Call for applications: Medici International Music Competition in the UK

The call is open to all nationalities and ages in piano, strings, wind, vocal and chamber music. Each discipline is divided into different age categories (below). The competition seeks to find performers with a strong artistic personality and stage presence. It aims to discover both young talents and exceptional performers who have already reached a professional level, and to be a part of their journey towards international careers.

Participants are required to submit video recording materials for the audition. The final selections of winners are based solely on the same recordings submitted. Multiple winners will be chosen in each age category.

Interested participants should submit a video recording of their performances (YouTube or Vimeo link) here before 30 June.

Competition format

• Participants can only send a single video link that can include different pieces recorded on different dates. Each of the pieces must be recorded in a continuous performance. The video recorded on the YouTube or Vimeo link must be made no later than 18 months prior to the date of your entry. Total length of video clips: programme of your choice up to 30 minutes.
• The video recording (audio only is not acceptable) must be performed solely by the applicant. Multiple cameras can be used for video recording but no sound effects should be added to any portion of video entry (it is acceptable to have an introduction title with musician’s name, title of piece and composer).
• The musician may have an accompaniment to their entry if desired.
• Only those who are selected in the qualifying round (initial screening) are entitled to advance to the final round (the same entry video is used for both rounds).

Invitation and application (final round)

• The qualifying contestants will receive an email notification/invitation containing instructions on how to proceed to the final round including the payment of the £55 administrative processing fee (please note that this is not refundable).
• This should be submitted according to the competition schedule.
• Parents must approve use of minors’ name on website and social media.

Prizes and awards

• Laureate first prize – to be awarded to the competitor who earns at least 93/100 points.
• Laureate second prize – to be awarded to the competitor who earns at least 86/100 points.
• Laureate third prize – to be awarded to the competitor who earns at least 79/100 points.
• Special mention – to be awarded to the competitor who earns at least 72/100 points.
• Honorary mention – to be awarded to the competitor who earns at least 65/100 points.
• The overall winner will receive the MIMC Competition Grand Prize of €1 000.
• Certificates for first, second and third prize winners.
• A selection of the winners will be invited to perform at Medici International Music Festival online.
• Certificate of participation for honorary mention participants.
• Certificate of recognition for outstanding music teachers upon request.
• Prize winners will be featured on the competition website and social media sites (YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook and Instagram) with a concert portrait, biography and their prize winning video.
• A selection of winners will be invited to join the Medici International Music Competition Alliance with interviews and reviews in classical music magazines and concerts opportunities in Europe.

Note: MIMC reserves the right to split the cash prize Medici International Music Competition Grand Prize in the event of a tie. All decisions of the competition and its judges are binding and final. Number of awards (prizes) is not limited.

Competition timeline

• 30 June – Application deadline.
• 2 to 10 July – Reviewing and judging of the submitted video recordings.
• 11 to 12 July – Notification of the approved contestants.
• 12 to 17 July – Application for final round and payment of administrative fees.
• 25 July – All finalists will have been confirmed.
• 25 July – The winning results will be announced.

Certificates and letter of recommendation

Only participants who have advanced to the final round and have paid the administrative processing fee will receive a certificate of participation after the winners’ announcement by email.

Categories

• Keyboards: Piano solo, harpsichord, organ, accordion.
• Strings: Violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, harp.
• Woodwinds: Flute, oboe, english horn, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon.
• Brasswinds: Trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba.
• Voice: Soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass.
• Percussion: Vibraphone, marimba, snare drum, setup, timpani, drum set, hands-percussion.
• Chamber Music: Duo, trio, quartet, quintet, string quartet, saxophone quartet, wind quintet, reed quintet, others.
• Piano four hands.
• Traditional instruments.

Age divisions:

• Prodigy kids – Ages under 5.
• Kids talent – 5 to 6.
• Kids artist – Ages 7 to 8.
• Junior talent – Ages 9 to 10.
• Junior artist – Ages 11 to 12.
• Youth talent – Ages 13 to 14.
• Youth artist – Ages 15 to 16.
• Specialist – Ages 17 to 18.
• Expert – Ages 19 to 20.
• Virtuoso – Ages 21 to 22.
• Master – Ages 23 to 24.
• Professional – Ages 25 to no age limit.

“Our competition wants to encourage young and professionals musicians to perform and grow,” the MIMC said. “We believe that our competition can offer many benefits to our participants, provide a platform where they can feel comfortable competing and help to build their confidence and realise their dreams. The idea is to bring contestants through one of the most powerful platforms nowadays – the internet.”

View the original call here.