Call for entries: Music competition in Austria

The competition is open to vocal and instrumental soloists as well as vocal and instrumental ensembles of any nationality born on or after 28 May 1985.

“The promotion of young talents has been a central concern of the Internationale Barocktage Stift Melk festival from the very beginning. In 1993 Prof Helmut Pilss, the founder of the festival, established the International Johann Heinrich Schmelzer competition to offer a platform to aspiring musicians. Michael Schade, who has been an avid advocate for young talented musicians for years, continued to develop the programme ever since he was named artistic director,” the original call reads.

Entrants will be required to prepare three recital pieces, which must have been composed between 1550 and 1750 and performed in the original setting and on period instruments or replicas.

To participate in the competition, entrants are required to pay a registration fee of €50 for soloists and €80 for ensembles.

The application deadline is 6 March. 

Shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation to perform in Melk, Austria, by 20 April 2020.

Requirements

• CV.
• Motivational letter.
• Photo.
• Passport.

Prize

The winner will receive €5 000 (about $5 500) and an opportunity to perform at the Internationale Barocktage Stift Melk festival. The competition will also award a motivational bursary worth €1 000 to another participant who will be selected by the jury and the audience.

Application process

1. Register as a singer (soloist) here.
2. To register as an instrumental soloist here.
3. Register as an instrumental ensemble here.