2025 SOLOMON MIKOWSKY MUSIC COMPETITION

FINAL ROUND

Up to six finalists will be chosen to perform in the final round, each presenting a movement from a concerto with the New York International Chamber Orchestra. Rehearsals will be held on Sunday, May 11 and 18, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Finalists must be available for both rehearsals.

Competition Guidelines

ELIGIBILITY:

Pianists, violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists of all nationalities and citizenship under 16 years of age (as of May 24, 2025) are eligible to apply.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To complete the application process, candidates must submit the following materials:

A complete application

A link to video recordings of your competition materials on YouTube (or similar video-sharing platforms).

A biography of the applicant in Word format, not exceeding 150 words, including their prior involvement in competitions, festivals, and public events.

A portrait photo in electronic format for inclusion in the competition brochure.

A photocopy of an official document (such as a passport) confirming the applicant’s age

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

All application documents and recordings for the 2025 string division must be received on or before April 28, 2024.

RECORDING GUIDELINES:

All contestants must perform from memory.

Utilization of simplified editions or arrangements is strictly prohibited.

The video must be unedited and taken from one fixed camera.

Any form of post-production in the audio (eg. splicing or reverb) is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification from the competition

The video must show the entire body of the applicant and must clearly show the applicant's face, arms, and fingers.

If more than one piece is submitted, works must be performed back to back without a stoppage in the recording.

String contestants must perform with an accompanist in their video submission

The video must be recorded within six weeks of the application submission.

PRIZES: 

1st Prize: $1,000 USD

2nd Prize: $300 USD

3rd Prize: $200 USD

Mikowsky Legacy Award: A performance at Carnegie Hall of a movement of a piece of their choice (no orchestra will be provided).

APPLICATION & REGISTRATION FEE:

A non-refundable application and registration fee of $100 should be made payable to "New York International Youth Philharmonic” no later than Sunday, April 29, 2024. Payment can be made by the following methods:

International Wire Transfer

Recipient: New York International Youth Philharmonic

Swift Number: CHASUS33

Address: 270 Park Avenue, New York, NY10017

Account #: 767091353

Routing: 021000021

Zelle (Applicants within the US)

Recipient: New York International Youth Philharmonic

Phone Number: 516-469-0845

DIVISIONS & REPERTOIRE:

PIANO:

1.) One fast movement from a concerto of the Baroque, Classical, or Romantic period (composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Grieg, Saint-Saëns, Brahms, Ravel, Debussy, Schumann, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky).

AND

2.) One major solo work of the contestant's choice from a different period.

STRINGS:

1.) The first or last movement of a concerto from the Classical or Romantic era (compositions by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Lalo, Bruch, Brahms, Ravel, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Popper, Elgar, Wieniawski, and Mendelssohn, etc.)

AND

2.) Substantial showpiece suitable for performance with an orchestra (works by Saint-Saëns, Sarasate, Wieniawski, Popper etc.)

OR

Two contrasting movements from a Bach suite, partita, or sonata

OR

The first or last movement of a sonata with piano accompaniment.

OTHER REGULATIONS:

The judges’ feedback will not be disclosed.

The Solomon Mikowsky International Music Competition has the unlimited right to broadcast, record, publish, or present any part of the contestant’s and accompanist’s participation, including rehearsals, performances, ceremonies, rounds, and related events.

The artistic directors reserves the right to terminate collaboration with finalists after the initial orchestra rehearsal if the soloist is unable to reach the standard set forth by the competition.

By submitting an application and paying the application fee, the applicant agrees to the competition rules and guidelines.