Categories & Prizes
1st Prize: $800
2nd Prize: $400
3rd Prize: $200
Honorable mentions will receive a certificate of achievement & perform at the post-competition concerts, but will NOT receive a scholarship. Given COVID-19, small ensembles will NOT be a category this year. However, for the next year, small ensembles are especially encouraged to audition.
All performers will be in the same competing division- age regardless.
Eligibility
All traditional instrumentalists are eligible. There are no place-of-residence requirements- contestants may reside in either international or US territories. There are no age limits as well, any performer of any age is welcome to apply.
With a separate application, an applicant may apply for multiple entries (e.g. guzheng and pipa).
Any 1st prize winners of the HIMC Competition may not apply for the same category in which they won 1st prize (e.g. if a contestant wins 1st prize in the Junior Soloist division, they may still compete in the Senior Soloist division); however, 2nd places, 3rd places, and any honorable mentions may apply for the same category in which they won.
Stages of the Competition
Due on January 3, 2021 at 11:59 PM
Application and Pre-Screening Procedure:
Pre-screening will be by video submission only. The pre-screening applications will be limited to the first total 1000 applications. The online application form will be available between October 18, 2020 to January 24, 2020.
Early bird registration with a fee of $25/entry will be from October 18- November 7, 2020. Regular registration with a fee of $35/entry will be from November 8- January 3, 2021. Late registration with a fee of $50/entry will be from January 4- January 23, 2021. For multiple entries, submit separate applications.
A complete application includes the application form, fee, pre-screening video, and sign of release indicating that by participating in HIMC’s auditions you agree to allow HIMC to use your picture, video, and name in its advertising. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants who are chosen for the semifinal round will be notified by email and have their names and audition times posted at www.himc.us by 11:59 PM on January 24, 2021.
A panel of judges will pre-screen applicant videos and select those whom they feel would best represent HIMC. No more than 15 performers per division (orchestral instruments and piano separate divisions) will move on to the semifinal round.
There will be no Semifinal Round for Traditional Instruments.
February 7, 2021
Final Round
The Finals will be held on February 7, 2021. Due to COVID-19, having a live concert is subject to change; we will update all performers should we change our decision. Performances will be judged on musicianship, stage presence, and audience appeal. The judges’ decision will be final. Judges will provide comments and critiques.
Performers will be required to attend dress rehearsal. Finals are free and open to the public, and will be live streamed on HIMC’s Youtube channel.
Results from the final round will be posted at www.himc.us before 11:59 PM on February 7, 2021, & will also be announced at the end of the finals.
TBD
Post-Competition Concerts
All winners will perform at two concerts: the Winners Concert & Inaugural Outreach Concert.
At the Inaugural Outreach Concert on TBD, all winners will perform, be announced as the new winners of the 1st annual Houston International Music Competition, and receive their trophies and scholarships. Winners must attend a mandatory dress rehearsal . If you have a conflict with any of these dates and times, please consider HIMC's 2021-2022 Auditions.
Repertoire
All performers are required to perform ONE piece under 20 minutes, no accompaniment required for semifinals or pre-screening. Whether accompaniment for finals will be required will be decided on TBD (decision will be emailed to all contestants) upon seeing the effects of COVID-19 at the future time.
*Examples of unacceptable pieces: Star Wars theme Song, River Flows In You, etc.
Examples of acceptable pieces: Carmen Fantasy, Bach Sonatas, Beethoven Moonlight Sonata, etc.