REGULATION
ON HOLDING ON NOVEMBER 18-21, 2022
OF THE INTERNATIONAL JSFest INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COMPETITION
Turku, Finland
WHO
Soloists and collectives of all levels of experience and ages from different countries can take part in the competition.
PERFORMANCE OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMPETITION
All participants are divided on Junior section (age groups under 12 years old and 12-15 years old) and Senior section (age groups 16-20 and older than 20 years old).
Junior section participates only in the First round.
Participants of Senior Section, who get the first place in their categories, participate in the Second round, where they perform one composition of Jean Sibelius not previously heard in the earlier performances, no more than 7 minutes (Participants of category J: Instrumental performance on harpsichord perform in the Second round one piece of the choice).
The Program of the First Round
Soloists and collectives can participate in the competition in next categories:
Category A: Instrumental performance (violin, viola, violoncello, harp, guitar and piano) with an obligatory composition by Jean Sibelius
A1 of age under 12, A2 of age 12-15, A3 of age 16-20, A4 of age over 20 years old:
The program – two compositions are performed:
1) Composition by Jean Sibelius
2) Composition at the choice
Performance time is no more than 8 minutes (for categories of age under 16)
Performance time is no more than 15 minutes (for categories of age over 16 years old)
Category B: Instrumental performance (violin, viola, violoncello, harp, guitar and piano) without an obligatory composition
B1 of age under 12, B2 of age 12-15, B3 of age 16-20, B4 of age over 20 years old:
The program – two compositions are performed:
1) Composition by an European composer
2) Composition at the choice
Performance time is no more than 8 minutes (for categories of age under 16)
Performance time is no more than 15 minutes (for categories of age over 16 years old)
Category C: Instrumental performance (pianos duets “four hands”)
C1 of age under 12, C2 of age 12-15, C3 of age 16-20, C4 of age over 20 years old:
The program – two compositions are performed:
1) Composition by Jean Sibelius
2) Composition at the choice
Performance time is no more than 8 minutes (for categories of age under 16)
Performance time is no more than 15 minutes (for categories of age over 16 years old)
C5 of age under 12, C6 of age 12-15, C7 of age 16-20, C8 of age over 20 years old:
1) Composition by an European composer
2) Composition at the choice
Performance time is no more than 8 minutes (for categories of age under 16)
Performance time is no more than 15 minutes (for categories of age over 16 years old)
Category D: Instrumental performance (organ)
D1 of age 12-15, D2 16-20, D3 of age over 20 years old
D4 - organ+ (instrumental ensembles where organ is presented)
The program – two compositions are performed:
1) A composition of a composer of the 17-18 centuries
2) A composition of a composer of the 19 - 20 centuries
Performance time is no more than 15 minutes.
Category E: Instrumental performance (wind instruments: clarinet, flute, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, French horn, tube and drums) without an obligatory composition
E1 of age under 12, E2 of age 12-15, E3 of age 16-20, E4 of age over 20 years old:
The program – two compositions are performed:
1) Composition by a Scandinavian composer
2) Composition at the choice
Performance time is no more than 8 minutes (for categories of age under 16)
Performance time is no more than 15 minutes (for categories of age over 16 years old)
Category F: Instrumental performance (traditional/ folklore instruments) without an obligatory composition
F1 of age under 12, F2 of age 12-15, F3 of age 16-20, F4 of age over 20 years old:
The program – two compositions are performed:
1) Composition of the country of the participant
2) Composition at the choice
Performance time is no more than 10 minutes.
Category G: Chamber performance (duets, trios, quartets, and ensembles of more than 5 people up to 12 people) Ensembles can perform any instruments (string instruments, church music instruments).
G0 of age under 12, G1 of age 12-20, G2 of age over 20 years old, G3 of mixed age:
The program - two compositions are performed:
1) Composition by a west- European composer
2) Composition at the choice
Performance time is no more than 10 minutes.
Category H: Chamber orchestras (more than 12 people):
H1 of age 12-20, H2 of age over 20 years old, H3 of mixed age:
Chamber orchestras can perform any instruments.
The program - two compositions are performed:
1) Composition by a west- European composer
2) Composition at the choice
Performance time is no more than 15 minutes.
Category I: Concertmasters performance The participants of this category can perform with the vocal participants together. Vocalist illustrator does not get awards and perform in Instrumental Music Competition.
I1: concertmasters of age 16-20
The program – two compositions are performed:
1) A piece of Scandinavian composer
2) Folk piece of the participants country
Performance time is no more than 10 minutes.
I2: concertmasters of age 16-20
The program – two compositions at the choice are performed.
Performance time is no more than 10 minutes.
I3: concertmasters of age over 20
The program – three compositions are performed:
1) A piece of Jean Sibelius
2) A piece of the participant´s country
3) Aria
Performance time is no more than 20 minutes.
I4: concertmasters of age over 20
The program – three compositions are performed:
1) A piece of European composer
2) A piece of the participant´s country
3) Aria
Performance time is no more than 20 minutes.
Category J: Instrumental performance on harpsichord without an obligatory performance
J1 of age under 12, J2 of age 12-15, J3 of age 16-20, J4 of age over 20 years old:
The program – three compositions are performed:
1) Composition by a Scandinavian composer
2) Composition of the composer of XX century
3) A piece of the participant´s country
Performance time is no more than 10 minutes (for categories of age under 16)
Performance time is no more than 15 minutes (for categories of age over 16 years old)
JURY
The jury committee of the Jean Sibelius Instrumental music Competition consists of world-renowned professional musicians and teachers. The decision of the Jury Committee is final and definitive. The votes are expressed in arithmetical score from 0 to 10. The points, from one to ten, are allocated by common criteria such as Technical mastery and Artistic expression. The Jury reserves the right not to award prizes should the executions not reach the artistic level required. In case of a tie, the President of the Commission will have the casting vote.
Each member of the jury that has had personal or professional contact with the participant is required to abstain from voting.
The jury committee is asked to operate on common evaluation criteria. It aims to reward not only technical proficiency but also and above all the expressive skills of the performers, their ability to engage the listener, their communicative power, the ability to express their personality.
FEEDBACK
After the performance, if they so wish, the participants have the opportunity to get feedback about their performance, at least from one member of the jury. The participant should inform the tender secretary in writing about his desire to receive feedback on the performance. The time for discussion of the reviews is coordinated through the secretary of the competition. The jury's task is to give personal feedback to the participants in a constructive, individually appropriate spirit.
PRIZES
Junior section (age groups under 12 years old and 12-15 years old)
First, Second and Third prize will be awarded.
One Winner in the age group under 12 years old will be awarded with the Diploma of Young Talent and money award of 100€.
One Winner in the age group 12-16 years old will be awarded with the Diploma of Young Talent and money award of 100€.
Special diplomas: Diploma of the youngest participant
Senior section (age groups 16-20 and older than 20 years old)
First, Second and Third prize will be awarded.
The Winner from the age group of 16-20 will be awarded by Grand Prix Diploma and money award of 200€.
The Winner from the age group of older than 20 years old will be awarded by Grand Prix Diploma and money award of 300€.
• Special diplomas: Diploma for Professionalism
APPLICATION, REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION FEE
The request for participation can be completed either online or by filling in a registration form and sending it. Deadline for applications is 1.06.2022.
The application indicates the need for resettlement with the exact number of seats and sex. Information on the number of participants contained in the application is treated as final. A copy of the payment order for the registration application is also sent. For details about how to fill in the registration form, go to the website
For any question relating to technical difficulties or connection please refer to the email info@semconsulting.fi
By sending the registration form participants accept the rules of the competition.
Participation in the competition is bound to payment of a registration fee and participation fee.
• Registration of the application is 30 €. In case of cancellation, this amount is not refundable.
• Participation fee: 100 € soloist, 140€ duo, 160€ trio, 170€ quartet, 190 € quintet and 20€ per person for groups more than 5 persons.
• Participant is able to take part in several categories with the condition of making a separate application form for each category and payment for additional categories.
• Participation fee for additional category: 50 € soloist, 70€ duo, 80€ trio, 90€ quartet, 100 € quintet and 20€ per person for groups more than 5 persons.
• Solo is the main category.
Participants organize by themselves their accommodation and meals. Participants can buy from organizers accommodation and meals:
• Standard program: 200 € in a 3-4-bed rooms, 240 € in a 2-bed room, 280 € in the single room per each person. The cost for 3 nights includes accommodation in Scandic hotel (Eerikinkatu 30) in the city center with breakfast and dinner. Arrival 18.11. after 15.00, departure 21.11. before 12.00.
Additional night: 70 € in a 3-4-bed rooms, 90 € in a 2-bed room, 120 € in the single room per each person (with breakfast).
• Discount program 1: only for groups of minimum of 3 persons.
160 € in a 3-4-bed rooms per each person, 210€ in double rooms per each person. The cost for 3 nights includes accommodation in hotel Omena (Humalistonkatu 7) in the city centre, the room has a shower, toilet, TV, refrigerator, microwave oven, kettle, tea, coffee. Meals are not included.
Arrival 18.11. after 16.00, departure 21.11. before 12.00.
Additional night per person: 70€ in triple/quadruple room, meals not included, and 90€ in double rooms.
.Without meals.
• Economy programme 2 is only for groups starting from 4 people (arrival on November 18 after 4 p.m., departure on November 21 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. Meals are not included.
Additional night per person: 60 € in quadruple/six-bed room. Meals are not included.
CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPETITION:
• The organizers pay special attention to the need for familiarization with the current regulation.
• Each participant arrives at the competition in the terms specified in the official invitation.
• The whole participant’s delegation, including attendants, must also be specified in the application.
• Transportation and other costs of participants and leaders, as well as the accompanying must be paid by the sending parties or the participants themselves.
• Visa and insurance must be paid by the sending parties or the participants themselves.
• Deadline for submission of documents to the Consular Office of Finland is until October 1. The presence of foreign passports at the time of application and payment for registration application is a necessary condition of participation in the competition.
• To participate in the competition is necessary to prepare and submit electronically the following documents:
1. Application of the approved form (name, as in the passport or the name of the team for the diploma).
2. Copy of payment for the registration application.
3. 1 photo and short resume (7-10 sentences) in English for booklet
4. Full list of participants in English language for accommodation with the dates of birthday
GENERAL RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS:
• The Organizing Committee is the exclusive carrier of property rights to broadcast the concert and competition plays on radio and television, as well as the ownership and distribution of printed competitive products, audio and video recordings of the participants of the competition, lectures, seminars and master classes.
• All disputes are submitted to the jury, the organizing committee and management. Their decision is final and not subject to revision.
• Matters not stipulated by the Regulation, the organizers decide.
• Application means consent with a regulation and is a contract between organizers and participants of the festival, despite the country of residence. Participation in a competition is confirmed by the invitation sent by the organizer on the basis of the application, lists of the participants and documents confirming the payment for the application registration and participation.
• Participation in the competition is confirmed by the invitation sent by the organizer on the basis of received applications, lists of participants and documents confirming payment of the registration application.
• Refusal from accommodation/meals packet later than a month before the festival isn't possible, and money isn't given back in this case! Force majeure is only a doctor's certificate given to a person not to a group.
• Organizing Committee has the right to make changes in the Regulation of the competition no later than one week before the competition, informing the registered participants.
EXCURSIONS
• Excursions are extra charged.
We offer:
• 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 21 from Turku to Stockholm, coming ashore in Stockholm and travel back to Turku at 7.35 a.m. on November 23. 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!
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€.
Transfer from Turku to Helsinki (train/bus stations/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.
ORGANIZERS OF THE FESTIVAL:
Founders: SEM Consulting Oy, Finland and the International Cultural Association of Turku (Turun kansainväliset kulttuurimarkkinat yhdistys ry, Finland).
E-mail address: info@semconsulting.fi
Phone: +358505238257
The detailed information about the contest application form and conditions of the competition site: