REGULATION FOR HOLDING JEAN SIBELIUS CHOIR CONTEST
November 10 to 14, 2022
TURKU, FINLAND
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Organizer: The International Cultural Association of Turku (Turun kansainväliset kulttuurimarkkinat yhdistys ry) in collaboration with the Finnish company SEM Consulting Oy and the Union of Russian Composers.
Place and time: November 10 to 14, 2022 at Martin’s Church (Huovinkatu 5, Turku).
Contest schedule: registration period from January 1 to June 1, 2022.
Rights of participation: The IХ International Jean Sibelius Choir Competition 2022 is open for participation of choral groups in all genres and ages (adults, youth, juniors, and children). The choirs participating in the contest are divided into the following categories:
1. Adults (female, male, mixed choirs)
2. Youth choirs (youth female up to 19, youth male up to 25, mixed youth up to 25), and children's choirs up to 16 years old.
Please note that the age of choral group participants must match the one specified as on the day of participation in the contest!
PROGRAMME
Adult choral groups (over 25 years old) are divided into the following categories:
Category A: with a compulsory composition
A1 Mixed choirs, A2 Male choirs, A3 Female choirs
Programme: four compositions are performed:
1. Compulsory composition by J. Sibelius
2. Three compositions at own choice
The performance time is 15 minutes. Maximum one composition with accompaniment.
Category B: Without compulsory compositions
B1 Mixed choirs, B2 Male choirs, B3 Female choirs
Programme: four compositions are performed:
1. Three compositions at own choice
2. A folk song adaptation
The performance time is 15 minutes. Maximum two compositions with accompaniment.
Category C: Sacred Music
C1 Mixed choirs, C2 Male choirs, C3 Female choirs
Programme: three compositions of sacred music are performed:
1. A composition by the 18th- / 19th-century composers.
2. Two compositions at own choice
The performance time is 12 minutes. All compositions are performed a cappella.
Category D: Folk music
D1 Mixed Choirs, D2 Male Choirs, D3 Female Choirs
Programme: three folk compositions are performed:
1. A composition from the participants' country
2. Two compositions at own choice
The performance time is 12 minutes. Maximum two compositions with accompaniment.
Category E: Vocal and Choral Ensembles
E1 homogeneous vocal and choral ensembles up to 12 people, E2 mixed vocal and choral ensembles up to 16 people
Programme: three compositions are performed:
Three compositions at own choice
(Adaptation of a folk composition from the participants’ country shall be allowed).
The performance time is 12 minutes. Maximum two compositions with accompaniment.
Category F: Seniors (age category 50+ years)
Programme: three compositions are performed:
Three compositions at own choice
(Adaptation of a folk composition from the participants’ country shall be allowed).
The performance time is 12 minutes. Maximum two compositions with accompaniment.
Children's and youth choral groups are divided into the following categories:
Category A: Children and Youth Choirs
A1 Children choirs up to 16, A2 Homogeneous youth choirs (youth female up to 19, youth male up to 25), A3 Mixed youth choirs (from 16 to 25 years old)
Programme: four compositions are performed:
1. Three compositions at own choice
2. A folk song adaptation
The performance time is 15 minutes. Maximum two compositions with accompaniment.
Category B: Sacred Music
B1 Children choirs up to 16, B2 Homogeneous youth choirs (youth female up to 19, youth male up to 25), B3 Mixed youth choirs (from 16 to 25 years old)
Programme: three compositions are performed:
1. A composition by the 18th- / 19th-century composers.
2. Two compositions at own choice
The performance time is 12 minutes. All compositions are performed a cappella.
Category С: Folk music
С1 Children choirs up to 16, С2 Homogeneous youth choirs (youth female up to 19, youth male up to 25), С3 Mixed youth choirs (from 16 to 25 years old)
Programme: three folk compositions are performed:
1. A composition from the participants' country.
2. Two compositions at own choice
The performance time is 12 minutes. Maximum two compositions with accompaniment.
Category D: Vocal and Choral Ensembles
D1 Homogeneous vocal and choral ensembles up to 12 people (under 16 years),
D2 Homogeneous vocal and choral ensembles up to 12 people (16 to 25 years),
D3 Mixed vocal and choral ensembles up to 16 people (up to 16 years),
D4 Mixed vocal and choral ensembles up to 16 people (16 - 25 years)
Programme: three compositions are performed:
Three compositions at own choice
(Adaptation of a folk composition from the participants’ country shall be allowed).
The performance time is 12 minutes. Maximum two compositions with accompaniment.
Programme for the second round
Choirs and ensembles, who get first places in their categories, participate in the Grand Prix Competition, where participants of category 1(adult choirs) perform one composition of Sibelius, previously not played in competitive programs and one optional composition.
Participants of category 2 (youth and children choirs) perform one composition by a European composer, not previously played in competitive programs and one composition of choice.
ACCOMPANYING CONCERTMASTER
The contestants participating in the competition may perform with their own pianist, but in this case, they are responsible for any costs incurred. The organizing committee may offer the choirs an opportunity to perform with a pianist chosen by the competition committee at an additional fee of 100€. Each contestant is entitled to one rehearsal with the hired pianist before the start of the first competition round, and another one before the final. Contestants may arrange additional rehearsals and are accountable for any expenses incurred in this case. If the contestant has no pianist of his own, he must send good-quality music note sheets to the competition pianist before October 1, 2022.
JURY
The Jury of Jean Sibelius Choral Competition consists of internationally recognized professional musicians and teachers of choral singing and voice. The Jury task shall be to evaluate the contestants as objectively as possible. The Jury Chairman has the right to take decisions in unclear situations. The Jury has the right not to award the GRAND PRIX, if the level of performances is low. The decision of the jury shall not be subject to appeal.
FEEDBACK
After the first round, the contestants may ask for comments regarding their performances from at least one jury member. The task of the Jury is to provide a personal feedback to the contestants in a constructive and individual manner.
THE FOLLOWING AWARDS ARE AWARDED AT THE COMPETITION
Adult category
I, II and III places are awarded diplomas and cups
IV, V and VI places are awarded diplomas
Based on the second round results, the Jury will select the winner of the competition. The winning choir will be awarded with a GRAND PRIX diploma and a cash prize of 500€.
The best choir conductor will be awarded with a diploma and a cash prize of 100€.
Some special prizes will also be awarded. The choir directors will be awarded with the Certificates of Honour.
Children and youth category
I, II and III places are awarded diplomas and cups
IV, V and VI places are awarded diplomas
Based on the second round results, the Jury will select the winner of the competition. The winning choir will be awarded with a GRAND PRIX diploma and a cash prize of 300€.
The best choir conductor will be awarded with a diploma and a cash prize of 100€.
Special prizes will also be awarded. The choir directors will be awarded with the Certificates of Honour.
ADDITION: EVENTS DURING THE COMPETITION DAYS
The Opening Concert will be held on November 11, and the Friendship Concert will be held on November 13 in Martin's Church in the evening. The Organizing Committee of the contest will arrange concerts, where it will be possible to participate also for the would-be contesting choirs. The Organizing Committee will consider the applications for participation in the concerts and select the performers based on their video recordings sent to the address of the Organizing Committee at info@semconsulting.fi. A competitor may present for each of the concerts one composition different from those performed in the competition program. The competitor who has applied for the Opening Concert and the Friendship Concert cannot withdraw from the performance thereafter. The starry Contest Jury will also take part in the concerts. The Organizing Committee shall not pay any fees to contestants participating in the Opening Concert and the Friendship Concert. The Organizing Committee will consider applications for participation in the concerts, if they are received no later than June 1, 2022.
A combined choir consisting of the ensembles competing at the JSFest contest will perform a composition by Sibelius at the Gala concert on November 13, 2022 in Martin's Church.
The Master Classes from the Jury members will be held on November 12 by prior arrangement.
The Master classes from Finnish masters "Let's sing Sibelius in the original." The lists of Sibelius compositions for the Master Classes will be published on the website no later than April 1, 2022.
CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE FESTIVAL
The organizers call special attention of the contestants to the need to familiarize themselves with these regulations. Each invited participant should arrive to the festival within the time limits specified in the official invitation.
RULES FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION, REGISTRATION FEE AND PAYMENT FOR PARTICIPATION
APPLICATIONS are accepted until June 1, 2022. The registration fee and payment for participation must be executed by June 5. If the choirs purchase from the organizers the package including accommodation and participation, 100% of the payment for the package with accommodation and meals must be executed by June 10. An official invitation to the festival shall be sent to the contestant upon receipt of his application and a copy of bank confirmation of the application registration payment. The banking details will be sent by email upon receipt of the application. A scanned copy of bank confirmation of the application registration payment must be sent to the email address.
APPLICATIONS are to be sent to email: info@semconsulting.fi The application should indicate the need for accommodation, exactly specifying the gender and the number of beds. The information contained in the application regarding the number of participants shall be treated as final.
The deadline for submission of documents to the Consular Office of Finland is October 1. Prerequisites for participation in the competition are a valid passport for foreign travel at the time of application and the payment for application registration.
To participate in the competition, it is necessary to prepare and send the following documents in electronic form:
• Application according to the approved format (in the application, it is necessary to fill in for the diploma in Latin letters the name of the ensemble.
• A copy of bank confirmation of the application registration payment.
• For those who purchase from the organizers a package with accommodation: a list of names in Latin according to their passports for foreign travel for accommodation in triple/quadruple rooms, and separately a list for double rooms. Please, specify in the list the following: name, surname, date of birth and passport number.
• Lists for the letters of appreciation (no more than 2 letters per participant) must be provided by October 5 by email.
• 1 photo and a short resume in English (7-8 sentences) for the booklet.
Registration fee and payment for participation:
Application registration fee is 30€. In case of refusal to participate, this amount is not refundable.
Participation fee: 210€ per group + 20€ per person.
The participant has the right to participate in several nominations under the condition of submitting a separate application form for each nomination, and the payment for an additional nomination. The ensembles participating in the competition in several nominations, shall make an additional payment of 210 € for each additional nomination.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Contestants pay for their trip and living expenses. Transportation and other costs of contest participants and managers, as well as accompanying persons, are paid either at the expense of the seconding party or by participants. Visa and insurance are paid at their own expense. The Organizing Committee will assist in obtaining a free visa in the event that applications with bank confirmation of application registration payment are received by August 1, 2022. The list of participants for a free visa must contain the following information:
• Name and Surname (in Latin, according to the passport for foreign travel).
• Date of birth.
Groups will arrange accommodation and meals on their own. Groups can also purchase a package including accommodation and meals from the organizers. The package prices are:
Standard programme (arrival on November 10 after 2 p.m., departure on November 14 before noon)
Participants make payment in the amount of 250 € (accommodation in triple/quadruple rooms), 280 € (accommodation in double rooms), 320 € (accommodation in single room).
The above prices are indicated per person. The program cost includes breakfasts and dinners. Accommodation will be in hotel Scandic (Eerikinkatu 30) in the city centre, the hotel has a sauna and swimming pool.
Additional night per person: 70€ in triple/quadruple room, 90 € in double room, 120€ in single room. This price includes breakfast only.
Economy programme 1 is only for groups starting from 16 people (arrival on November 10 after 4 p.m., departure on November 14 before 12.00).
Participants make payment in the amount of 180 € (accommodation in triple/quadruple rooms). The above prices are indicated per person. Participants make payment in the amount of 220 € (accommodation in double rooms). Accommodation will be in hotel in the city centre, the room has a shower, toilet, TV, refrigerator, microwave oven, kettle, tea, coffee. Meals are not included.
Additional night per person: 70 € in triple/quadruple room, 90 € in double room.
Economy programme 2 is only for groups starting from 16 people (arrival on November 10 after 4 p.m., departure on November 14 before 12.00).
Participants make payment in the amount of 150 € (accommodation in quadruple/six-bed rooms). The above prices are indicated per person. Accommodation will be in hostel in the city centre. Meals are not included.
Additional night per person: 60 € in quadruple/six-bed room. Meals are not included.
According to Finnish law, a hotel booking may only be cancelled 45 days in advance, otherwise the accommodation money will not be refunded in full!
TRANSFER
Transfer (train/bus station - hotel, both ways) is guaranteed, if the organizers are informed in advance regarding the date, time, place, train and carriage number, flight number 30 days prior to the start of the competition. Meeting participants at train/bus stations and airport of the city of Turku is carried out for an additional charge: transfer both ways 35€ per person. Meeting participants at train/bus stations and Helsinki Airport with a charter bus (max. 49 persons) costs 700€.
For those who wish, it is possible to order a separate charter bus from St. Petersburg to Turku, in case the information about such transfer will arrive before August 1, 2022. The fare St. Petersburg - Turku - St. Petersburg is €210 per person (provided that at least 20 people are on the bus). We kindly request to specify all your wishes in detail and in advance in the application.
From Moscow, you can get by plane or by train to Helsinki, and then by train to Turku. From St. Petersburg, there is a daily bus to Turku, as well as train and ferry connection to Helsinki.
GUIDED TOURS
The excursion services are paid additionally.
Little Knight's Tour in the castle of Turku. In their free time from the festival, younger participants are offered an opportunity to make an amazing journey through the medieval castle of Turku. This tour offers young participants to plunge into the medieval life of the castle, where every boy can feel like a real knight, and every girl can become a court lady! Price: 30€ per participant.
Jean Sibelius Museum is located in the city centre on the banks of the Aura River.
In the museum, visitors will get acquainted with hundreds of musical instruments from across the globe. The main exhibition is dedicated to the life and work of Jean Sibelius.The building of the museum belongs to the pearls of Finnish modernism and will afford true pleasure by its architectural solution.
Price: 25€ per participant.
Highlight sightseeing tour around the City of Turku, visiting the Cathedral Church. A fascinating bus tour through the most ancient city of Finland, Turku, where you will get acquainted with the history of the city and its main attractions, such as Turku Castle, the Cathedral and the Central Square. Free time is provided for an individual walk through the Central Square. Duration: 2 hours. Price: 40€ per participant.
Bus tour to the Finnish capital Helsinki. Duration: 6 to 7 hours. Price: 60€ per participant, at least 30 people on the bus.
A fascinating sea voyage at 8.55 p.m. on November 14 from Turku to Stockholm, coming ashore in Stockholm and travel back to Turku at 7.35 a.m. on November 16. We invite you to a fascinating trip on a VikingLine ship from Turku to Stockholm and back to Turku, one day in Stockholm with our escort. A trip in a 4-berth cabin is 100-110€ (cabins without windows) and 130-150€ (cabins with windows) per person (price depends on the deck). Lunch is charged separately!
RIGHTS OF ORGANIZERS
The Organizers of Jean Sibelius Choral Contest hold exclusive rights to radio broadcasting, video and audio recording, television broadcasting, photographing the contest performances, as well as posting them on the website and in other information systems without paying any compensation to the contestants and their pianists. A contestant who does not comply with these regulations may be excluded from the contest.
CONTACTS
Email address: info@semconsulting.fi
Contact phone: +358505238257