The 3rd Zodiac International Music Competition aims to discover exceptional musical talent, both in performance and composition, from across the globe, and bring it to the stage of the Zodiac Music Academy & Festival in the South of France and New York. 

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The competition invites artists from all parts of the world to participate via video submission (or score submission for composers).  

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PARTICIPATION VIA VIDEO OR SCORE (composers)

The lack of need to travel makes this opportunity available to artists who might not otherwise have the ability to compete, and opens it to a much wider array of musicians across the globe.

PERFORM IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

Winning soloist will receive a cash prize and roundtrip airfare and accommodations to give a solo and chamber music recital on the French Riviera. The recital will be recorded and live-streamed. 

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COMMISSION PREMIERED IN SOUTHERN FRANCE AND NEW YORK (US)

The winning composer will be offered a commission to write for the internationally-recognized Zodiac Trio (founders of the Festival), or its individual members, as well as a cash prize.  The work will be performed in New York, as well as at the Zodiac Music Academy & Festival in the South of France. The winning composer will also receive a professional video recording of the piece.

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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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PIANO

STRINGS

(Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)

WINDS

(Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone)

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COMPOSITION

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Application Process:

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Interested applicants are invited to submit an online application, along with 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 a single continuous shot.  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 are asked to submit two (2) scores in PDF format, along with links to a SoundCloud recording (midi is acceptable).

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Selection Process:

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The submissions will be judged in two rounds: preliminary and final, and will use a points-based system. 10 soloist and 10 composer finalists will be selected and published on the competition website by April 1st, 2020. 

Final winners will be announced on April 15th, 2020 via email and will be posted on the competition website.    

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Application Deadline & Entrance Fee:*

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Application deadline is April 1st, 2020. The application fee is $35. 

Early bird deadline is January 15th, 2020. The Early Bird application fee is $35 USD (40 Euros) *

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January  15, 2020 - $35 USD  Early Bird

April 1, 2020 - $55 USD 

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FINALISTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED by April 7st, 2020

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WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED by April 21st, 2020

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* In an effort to extend this opportunity to the widest 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 in such situations should email explaining your case.  

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Winner's Recital:

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​​​The winning soloist will give a recital at the Zodiac Music Academy & Festival 8th season, which will take place from July 2-15, 2020.  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 will include chamber music selections in collaboration with the festival's faculty and possibly students.  Specific repertoire will be mutually agreed upon between the festival and the winner no later than June 1st. 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 places 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 3 days).​

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*Cello and Double Bass Applicants:

Should a cello or double bass applicant be chosen as 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.

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*Application fees are refundable in the event of cancellation of the Zodiac International Music Competition.

Riko Higuma,

 piano

Andrew List,

composer

Ofer Ben-Amots

John McDonald

Zodiac Trio

Manhattan School of Music

Berklee College of Music

Colorado College

Tufts University