Vivaldi Four Seasons Competition
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) stands among the greatest Baroque composers, with The Four Seasons his most beloved masterpiece.
Sempre Musick offers violinists of all ages the opportunity to perform any concerto from The Four Seasons cycle with the Sempre Musick Orchestra, in the stunning Methuen Memorial Music Hall – and to receive feedback from our acclaimed judges.
About
- Competition will be held in two rounds.
- First Round: submit application with video recording (of one or two consecutive movements of any concerto from The Four Seasons cycle) for judges’ review.
- Accompanist is not required for video submission.
- Second Round:
- Qualified participants will advance to the second round and will perform with the Sempre Musick Orchestra on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Methuen Memorial Music Hall.
- Recital fee applies (please see below).
- Rehearsal will be held on the same day.
- One or two winners will be awarded a performance with the Nashua Chamber Orchestra in the 2026-2027 season under the baton of Maestro David Feltner.
Eligibility
- Open to all ages.
- International applicants welcome.
- Applicants are eligible to submit multiple applications and apply to multiple Sempre Musick events.
Age Categories
Applicants will be divided by age as of January 1:
- Elementary (10 and younger)
- Junior (11-14)
- Senior (15-18)
- Collegiate (19-24)
- Adult (25 and older)
Deadlines and Dates
- First Round: Application and video submission deadline: April 1, 2025
- Announcement of results: after May 1.
- Second Round: will be held on Sunday, May 24: Methuen Memorial Music Hall, Methuen, MA with the Sempre Musick Orchestra (performance fee applies).
- Recital fee submission deadline for Second Round: three days after results are announced.
- Selected winners will perform with the Nashua Chamber Orchestra in the 2026-2027 season.
- Rehearsal and performance schedule will be determined by May 15 upon receipt of all recital fees.
- Sempre Musick reserves the right to cancel orchestra performances if participation does not meet the minimum required number of applicants or in case of unforeseen logistical challenges, with notice provided to the affected applicants.
Fees
Application Fee: $150. (Late Fee: $50)
Performance Fees, Second Round:
- Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, “Spring” (La primavera)
I. Allegro: $450
II. Largo e pianissimo sempre: $350
III. Allegro pastorale: $520
II & III: $820 - Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, “Summer” (L’estate)
I. Allegro: $600
II. Adagio e piano – Presto e forte: $280
III. Presto: $400
II & III: $650 - Concerto No. 3 in F major, Op. 8, RV 293, “Autumn” (L’autunno)
I. Allegro: $650
II. Adagio molto: $280
III. Allegro: $500
II & III: $750 - Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, “Winter” (L’inverno)
I. Allegro non molto: $440
II. Largo: $280
III. Allegro: $420
II & III: $680
Recital Fees include:
- All Second Round contestants will have a live rehearsal with the orchestra on the day of the performance
- Two complimentary tickets to the Second Round (additional tickets will be available for purchase)
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.
- Solo appearance with the Nashua Chamber Orchestra (New Hampshire) in the 2025-2026 concert season.
Rules
- No repertoire changes are allowed after registration.
- No warm-up spaces will be available at the concert venues.
- Performers: formal attire required.
- Decision of the judges is final.
- Additional details may be added closer to the event.
Sign up to receive occasional email updates about our events: