1. Eligibility:

• The concerto competition is open to all students accepted to PRISMA.
• Previous First Prize winners are excluded.

2. Structure:

• Two categories: Strings and Others (Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion).
• One winner from each category will perform with the PRISMA Festival Orchestra.

3. Competition Entry:

• Indicate your intent to enter the competition during your PRISMA application.

4. Repertoire Selection:

• Competitors choose a piece of their own choice (concerto or solo piece with orchestra); it is advised to be around 10 minutes but may not exceed 15 minutes.

5. Two rounds:

• The competition consists of two rounds: the preselection and the actual competition.

6. Preselection Round:

• Submit an unedited video via YouTube (important: choose the “unlisted” or “public” setting when uploading to YouTube).
• Send the YouTube link to admissions@prismafestival.com before April 15, 2025.
• Accompaniment is optional.
• Once the video is submitted, changes in repertoire are not allowed.
• The selected students will be announced by email.

7. Competition Round:

• The competition round takes place during PRISMA.
• Competitors must be performed from memory in the Competition Round.
• The competition round is open to the public.
• Piano accompaniment is provided for this round.
• A detailed rehearsal schedule will be provided during PRISMA.

8. Jury:

• The jury is comprised of PRISMA’s Artistic Director and selected international guest artists.

9. Scores and Parts:

• Participants must bring a piano reduction, full orchestra score, and orchestra parts to PRISMA.
• It is advised to select an entry in the public domain that has parts available online, for example, in the IMSLP library.

10. Performance Order:

• The Artistic Director determines the order of performance.

11. Prizes:

• There are two grand prizes of $1,000 CAD each, one for the winner of the string category and one for the woodwind/brass/percussion category.
• Both winners will perform as soloists with the PRISMA Festival Orchestra.
• Both winners will receive an invitation to the following year’s festival on a full scholarship.
• The winner of the Audience Favorite Award will receive a prize of $500 CAD.

12.  All decisions of the jury are final.