REGULATIONS

The New York Classical Music Competition2025 invites musicians from around the globe to showcase their talents in various classical categories, including Piano, Strings, Voice, Woodwinds, Brass, and Chamber Music. With no age restrictions, we ensure inclusivity for all aspiring artists.

For Chamber Music submissions, the category is assigned based on the average birth year of the ensemble members. For example, if Member 1 was born in 1996, Member 2 in 1994, and Member 3 in 2001, the average birth year would be 1997. Consequently, the ensemble would be classified as Master A according to this average.

Registration Deadline: JANUARY 31, 2025

No REGISTRATION fees REQUIRED

REGULATIONS

Regulations
The regulations for The New York Classical Music Competition 2025 are as follows:

January 31, 2025 – Deadline for Registration
February 1-7, 2025 – Review and Evaluation of Submitted Video Recordings
February 8, 2025 – Notification of Approved Contestants
February 8-15, 2025 – Application for Final Round
March 8, 2025 – Announcement of the Winning Results

Article 1: Competition Organization

The OPUS INTERNATIONAL organizes The New York Classical Music Competition 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the competition), which is conducted exclusively online.

Article 2: Evaluation Criteria

The competition is open to participants of all nationalities, with categories based on age groups. Contestants will be assessed solely on their submitted recordings.

Article 3: Two Round Competition

The New York Classical Music Competition (NYCMC) consists of a Preliminary Round and a Final Round for all participants. Each contestant will have the opportunity to present their musical skills and talent in both rounds of the competition. This format allows for a comprehensive evaluation of each participant’s abilities over multiple performances. Registration for the Preliminary Round is free of charge.

Article 4: Registration

The NYCMC is proud to offer a remarkable musical experience with no charges for registration in the Preliminary Round. Only contestants who have passed the Preliminary Round will receive an invitation to participate in the Final Round. Administrative fees for the Final Round are $89 for soloists and $149 for chamber groups. We prioritize equal access to quality musical opportunities by eliminating registration fees for the Preliminary Round while ensuring talented musicians worldwide can participate.

Article 5: Repertoire Guidelines

Participants have the option to use the same video for both the Preliminary and Final Rounds or to update it for the Final Round. You may choose one or more complete works or movements from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary periods. Performances can be solo, with piano accompaniment, or with orchestra. The total duration of the video recording is restricted according to the following time limits:

• Little Stars: Born in 2018 or later / Maximum recording time: 7 minutes
• Rising Talents: Born in 2017 or 2016 / Maximum recording time: 7 minutes
• Young Artists I: Born in 2015 or 2014 / Maximum recording time: 10 minutes
• Young Artists II: Born in 2013 or 2012 / Maximum recording time: 10 minutes
• Junior Division I: Born in 2011 or 2010 / Maximum recording time: 12 minutes
• Junior Division II: Born in 2009 or 2008 / Maximum recording time: 12 minutes
• Intermediate Level: Born in 2007 or 2006 / Maximum recording time: 15 minutes
• Advanced Level I: Born in 2005 or 2004 / Maximum recording time: 15 minutes
• Advanced Level II: Born in 2003 or 2002 / Maximum recording time: 15 minutes
• Master Division I: Born in 2001 or 2000 / Maximum recording time: 20 minutes
• Master Division II: Born in 1999 or 1998 / Maximum recording time: 20 minutes
• Professional Level: Born in 1997 or earlier / Maximum recording time: 20 minutes

Article 6: Recording Guidelines

All video recordings (audio not accepted) must be performed by the applicants without any editing or added effects. It is crucial to ensure that recording quality is clear to facilitate the jury’s review process; avoid distortion and ensure that accompanying music does not overpower the applicant’s performance. While video quality will not impact evaluation, clarity in both audio and video is essential. When submitting the Application Form, include the piece(s) in the format: name of the piece, composer’s name, and duration. Videos must be accessible online, and download links will not be accepted.

Article 7: Time Limit Enforcement

If the submitted video exceeds the specified time limits outlined in the rules, the jury will evaluate only up to the designated time limit for each category. The duration of the performance excludes any applause or stage entrances/exits.

Article 8: Registration Process

Registration is exclusively conducted through electronic means. Upon visiting the website https://newyorkclassical.com/, competitors must provide the following:

• A completed Online Application form in English
• A link to their performance, which can be from YouTube, Vimeo, or other accepted platforms.

Article 9: Remuneration Waiver

By participating in the competition, competitors waive any rights to financial compensation for the publication and distribution of their music video recordings on CD, DVD, or the Internet.

Article 10: Jury Evaluation

A minimum of three qualified judges will evaluate the audition materials. The jury’s decisions and comments are anonymous, final, and irrevocable, guided by special rules governing their work. For reasons of privacy, as well as to ensure impartiality and a fair competition, the names of the jury members will not be visible.

Article 11: Qualification Criteria

Competitors are categorized based on the average evaluation points awarded by the Jury:

• GRAND PRIZE: Awarded to competitors who achieve at least 99/100 points
• FIRST PRIZE: Awarded to competitors who achieve at least 94/100 points
• SECOND PRIZE: Awarded to competitors who achieve at least 87/100 points
• THIRD PRIZE: Awarded to competitors who achieve at least 80/100 points
• FOURTH PRIZE: Awarded to competitors who achieve at least 73/100 points
• FIFTH PRIZE: Awarded to competitors who achieve at least 68/100 points
• SPECIAL MENTION: Awarded to competitors who achieve at least 60/100 points
• HONORARY MENTION: Awarded to competitors who achieve at least 50/100 points

The number of awards (prizes) is limited but can be shared if multiple contestants achieve the same score.

Article 12: Absolute Winners and Final Decisions

Competitors who achieve 99/100 points will be recognized as the Absolute Winner(s) and will receive the “New York Classical Music Competition 2025” Diploma. The Absolute Winners will have their picture and biography featured on the website as “The Winners of the New York Classical Music Competition Grand Prize” and will also receive a complimentary special diploma. In the event that multiple soloists in the same category achieve the same score, preference will be given to the younger competitor. For contestants across different categories with tied scores, the final decision on placement will be determined by the Jury.

Article 13: Evaluation and Jury Decisions

Prizes will be awarded solely based on the submitted recordings. Competitors are not entitled to raise objections regarding the composition or decisions of the Jury.

Article 14: Prize Fund

• Absolute Winners will receive an E-Certificate.
• Teachers and accompanists of the Absolute Winners can request a certificate for their portfolio.
• Special awards, known as “The NYCMC Grand Prize,” will be given to contestants earning a total score of 100 points. Solo contestants will receive a cash award of $500/person, and ensemble contestants will receive $1000/group.
• A selected group of winners will have the opportunity to participate in the NYCMC Online Concert Series 2025.
• Absolute Winners’ pictures and biographies will be published on the website under the title “The Winner of the New York Classical Music Competition Grand Prize 2025.”
• We will provide special acknowledgment to select 1st Place winning videos posted on THE CLASSICAL MUSIC Magazine Website, YouTube channel (winners’ highlights video), and Facebook & Instagram.
• Esteemed Jury Members are offering scholarships for private Master Classes to select winners.

Article 15: Recommendation Letter Option

Young music students who have been awarded a first prize have the option to receive a recommendation letter by paying a fee of $75. This letter serves as a valuable endorsement and can be beneficial for future opportunities and endeavors.

Registration Deadline: January 31, 2025

No REGISTRATION fees REQUIRED