The Competition

THE PRIZES

Overall Winner

R50 000 Cash Prize
Master classes
Instrument service

CATEGORY WINNERS

Oboe

R10 000
Reeds
Master classes
Instrument
(for most promising oboe participant)

Clarinet

R10 000
Instrument service
Master classes


Bassoon

R10 000
Reeds
Master classes


Saxophone

R10 000
Instrument service
Master classes


Flute

R10 000
Instrument service
Master classes


  • R10 000 category cash prize will not be awarded in addition to the overall winner prize.
  • Additional prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the jury.
  • The jury has the right not to award all cash prizes.

THE COMPETITION AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

  • identifying 25 top national and international woodwind players under the age of 26 to compete
  • raise public awareness of the instruments and the skills needed to perform at this level
  • revealing of young talented musicians who are able to continue the best traditions of the country
  • promoting the integration of woodwind performers
  • development and popularisation of woodwind performance in ZA through social media 
  • increasing the general level of professional performance among young performers
  • manifestation of individuality and giftedness of children and youth
  • foster development and prepare for professional activities in the future
  • providing an opportunity for young musicians to realise their creative potential
  • strengthening of cultural and creative connection between the Free State and various educational institutions of music
  • Collaboration between the board members – representing the various woodwind instruments and ZA provinces

PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS

First round (pre-selection, video audition round)

  • One work of own choice (no time limit) with piano accompaniment
  • One solo work of own choice
 

For the second round and semi-finale, participants should play a balanced program of 25min for each round. In round 2 and 3, participants may select any genre of repertoire (modern, baroque, etc), but must include the following: South African composition and a solo composition. 

No works are to be repeated in round 2 and 3 (may repeat works from online round 1).
No jazz items.

All programs will be approved within two weeks of application.

First round

  • Program of 22-25min

Semi-final round

  • Program of 22-25min
  • Plus a Concerto movement/work for solo instrument and orchestra.
    Prescribed Concerti – Please select one from the list below

Oboe

Mozart Concerto in C major K314 Mvt 1 & 2

Haydn Concerto in C major Hob VIIg:C1 Mvt 2 & 3

Vivaldi Concerto RV447 Mvt 1&2 or Mvt 2 & 3

Bassoon

Mozart Concerto in B-flat major, K.191/186e Mvt 1 & 2

Weber Concerto in F maj Op 75 Mvt 1 & 2

Clarinet

Weber Concert No 2 in E-flat maj Op74 Mvt 2 & 3

Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A maj K622 Mvt I

Flute

Mozart Concerto in G major, K. 313 – Allegro Maestoso (Mvt I)

Doppler Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise, Op. 26

Saxophone

Glazunov concerto Opus 109

2nd and 3rd movements of Paul Gilson’s Premiere Concerto

Final round

  • Concerto/ work for solo instrument and orchestra (to be performed with the Free State Symphony Orchestra)
  • Same concerto movements that were performed in the semi-final round, are to be performed in the final. Candidates that play tenor/soprano sax can send an email and request to perform a specific concerto. Based on the availability of parts and agreement of the conductor, participants will be notified.

 

Memorization is not mandatory

JURY

The seven competition board members and guest conductor of the Free State Symphony Orchestra will form the official jury. For the qualification audition round, the four ZA woodwind specialists will select the participants. All Jury decisions are final and irrevocable

APPLICATION

Closing date: 31 May 2024

Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon and Saxophone players aged 26 and under may apply.

All nationalities are welcome to apply.

All application fees are non-refundable.

All applicants need to provide the following online:

  • Application form
  • PDF of all piano scores (all the rounds, including concerto)
  • CV
  • YouTube link to the recording of the pre-selection round (not set to ‘public’)
  • Photo
  • Copy of ID
  • Application fee of R500 (an invoice will be sent to each participant after a complete application has been received)

All material is to be submitted no later than 31 May 2024.

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

All the information provided must be truthful. Incorrect or inaccurate information will result in disqualification.

COLLABORATIVE PIANISTS

All participants have the option to perform with the official collaborative pianists appointed, or bring their own accompanist. Rehearsals with official accompanists are free of charge. Each participant will receive two rehearsals per round. Additional rehearsals can be negotiated with the pianist at own cost.