Carnegie Hall, Berlin Opera, Alla Scala Theater, Arena of Verona, Regio Theater of Turin, the Bolshoi and Moscow Kremlin theatres and Erevan Opera, with Montecarlo Philharmonic orchestra, Eurorchestra, Amadeus of Rome, Geneva conservatory. Duet Dorian. Her music is broadcast by some radio stations including Vatican Radio. The works of Natalia are published in Italy and Germany Newspapers and periodicals such as "La Stampa", "Culture and Entertainment", "Ozero Como", "Basilicata Magazine", Italian TV talk about her. Violin Concert by Natalia Preziosi. (Click on photo to enlarge). She has written in collaboration with Alex Miozi the novel " Cincilla " the history of Russian ballets . The preface is written by madam Marie Stravinsky, great-granddaughter of the Great Composer Igor Stravinsky, granddaughter creator of the Stravinsky Foundation in Geneva. The pool was realised last year and now can be found at the Alla Scala theater, Triennale Museum, Fashion Museum and theater costume in Milan, Igor Stravinsky Foundation in Geneva. It will shortly arrive at the Dante Alighieri Society of Turin, Milan Conservatory. Recently she has started writing the third ballet "Rusalka" on the lyrics of A.Pushkin. English translation: Yulia Turovskaya. Previous Next

< Back Claire Eichhorn Clarinet/Chamber Learn More Videos About Clarinetist Claire Eichhorn, Artistic Director of the Ensemble da Camera of Washington , was born in Stuttgart. She has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Orchestra, Baltimore Opera, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, Washington Concert Opera, National Gallery Orchestra and for ten years was a member of the Washington Chamber Symphony. She has been heard in many venues throughout the area including at the Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Gallery, French and German Embassies, The Highlands Chamber Music Festival in Highlands, N.C. among many others. She has been a frequent guest artist at the annual Brahms Festival at Florida Atlantic University and among the artists with whom she has collaborated are members of the NSO, the Shanghai String Quartet, the Sistrum New Music Ensemble, cellist Tsuyoshi Tsusumi, pianist Judith Burganger(Claire's Mom!), and the Stratford Chamber Players. Ms Eichhorn recorded for the Vernissage Records Label. Her most recent CD, released Spring 2003, is dedicated to the composer Johannes Brahms. She and members of the National Symphony Orchestra - violinist Ricardo Cyncynates, violinist Jane Stewart, violist Nancy Weller and cellist Steven Honigsberg - perform the Brahms Clarinet Quintet. Ms. Eichhorn is a sought after teacher, both at The Eichhorn Clarinet Studio in Fairfax County ( www.claireeichhorn.com ) and as a faculty member of the Levine School of Music , where she spearheaded the Clarinet Workshop for high school students, an intensive one-week camp which ran for 10 years. She also led the development of the clarinet curriculum for Levine. Her students regularly place in the top chairs at District and State auditions. She is a sought after adjudicator, judging the Inaugural Sound Espressivo Competition , the NVMTA Concerto Competition and Woodwind Achievement Awards and the SidneyForrest Competition. Claire was instrumental in developing the Chamber Ensemble Program at the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras . Now in its 9th year, the program is highly successful and continues to receive support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Students receive coaching from the acclaimed Ensemble da Camera of Washington, have public master classes and are given performance opportunities throughout the year. On March 10, 2016, a quartet from the AYPO Chamber Ensemble Program performed in the East Landing of the White House for guests entering the Canada State Dinner, which was hosted by The President and the First Lady. Ms. Eichhorn is a graduate of the University of Michigan having also attended Indiana University. Among her teachers were Alfred Zetzer, Fred Ormand, Sidney Forrest and Bernard Portnoy. She also worked with Menachem Pressler, Rostislav Dubinsky, and James Buswell in Chamber Music. In 1983 she was the recipient of the Alfonso D’Emilia Award given by the School of Music at Indiana University. Previous Next

Elinor Dixon < Back Elinor Dixon Previous Next Elinor Dixon 🇬🇧 United Kingdom FLAUTIST I am a flautist based in Cardiff in Wales, and mother to two boys. I love giving recitals, and I particularly love playing opera fantasies and the music of Ian Clarke. I am passionate about making music accessible, particularly to young children. I grew up in Northumberland in North East England and studied at Huddersfield University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. I have played with the Welsh Sinfonia and chamber ensemble Opus 8, and worked alongside woodwind players from BBC NOW, as well as recital work and children's concerts.

< Back Application Deadline September 30, 2025 Previous Apply Next Orquesta Filarmónica Municipal de Guayaquil Selected Soloists will be presented at the colORCHESTRA concert with the Orquesta Filarmonica de Municipalidad de Guayaquil on December 5, 2024 at 8pm in Teatro Centro de Arte Leon Febres-Cordero in Guayaquil, Ecuador, under the baton of Maestro Gevorg Sargsyan. ~~~~~~~~ Only ONE Soloist will be selected. ~~~~~~~~ Soloists will participate in interviews for media and other activities associated with the event. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Important dates: Application deadline - see dates on the website. October 2024, January 2025 - Live Auditions Finals. Broadcast on video and social platforms. Meet the Judges and the Conductors. Streaming technology seminar in preparation for Live Audition - prior to performing LIVE. ~~~~~~~~~~~ No age restrictions. INSTRUMENTAL REPERTORY ONLY – No singers. ~~~~~~~~~~~ The concert will be Broadcast Live by Virtual Concert Halls on various public channels on YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Twitch, among other platforms Video of the concert will stay available for playbacks on the channels. Instrumental Concertos Meet the Orchestra Orquesta Filarmonica de Municipalidad de Guayaquil offers concerts in the churches of Guayaquil, at the Teatro Centro de Arte and in various parts of the city with the purpose of bringing music and art closer to citizens. Since its founding in 2017, the orchestra was instrumental in diversifying and enriching cultural landscape of the city of Guayaquil and positioning Ecuador as a destination for serious classical music. The orchestra worked with such great names as soloists Alexander Markov, Nancy Zhou, conductor Enrique Perez Mesa and more. Meet the Conductor Previous Next Hailed as "...one of the most inspiring artists of his generation..." Gevorg Sargsyan is a Singapore based conductor and music director from Armenia. Recipient of Sir Georg Solti Award he has been guest-conducting in various venues around the world with different orchestras including Orquesta Joven de Valencia, Singapore Camerata Chamber Orchestra, Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra, Pescara Philharmonic Orchestra, Lviv Symphonic Orchestra and worked full time at the Armenian National Opera & Ballet Theatre. Gevorg studied in his native Armenia at the Yerevan State Conservatory and later continued in Vienna Conservatory and Goldsmiths College of Music (UK). After moving to Asia, he is combining his career between conducting and running masterclasses and lectures. Gevorg has been a visiting professor at University of Philippines College of Music, Manila, and guest lecturing in various educational establishments across South East Asia. Gevorg is a "Master Class" labled artist of AMC recordings (USA) and has recorded several CD’s with Yerevan Chamber Orchestra under the label. He is a wanted guest artist at various festivals such as Gergetown Festival, Malaysia, Fête de la Musique and Rhythm Festival among others. As Artistic director Gevorg has masterminded several highly successful music productions including ¡Piazzolla! Not Only Tango, GlobMus & Symphony of Motherhood. He has been recently appointed as a music director of Madison Academy of Music Singapore. Gevorg is also a member of adjudication panels of various festivals and music competitions and worked as a music director of Madison Academy of Music and SCGS String Orchestra. He has recently been appointed an Artistic Director of Music Hubs with Ministry of Culture of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Gevorg's upcoming engagements include concerts in Czech Republic and Germany, followed by South East Asian tour. Learn More Application and Audition Process Application form is DUE by the posted DEADLINES throughout the season. Upload video of any piece (with or without accompaniment). YouTube or Google Drive links are accepted Application fee $75 Selected musicians will be invited to audition live on a public Internet TV Broadcast* and will receive a preparation tech session with VCHS Broadcast Engineers. You will meet the Judges during Live Audition. Live Auditions are held virtually. Live Auditions are judged in real time. Judges provide participants with immediate on-air feedback. During the live audition participants will be able to speak with Judges. • The judges’ decisions are final and may not be contested. • To participate in the live online auditions, each musician must prepare required technical setup Live Audition Fee - $250 *Fee includes the Technology Preparation session with A/V and Broadcast engineers You will be notified about your acceptance into the colORCHESTRA program Fees Application and video pre-screening - $75 Live Audition - $250 Performance - NO FEE ($0) Selected soloists are expected to cover their own travel expenses. Upon request colORCHESTRA provides supporting documentation for selected soloists' visa applications. Selected soloists may request press releases, letters of recommendation, confirmations of their participation in the concert, in support of the soloist's grants applications. Apply Instrumental Concertos The León Febres-Cordero Art Center The León Febres-Cordero Art Center Theater The León Febres-Cordero Art Center Theater (TCA) is the main theater of the city of Guayaquil. The theater sits on a total area of 9,000 m². Its activities take place in a main building with five floors and 3,000 m² of construction. The capacity of the Teatro Principal is 869 seats: 578 in the lower stalls and 291 in the upper stalls. History In 1976, the Fundación Sociedad Femenina de Cultura launched a preliminary project to build the theater. To this end, the foundation managed, through various administrations, the donation of the land for its construction, located at kilometer 4.5 of the road to Daule.23 National ad-honorem advisors supported the project, contacting the team of advisors from Yale University, United States, with renowned experience, who in turn proposed that in addition to theater, a center for artistic activities be complemented that would give continuity to the project. the work. The project received financial aid, both public and private, however it was not enough to achieve the objective of the artistic center proposal. The income tax was exempted for private companies that donated to the project and the budget allocation of sufficient resources for the work by the National Government under the command of León Febres-Cordero Ribadeneyra in 1986, the work could be completed and the On January 20, 1988, the León Febres-Cordero Art Center Theater was inaugurated. Thanks to the initiative of Ecuadorian and foreign women residing in Guayaquil led by Mrs. Inge Brückmann de Hollihan, in 19886 the Women's Culture Society inaugurated the first Theater and Art Center in Guayaquil. Since then, the Art Center Theater has maintained various Free Admission programs within its regular programming with the purpose of disseminating and supporting arts and culture in the city. The free programming is made up of: Meetings: Talks, panels and artistic presentations on different art and culture topics. First Tuesday of every month, at 7:00 p.m. Opera Greats: Conversations about the life and work of the most emblematic artists of that musical genre. Third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Sound Art: Academic music concerts. First Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Exhibitions: Exhibitions open to the public of plastic arts and jewelry. Available for 15 days Literature and Wine: Analysis of the most important works of prominent contemporary writers. Last Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Semilleros Free Art School: The theater offers free training programs for children in the morning. Registration takes place every year in the months of May, June and July. Young Values: Annual contest held by the Fundación Sociedad Femenina de Cultura, so that artists who are entering the world of art can participate in a call aimed especially at this. See more: https://www.teatrocentrodearte.org/ https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teatro_Centro_de_Arte_Le%C3%B3n_Febres-Cordero

Learn More < Back Colburn School Colburn School will sponsor a Scholarship for One Pianist, to attend the Colburn Summer Seminar, dates TBD This Award is Sponsored by Colburn School At Colburn, people with a passion for the performing arts get their chance to build a future in music or dance. Guiding them are faculty members that include internationally acclaimed musicians and dancers from the nation’s top ensembles and companies. View More Visit Colburn School Website Previous Next

S ound Espressivo Rules, Regulations, Formats Some competitions may have varied requirements for repertory, age, dates, and other, and may award unique Prizes not available in other Competitions. For additional details please read carefully the webpage for that Competition. For additional details about Masters and Masterworks Competition, please see Section 15 below. Download a PDF of Rules here 1. Eligibility Competition is open to classical and jazz musicians of • all nationalities and all ages • all instruments and voice • ensembles and groups of any size and composition For the Preliminary Round applicants must either submit a recent video of their own performance or choose a date on the Application form to audition LIVE through an Internet Broadcast system. Semi Finalists and Finalists MUST be prepared to compete LIVE through Internet Broadcast TV method. Participants for The Sound Espressivo competition must have access to broadband internet with a computer that contains a microphone and video camera. Technical assistance, necessary preparations, consultations, individual remote tech check sessions with Broadcast Producers and Engineers, production of the Broadcast, and Broadcast management are provided by the Sound Espressivo partner, a Virginia based broadcasting and production company Virtual Concert Hals. 2. Competition Rounds Sound Espressivo is held in two rounds: • Preliminary Round • Finals 3. Dates, Deadlines, Application Process Refer to specific Dates and Deadlines stated on the Competition websites, for each Concert Season Contestants apply online through SEC website Portal by filling out the Application Form and completing the payment through SEC payment system online. Payment methods: major credit cards. Additional payment methods can be requested by an applicant, but not guaranteed. All contestants who advance to Finals Round will have to fill out a Registration Form and pay Live Auditions fee by a deadline stated in the Form, in order to confirm their participation in the Final Round. 4. Financial Aid Full and Partial Scholarships covering Application and/or Registration Fees may be awarded to qualified applicants based on need. Inquiries and requests for Financial Aid are considered based on the Applicant’s unique circumstances and the Competition’s ability to provide funds. Financial Aid may be awarded to qualified applicants towards purchasing and/or renting necessary equipment required for quality broadcasting of the Contestant’s performances in Semi Final and Final Rounds ONLY. No Aid will be awarded towards costs for Preliminary Round video submissions. 5. Age Groups, Categories, Instruments SEC accepts all instruments, ages, styles, and voice. In the Preliminary Round of the Competition contestants compete within their respective age groups. Instruments accepted: • Piano • All String Instruments • All Wind Instruments • Guitar • Harp • All Percussion Instruments • All Baroque Instruments • All Ensembles • Voice Eligible music styles and periods: • Baroque (Period instruments) • Classical • Contemporary including performances of original compositions by contestants and all types of “covers”: transcriptions, paraphrases, cadenzas, and other. • Jazz, including improvisations, jingles, mixes, standards, and other. • Music from around the world • Opera and Lieder • Broadway and Light In the Final Round contestants compete within their respective age groups in the following Categories: • 10 and under • 11-14 • 15-18 • Adult (19 and older) 6. Repertory and Time Limits • Contestants are free to choose any repertory, for ALL Rounds; pick what represents you best as a musician. • If you wish to be considered for special Awards check the descriptions on the website and plan your repertory accordingly. Time limits • For all Preliminary Round Auditions Videos time limit is 10 min. • You will not be disqualified for shorter performances • If you choose one composition which is longer than 10 min., you will not be disqualified for overtime • Final Rounds - time limits and repertory requirements vary, please check specific requirements on website. 7. Competition Procedures and Formats SEC is held globally online. Video submissions are allowed only for the Preliminary Round. Final Round is held in the format of a LIVE Internet TV public Broadcast. Technical assistance, necessary technical preparations, consultations, guidance materials (printed, digital, video); individual remote tech check sessions with Broadcast Producers and Engineers, production of the Broadcast, Broadcast management are provided by the Sound Espressivo business partner, Virtual Concert Halls, a Virginia, USA based broadcasting and production company. Videos and Broadcasts of the Competition Rounds are property of Sound Espressivo and Virtual Concert Halls which retain full control of the copyrights. 8. Adjudication process Each Preliminary Audition video is adjudicated by one member of the SEC Judges’ Panel. SEC Judges may provide written comments for video submissions (available upon request) Final Rounds are adjudicated by the Judges Panel consisting of several members. Judges will provide on-air artistic feedback to each contestant immediately after the performance. All decisions by SEC Judges are final and may not be disputed. All decisions by companies-sponsors of Prizes and Awards are made by the respective companies’ representatives and are final. 9. Prizes and Awards • Each Contestants will receive Judges' comments (written for video submissions, live onscreen for live performances) • Certificate of Participation. Laureates. Up to 6 (Six) Laureates will be chosen by the Judges Panel in consultation with SEC Board. Each Laureate Award Package is valued at total of $8,500. Total Award Pool for Laureate Awards is valued at $51,000. Laureates are eligible to receive the following Awards pending Judges Panel decisions: • Laureate Recital Award. Valued at $5,000 each. Full management service from VCHS necessary to provide the Laureate with an opportunity to present a full solo recital on the VCHS Virtual Stage. Each Laureate Recital will be publicly broadcast on all VCHS platforms. Each Laureate Recital will be promoted through VCHS social networks, mailing lists, media. Each Laureate Recital and its promotion campaigns will be serviced by VCHS producers, graphic designers, copywriters, social media specialists, audio/video streaming engineers. Dates of Laureate Recitals TBD • Laureate Interview Award. Valued at $2,000 each. Interview Award provided by VCHS. The Award is aimed at helping Laureates launch their careers, promote their artistry, jump-start their presence as musicians of statute. Each Interview will be professionally scripted and services by VCHS production teams and conducted by VCHS Host in a format of a live broadcast. Each Interview is up to 60 minutes in length. • Laureate Coaching Award. Valued at $1,000 each. Full course on professional streaming/broadcasting technology and methods provided by VCHS. Valued at $1,000 each. • Laureate Profile Award. Valued at $500 each. Professionally designed Artistic Profile on SEC and VCHS websites Laureates are eligible to receive additional Awards sponsored by Companies (check the Prizes Page on SEC website) Winners. Up to 12 (Twelve) Winners will be selected by the Judges Panels to receive Winners Package Award. Judges Panels have a complete discression when selecting Winners. Each Winner Award Package is valued at $3,800. Total Award Pool for Winners Awards is valued at $45,600. Judges Panels may choose up to: One First Place Winner, One Second Place Winner, One Third Place Winner in each Age Category Multiple Honorable Mentions may be awarded. • Winners Concert Award. Valued at $2,000 each. Up to 12 Winners will be selected by the Judges Panel to receive this award. Each Winner is eligible to receive full management service from VCHS necessary to provide the Winner with an opportunity to perform in a group Winners Concert on the VCHS Virtual Stage. Time limit per performer is 20 minutes. • Winner Group Interview Award. Valued at $1,000 each. Group Interview Award is provided by VCHS. The Award is aimed at helping Winners launch their careers, promote their artistry, jump-start their presence as musicians of statute. Each Interview will be professionally scripted and services by VCHS production teams and conducted by VCHS Host in a format of a live broadcast. Each Interview is up to 60 minutes in length and will present no more than 4 Winners. • Winner Group Coaching Award. Valued at $500. Full course on professional streaming/broadcasting technology and methods provided by VCHS. In groups of no more than 6 Winners. • Winner Profile Award. Valued at $300 each. Professionally designed Artistic Profile in a group space on SEC website. Honorable Mentions. Up to 10 (Ten Awards) Valued at $1,000 each. Total Award Pool for these Honorable Mention Awards is up to 10, or up to $10,000. All Finalists who are awarded an Honorable Mention will receive an Honorable Mention Award Package consisting of: Designer Certificate Profile in an Honorable Mention group page on SEC website An invitation to perform in one multicast group concert on VCHS Virtual Stage (time onstage per performer is limited to 5 minutes) Additional Awards and Prizes All applicants are eligible to be selected to compete in Sound Espressivo Live Finals All Finalists, including Laureates, Winners, and Honorable Mentions are eligible and considered to receive scholarship Prizes to participate in masterclasses with distinguished artists around the world. All Finalists are eligible and considered to receive scholarship Prizes for participation in prestigious summer programs and festivals around the World. All Finalists are eligible and considered to receive scholarship Prizes for VCHS Broadcasting Seminar All Semi Finalists and Finalists receive a Designer Certificate reflecting their respective advancements. All Applicants receive Recognition Award sponsored by the iClassical Academy, regardless of their advancement. All Applicants are eligible to receive free passes to observe masterclasses with distinguished artists around the world. Prizes sponsored by international music companies. All Finalists will be considered by SEC sponsoring companies as candidates for the Prizes (check the list of Prizes on SEC website periodic updates as the Competition regularly accepts more eligible Prizes from companies around the World). Sponsored Prizes are awarded by the companies- sponsors' representatives independently from the Judges Panels. Not all Prizes may be awarded. Companies’ decisions are final. Cash Awards. All Finalists, Winners, and Laureates are eligible and will be considered as candidates to receive cash Awards. Specific amounts of each category of cash Awards will be determined and announced by the SEC Board as soon as practical, for each Season. Your family and friends can watch your live performance and cheer in real time. Your performance will be recorded, and your friends will be able to see it after that date. If you choose to submit a video, it will be premiered on our channels and available for replays. 10. Prizes sponsored by Partner Companies Sponsor Companies’ Awards are posted publicly on the SEC website, for each Season. The list of Partner Companies and the Prizes is updated on a regular basis, please check periodically the Prizes and Awards page on the website for the most up-to-date information. Partner-sponsored Prizes include possibilities to receive: • Performance engagements, Management services, • Scholarships for prestigious music festivals and summer programs Scholarships for masterclasses and courses • Coaching programs for musicians in career planning, social media for musicians, professional topics of musicians’ health and wellbeing • Scholarships for access to professional and educational resources Professional audio and video recording services • Professional web design services specific to musicians and artists Graphic design services for performing artists. • All Finalists will be considered by SEC sponsoring companies as candidates for the Prizes (check the list of Prizes on SEC website periodic updates as the Competition regularly accepts more eligible Prizes from companies around the World). Sponsored Prizes are awarded by the companies-sponsors' representatives independently from the Judges Panels. Not all Prizes may be awarded. Companies’ decisions are final. 11. Teachers’ and Educational Institutions’ recognition Sound Espressivo Competition Board understands the importance of support which students receive from their community, their schools, and especially from their teachers, for them to grow as musicians. As our token of appreciation for the hard and creative work which these people and organizations invest in the students' growth and future, we provide Sound Espressivo Contestants' School and Teacher with a featured space on the Sound Espressivo website. Each Teacher and School will receive a Profile created on the SEC website, including visual branding and individual Teacher’s pictures, we will also provide links for visitors to learn more about these distinguished educators and institutions. 12. Public Broadcasts. Tech requirements and release/consent forms All public broadcasts of the Competition are provided and managed by Virtual Concert Halls, an independent broadcasting and production company registered and headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, USA. VCHS will provide each Contestant with who performs on the public broadcasts of SEC events with instructional materials, individual preparation time and tech checks with streaming producers and staff, and all assistance available, to ensure an even field of the quality technical presentation for all SEC Contestants. Please refer to the “Technical Requirements” section on the website for more detailed information All Contestants, Guests, Teachers, Representatives, others who appear on the VCHS Broadcasts of the SEC events must sign release/consent forms, as required by the Virginia local, the US Federal, and the international laws and regulations governing public Internet TV broadcasts. Please note: Each Contestant’s checking of a BOX on the Application Form constitutes their consent and is in place of a separate signature of a separate form. To review the form, click here Virtual Concert Halls enjoys the “Allow Listed Broadcaster status from the Warner Music Group which provides VCHS broadcasts with protection against getting “muted,” taken down, or otherwise disfigured by WMG Copyrights Department through copyrights claims. VCHS earned the status through its strict adherence to copyrights and international regulations. All those who appear on the SEC public broadcasts provided by VCHS will enjoy the privileged status which comes with the responsibilities for Contestants and others to only perform music which they have the right to perform. 13. Privacy Policy and Consent/Release Form By submitting an Application to any competitions posted on Sound Espressivo website you consent to Privacy Policy and copyrights Release for public broadcasts and other forms of presentations associated with participation on SEC events. SEC Privacy Policy can be reviewed here Consent /Release form can be viewed here 14. Competition Board Sound Espressivo Board of Directors and Advisers is the governing body of the Competition. SEC Board Officers and Members: Anna Ouspenskaya, Secretary Antara Hebbar, Member, Youth Advisor Micah Yui, Member, Adviser Avguste Antonov, Member, Adviser Mellasenah Morris-Edwards, Member, Adviser Michal Szostak, Member, Adviser Section 15 Masters and Masterworks Competition 2023-24 Music for Youth! Call for Scores by living Composers. Performers who wish to present new music. Compositions for Piano, Violin, Cello Winners - Scores and Perfomers - will be presented at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall Gala Concert on April 1, 2024 Performance at the Carnegie Hall is a Fully Sponsored opportunity, no performance fee required Application Deadline - October 15, 2023 Masters and Masterworks mission is to connect young musicians and living composers on a journey of discovery of Music for Youth! Music for Piano, Violin, or Cello, written for Young Performers. Violin and Cello pieces can be with or without accompaniment. No compositions for chamber ensembles. Compositions for Piano 4Hands are accepted. Awards Up to Three Scores will be selected for a performance at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on April 1, 2024, at the Laureates Gala (one composition for Piano, plus one for Violin, plus one for Cello). Up to Three Performers will be selected to perform these compositions at Carnegie Hall. All performances are fully sponsored by Sound Espressivo, Progressive Musicians, and Virtual Concert Halls. There is NO PERFORMANCE FEE required for Winners to perform at the Gala concert at Carnegie Hall (travel and accommodations in NY City are the responsibility of the Winner). In addition to the performance, all Winners (Composers and Performers) will receive: A Carnegie Hall Archival DIGITAL VIDEO of their performance (see Regulations for acceptable uses as per by Carnegie Hall rules) Medal Certificate Full color brochure (digital and printed) Complimentary ticket An Interview by Steve Robinson, a world-renowned producer of Photos Letters of recommendation and other support Professional Portfolio packets available upon request Judges’ decisions are final and cannot be disputed. Not all Prizes may be awarded. Application and Audition Process Preliminary Round Composers sumbit scores. One score per Application. Duration limit - 5 min Performers submit a video of any composition of their choice. Time limit - 10 min Results Composers: Up to 6 scores will be selected for the Final Round (two scores per each instrument) Scores will be published on the websites and made downloadable for Performers. Composers whose pieces were selected will join the Judges Panel as Artistic Advisors (non-voting members). Performers: Up to 12 Finalists will be selected for the Live Round (4 musicians per each instrument). The jury may select Alternates. Finalists will choose a piece which they wish to prepare for the Final Round, from the Finalist scores. Final Round Live performance by 12 Finalists in front of the Judges Panel, on a world-wide Internet TV Broadcast. The Judges Panel includes Composers of the pieces which were selected for the Final Round. Composers and Performers will have an opportunity to meet and get to know each other. Judges from aroud the world provide on-air commentary immediately after each performance. Finalists meet the Judges and can ask questions. Musicians' supporters can write comments which will be shown onscreen. Family and friends can watch and be part of your LIVE performance from anywhere in the world. Performer Finalists will receive Technical Preparation session with VCHS Broadcast Directors and Engineers, in preparation for the broadcast, at no additional cost. More about Broadcast technology for musicians here Age Limits Composers: no age limit Performers: 18 and under Application Fee Composers: $75 Performers: $100 Finals Live fee: $0 Winners Performance at Carnegie Hall fee: $0 Important DATES October 15, 2023 - Composers submit scores and Application Deadline November 05, 2023 - Scores selected for Finals are announced. November 15, 2023 - Performer Application Deadline (submit a video of any composition) December 5, 2023 - 12 Finalists are announced. February 1, 2024 - Registration deadline for the Performers Tech Preparation sessions for Performers February 19-23, 2024 - Tech Preparation sessions for Finalists (no additional fee required) February 24-26, 2024 - Final Round of the Competition APRIL 1, 2024 - Laureates Gala Concert at Weill recital Hall at Carnegie Hall