Don’t miss this unique opportunity to perform in the incredible Methuen Memorial Music Hall on Saturday, November 15, 2025!
Open to all instruments, including voice. Perform solo, duet, or as a small ensemble (any single composition from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary musical periods.
About the Methuen Memorial Music Hall
In 1909, Methuen Memorial Music Hall was purpose-built as a concert hall specifically to house the Great Organ – the first concert organ in the United States, and one of the largest in the world.
With an interior built in an English baroque architectural style, Methuen Memorial Music Hall features exquisite decoration. Despite looking like a traditional church, the Hall has no religious symbolism or affiliation.
With vaulted ceilings 65 feet (20 meters) high, the Hall combines visual splendor with exceptional acoustics. The Hall features a Steinway Model D Concert Grand Piano.
About
- The Winter Serenade Competition is an opportunity to perform in the extraordinary and historic Methuen Memorial Music Hall.
- Performance categories by age and instrument.
- Video submission.
- Live winners’ recital.
Eligibility
- Participants may perform solo, in a duet, or as a small ensemble.
- Open to all ages and instruments, including voice, piano duet, and small ensembles.
- Student-teacher duets are also encouraged.
- Memorization is required for solo performers.
- Memorization is not required for duet / ensemble.
- Applicants are eligible to apply to multiple Sempre Musick events.
Repertoire: Solo / Duet / Ensemble
- Solo / Duet / Ensemble applicants: select a single composition of Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary musical periods.
- Compositions over six minutes: additional performance fee will apply.
- Please omit repeats.
Age Categories
- Elementary (10 and younger)
- Junior (11-14)
- Senior (15-18)
- Collegiate (19-24)
- Amateur Adult (25 and older)
Deadlines and Dates
- Application deadline (including submission of video): October 26, 2025.
- Results announced by October 30, 2025.
- Winners Recital: November 16, 2025 at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall.
- Recital fee submission deadline: November 2, 2025.
Fees
- Application Fees:
- Solo: $130
- Duet / Ensemble: $85 per participant
- Winners’ Recital Fee:
- Solo Performance: $170 for repertoire up to six minutes in duration.
- A fee of $35 per additional minute applies for repertoire over six minutes in duration.
- Duet or Ensemble: $105 per participant for repertoire up to six minutes in duration.
- A fee of $35 per additional minute applies for repertoire over six minutes in duration.
- Solo Performance: $170 for repertoire up to six minutes in duration.
- Recital Fee includes two complimentary tickets to live performance. Additional tickets will be available for sale.
- All fees paid are non-refundable.
Awards and Prizes
- All contestants will receive comments from the judge.
- Award Certificates will be distributed during the Winners’ Recital only, and will not be sent by email or mail.
Winners' Recital
- First, Second, and Third Place Winners will be invited to perform in the live Winners’ Recital in the Methuen Memorial Music Hall on November 15.
- No warm-up spaces will be available at the concert venue.
- Performers: formal attire required.
Rules
- Decision of the judges is final.
- No repertoire changes are allowed after registration.
- Performance should be without repeats.
- Assigned rehearsal and concert times are final.
- Additional details may be added closer to the event.