New for 2026 – the Winners’ Recital will be held at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day).
This competition is for soloists, duets, and small ensembles who wish to perform on stage and gain recognition for their musical abilities.
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About
- This competition is an opportunity to gain recognition for musical talents in an invigorating and supportive environment.
- Performance categories by age and instrument.
- Application with video submission.
- Live winners’ recital.
Eligibility
- Open to all ages and instruments, including voice and piano duet.
- Solo category: memorization is required.
- Duet submissions: student-teacher duets are also encouraged. Memorization is not required.
- Applicants are eligible to apply to multiple Sempre Musick events.
Age Categories
Contestants will be divided by age as of January 1:
- Elementary (10 and younger): one composition of any style, up to 5 minutes total.
- Junior (11-14): one composition of any style, up to 7 minutes total.
- Senior (15-18): one composition of any style, up to 10 minutes total.
- Collegiate (19-24): one composition of any style, up to 12 minutes total.
- Adult (25 and older): one composition of any style, up to 12 minutes total.
Deadlines and Dates
- Application and video submission deadline: April 25.
- Results announced after May 5.
- Recital fee submission deadline: three days after results are announced.
- Winners Recitals: Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day) at Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA.
- Schedule will be determined by May 15, after receipt of recital fees.
Fees
- Application Fees:
- Solo Performance: $95
- Duet and Ensemble Performance: $140 (total)
- Late Fee: $50
- Winners’ Recital Fee: $150.
- All fees paid are non-refundable.
Awards and Prizes
- All contestants will receive judge comments.
- Award Certificates will be distributed at the Live Winners’ Recitals only, and will not be mailed or emailed.
- Special awards will be announced during Winners’ Recital.
Winners' Recital
- First, Second, and Third Place Winners of the Competition will be invited to perform in the live winners’ recital.
- No warm-up spaces will be available at the concert venues.
- Performers: formal attire required.
- Free admission.
Rules
- No repertoire changes are allowed after registration.
- Decision of the judges is final.
- Additional details may be added closer to the event.