Application Form deadline extended till March 7th, 2025
Video Submission deadline: March 23rd, 2025
Participation Fee: $50 CAD (approx: €33 euro/ £28 pounds/$36 USD/¥260 yuan)

The first round of the competition will take place remotely via video recording, submitted before March 23rd, 2025. European Grand Prix competition will be held in person on April 12, 2025 in Daugavpils Mark Rothko Museum and North American Grand Prix competition will be held in person on May 3rd 2025 at Roy Barnett Recital Hall (University of British Columbia School of Music) in Vancouver, BC.

Students who do not wish to travel for the Grand Prix competition will receive email certificates after the final stage of the competition. We will also host an online award ceremony showcasing best performers. All performers will be featured in a special brochure and poster.

All participants are divided into the following categories:
A Category – bowed string instruments (Violin, Alto, Cello, Double bass);
B Category – plucked string instruments (Kokle, Guitar, Harp and others);
C Category – wind instruments;
D Category – percussion instruments;
E Category – piano (also piano duo four-handed on one instrument);
F Category – accordion
G Category – composition

The 1st round of the competition takes place after the evaluation of the video recordings. All participants perform a program consisting of 1-2 compositions according to their choice by memory. Compositions should be composed after 1970.

Participants are divided according to the age groups:
Groups A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1– students born in 20017 – 2018, the performance time 4 min.;
Groups A2, B2, C2, D2, E2, F2, G2 – students born in 2014-2016, the performance time 5 min.;
Groups A3, B3, C3, D3, E3, F3, G3 – students born in 2010-2013, the performance time 6 min.;
Groups A4, B4, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4– students born in 2007-2009, the performance time 7 min.;
Groups A5, B5, C5, D5, E5, F5, G5 – students born in 2004-2006, the performance time 8 min

The jury evaluates the performance of the contestants using a 25-point scale. The evaluation criteria include the complexity of the repertoire, the quality of the technical aspects of the performance, stylistic relevance, accuracy of the text, clarity and variety of musical images, and overall performance culture.

Contestants are awarded according to the points received:
Diploma for Participation in the competition – up to 15.99 points;
Diploma of Honor – from 16 to 17.99 points;
Diploma of the 3rd Degree – from 18 to 19.99 points;
Diploma of the 2nd Degree – from 20 to 21.99 points;
Diploma of the 1st Degree – from 22 to 25 points

After the evaluation, all 1st round contestants will receive their diplomas electronically to the e-mail address provided in the application form.

The 2nd round or Grand Prix competition will take place in person on April 12th in Daugavpils, Latvia in the hall of the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Museum and May, 2024 in Vancouver, BC. Contestants in categories A, B, C, D, E, and F who score at least 22.5 points in the first round will be invited to the Grand Prix competition. Contestants must perform one piece of contemporary music of their choice (compositions should have been written no earlier than 1970).

IIn the Grand Prix competition, all participants will receive Bronze, Silver, and Gold Diplomas, while the best contestant in each age group will be awarded the Grand Prix, which includes a trophy and a diploma. Participants will also receive special prizes.

Competition participants who participate remotely should send an YouTube link of their recording to the organizers before March 23, 2025. All the expenses related to the participation in the competition (including travelling, catering and accommodation) should be paid by the participants themselves. The organizers of the competition have the right to audio and video recordings, as well as photography.

Students who do not wish to travel for the Grand Prix competition will receive email certificates after the final stage of the competition. We will also host an online award ceremony showcasing best performers. All performers will be featured in a special brochure and poster.