Call for entries: 2022 London International Music Competition

The LIMC is divided into preliminary and final rounds online. Entrants must submit video materials for preliminary application with free entry, with the final selection of winners being based solely on the same video materials submitted in the preliminary contest. Multiple winners will be selected for each age group.

Interested participants should submit their entries here before 22 June.

Competition guidelines

Preliminary round (free entry)

Entrants must visit the official LIMC website and fill out the preliminary round application form on the of the page, submitting a video recording link of their musical performance. This contest accepts links to major global video websites like YouTube, Vimeo, or others. Contestants must fully comply with the repertoire and video guidelines. If there is a situation that does not meet the rules, the participants will automatically lose their qualifications for the final round.

Final Round (invitation and application)

Only contestants selected in the preliminary round are entitled to advance to the final round. Contestants who are able to advance will use the same work submitted during the preliminary round as content for the final round. Selected finalists will receive an email invitation with instructions on how to apply for the final round. Email invitations will be sent on the finalist announcement date. Contestants should check the spam box in their mailbox. Finals applicants must use the link in the email to complete the final application steps by the application deadline for the final round. They should pay the final application fee via a secure payment link emailed by the organisers.

Final application fee details:

• Application fee: £59 (about $73).
• Chamber group finals application fee: £110.

Note: The final application fee is a one-time non-refundable voluntary payment. Guardians of minors must sign a separate notice to allow LIMC to post awards and personal images, video materials, and biographies on major social media platforms.

Eligibility/time limits

The competition is open internationally to musicians of all ages. Applicants will be grouped into 12 categories based on age. Each category will have a different time limit. Applicants must compete in their age category (not competing up or down) and may be required to show proof of age if requested by the competition committee.

• Kids Prodigy (born in 2014 and younger) – 10 minutes maximum
• Kids Artist I (born in 2013/2012) – 10 minutes maximum
• Kids Artist II (born in 2011/2010) – 10 minutes maximum
• Junior I (born in 2009/2008) – 15 minutes maximum
• Junior II (born in 2007/2006) – 15 minutes maximum
• Youth I (born in 2005/2004) – 20 minutes maximum
• Youth II (born in 2003/2002) – 20 minutes maximum
• Virtuoso I (born in 2001/2000) – 20 minutes maximum
• Virtuoso II (born in 1999/1998) – 20 minutes maximum
• Master I (born in 1997/1996) – 25 minutes maximum
• Master II (born in 1995/1994) – 25 minutes maximum
• Professional (born in 1993 and older) – 25 minutes maximum

Repertoire and video guidelines

• The selection of the repertoire is open to the applicant and all the judgments are made through the presentation of video links.
• The applicant combination may submit any published piece or combination of pieces as long as the combined total time is within the maximum time limits listed above.
• The applicant may make cuts to a part or move a part to meet deadlines if desired.
• The contest will accept videotapes with piano, orchestra, chamber ensemble, wind band, percussion, or any other accompaniment required by the composer in the published work.
• COVID-19 Exception. The contest will accept recordings with pre-recorded accompaniment for those applicants who are unable to record with a live accompanist due to social distancing.
• The video must have been recorded a maximum of 18 months before the deadline.
• Each piece must be performed in one take with no edits. Contestants who submit multiple pieces must do so together as one video file not to exceed the maximum time limits for the applicant’s age category. LIMC reserves the right to immediately disqualify any applicant whose tape shows evidence of editing within one take of a piece other than a cut to meet time limits.
• Multiple cameras can be used for video recording but no sound effects should be added to any portion of the video entry (it is acceptable to have an introduction title with the musician’s name, the title of the piece, and composer).
• The applicant does not have to submit sheet music at the time of application. However, if requested by the committee, the applicant must submit an original score or a copy of the score with the written permission of the publisher for use in the competition.
• There is no live round: all awards will be made online via video submission. It is suggested that the applicant submit the highest quality video possible to give a fair representation of their performance.

Prizes

Winners will be announced on 20 July. See below the full list of prizes:

• First prize – To be awarded to the competitor who earns at least 93/100 points.
• Second prize – To be awarded to the competitor who earns at least 86/100 points.
• Third prize – To be awarded to the competitor who earns at least 79/100 points.
• Fourth prize – To be awarded to the competitor who earns at least 72/100 points.
• Honorary Mention Recognition – To be awarded to the competitor who earns at least 65/100 points.
• The overall winner will receive the London International Music Competition Grand Prize worth £1 001.
• Certificates for the winners of the first, second, third, and fourth prizes.
• A selection of winners will be invited to perform in LIMC’s online concert series.
• Certificate of participation for participants with Special Mention.
• Certificate of recognition for distinguished teacher upon request.
• All applicants will receive a certificate of participation after the winners’ announcement by email.

View the original call here.