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Eligibility

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The competition is open to artists of any nationality, without age limit*,  in the following categories:

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SOLOIST (following instruments):

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STRINGS

(Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Classical Guitar new)

WINDS

(Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone)

BRASS

(French Horn new)

PANO

HARPSICHORD new

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COMPOSITION

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*SOLOIST category applicants (instrumentalists) born after March 1, 2005 can choose to participate in the JUNIOR category. This is not obligatory. Applicants born after March 1, 2005 can also choose to compete in the OPEN category.

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Application Process

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We invite applicants to submit an online application, which includes a short biography (250-word maximum) and a minimum of two (2) contrasting video samples, with a total viewing time not to exceed 30 minutes. Videos should be unedited and offer one continuous shot. Professional multi-camera recordings of performances with orchestra are acceptable. If you have a question about the validity of your video, please feel free to write us at contastus@zodiaccompetition.com Videos should be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo or any other online video hosting service, and links sent as part of the application.
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Composition applicants should submit two (2) scores in PDF format, along with links to a recording (midi is acceptable).  Pieces can be of ANY instrumentation, from solo works to large orchestral works, and of ANY length. 

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Selection Process

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The submissions will be judged in two rounds: the preliminary round by the zodiac trio and the final round by an international jury, and will use a points-based system. 10 soloist and 10 composer finalists will be selected and published on the competition website by March 16, 2023

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Final winners will be announced on March 28, 2023, via email and posted on the competition website. 

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Application Deadline & Entrance Fee:

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Applications will be accepted until March 1st, 2023 (the final deadline). Application fee is $50 ($35 if submitted by February 1st, 2023)
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In an effort to extend this opportunity to the broadest possible pool of artists from all backgrounds and countries, we offer a fee-waiver program for applicants whose financial situation does not allow them to afford the application fee. Potential applicants should email contactus@zodiaccompetition.com explaining their case to the committee to apply for a waiver. Fee waivers are available until the early application deadline of February 1st, 2023. 
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FINALISTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on March 16th, 2023
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WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on March 28th, 2023

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Schedule

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February  1, 2023 - Early Bird  Application Deadline 

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March 1, 2023 - Final Application Deadline (applications no longer accepted past this date)

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March 16, 2023 - Finalists Announced 

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March 19, 2023 - Virtual Concerts Featuring Finalists in the Instrumentals Category

(two separate concerts for Open and Junior Categories)

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March 26, 2023 - Virtual Concert Featuring Finalists in the Composition Category

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March 28, 2023 - Winners Announced

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Winner's Recital

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​​​The winning soloist will perform at the Zodiac Music Academy & Festival in July 2024. The exact date of the recital will be discussed with the winner. The festival will provide the winning soloist with a collaborative pianist (if needed). The recital might include chamber music selections in collaboration with the festival's faculty and students. Specific repertoire will be mutually agreed upon between the festival and the winner. The Zodiac Music Academy & Festival is invited to perform at various venues on the Côte D'Azur. The exact venue for the winning recital will be specified at a later date.​The winning recital will be broadcast live on Facebook and posted on the website.

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Winning Composer's Commission

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The winning composer will be invited to write a work (up to 10 minutes) for the Zodiac Trio or its members. The work will receive its North American premiere in New York at a mutually agreed-upon time and will receive its European premiere in France at the Zodiac Music Academy & Festival, which takes place every summer during the first week of July. Additionally, a professional video recording will be provided to the composer and promoted via social media on various platforms.

 

The festival will not provide airfare for the winning composer, however, should the composer choose to attend the performance, the festival will provide meals and accommodations during the duration of the composer's stay (maximum of three days).​

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*Cello and Double Bass Applicants:

Should a cello or double bass applicant be chosen as a soloist, the competition will offer a professional-grade instrument rental of the highest quality for the performance, free of charge. The competition will not cover airfare or transportation cost for the instrument. Winning soloist is welcome to bring their own instrument at their expense.