Competition rules

Art. 1 - Sections

Participants may enter one or more of the following five sections:

1. Instrumental soloists

2. Instrumental ensembles

3. Singers

4. School choirs

5. Adult or intergenerational choirs

Art. 3 - Level

Each section is further classified by level (amateur/self-taught, beginner, advanced student, professional). The level is indicated by the participant in the registration form.

Art. 4 - Performance

The performance consists of the interpretation of one or more musical pieces freely chosen by the participant.

Starting at age 11 (categories C, D, E, F, and G), participants who indicate a level of “beginner,” “advanced student,” or “professional” must perform the pieces of their choice in their original versions and not in simplified versions.

Simplified versions will, however, be accepted for participants who declare themselves to be at the “amateur” or “self-taught” level, regardless of their category.

All musical genres are permitted.

A copy of the sheet music to which the participant will perform must be submitted to the Jury prior to the performance.

Participants may use an accompanying pianist (at their own expense) or a backing track provided by the participant, which may be played through a moderately powerful sound system.

The Jury has the right to request a repeat or to interrupt performances if it deems it appropriate.

The Jury will evaluate the participants' performances according to several pre-established criteria, including, in particular, the choice of the piece presented, technical mastery, and the artistic quality of the performance.

Art. 6 - On the Day of the performance 

A tentative schedule will be provided to participants at least two weeks in advance. It may be subject to change depending on availability. The date and time of the performance will then be communicated to participants one week in advance. The order of appearance will be determined by a random draw.

Participants are kindly requested to arrive on time at the following address: 153 Route de Coudoux in Ventabren.

They will be greeted by the organizing team and will sign the attendance sheet.

Upon arrival, participants must present valid identification to be admitted to the event. A warm-up room is available for them to prepare before their event.

If the event schedule includes a meal, a fast-food service will be offered to participants and their accompanying persons at discounted prices. It will also be possible to reserve a cocktail reception.

Art. 7 - Jury

The Jury is composed of prominent figures from the arts community selected by the artistic directors.

Jury members who, during the two years preceding the start date of the competition, have had a teaching relationship with one or more participants, are required to abstain from voting on the performance of those same participants. This abstention must be explicitly noted in the minutes. 

Members of the Jury and participants must refrain from making any comments regarding the Competition throughout its duration.

The decisions of the Jury are final and not contestable.

Art. 8 - Results

Participants will be notified individually by email no later than two weeks after the competition ends. No results will be communicated by phone. The most talented participants will be invited to take part in future events and concerts organized by the Organizing Committee.

Art. 9 - Legal Notices

The participants' performances may be recorded not only by members of the competition organizing committee, but also by any person present.

Consequently, by registering, the participant—or their legal guardian in the case of minors—gives consent to the use of images and audio recordings, as well as their dissemination on social media and, more generally, on the Internet, without claiming any compensation and without any time limit.

Personal data collected through the registration form is processed by the Organizing Committee for the management of this competition. This data is retained for three years by the Giuseppe Verdi Music Academy of Ventabren and is not disclosed to third parties under any circumstances.

By checking the corresponding boxes when registering for the competition online, the participants’ representatives and the participants themselves confirm that they have read and accepted this document in its entirety.

Art. 10 - Organization

The 2026 International Music Competition in Provence is organized by the Giuseppe Verdi Music Academy of Ventabren (RNA number: W922016848) in collaboration with the Foyer Rural of Ventabren and the Tambourin Academy of Aix-en-Provence, and under the High Patronage of the Municipality of Ventabren.

For more information or for assistance with registration, please contact the Organizing Committee by email at
info@concours-musical-international-de-provence.org

or by mail at Académie Musicale Giuseppe Verdi 9, Lot. Le Petit Rigouès 13122 Ventabren.