PIANO
COMPETITION
DATE
The 2nd International Piano Competition for Young Pianists Kronberg will take place in March 2025. The exact date will be announced on 01.11.2023.
The competition and auditions will take place from Friday, 9 a.m. to Sunday, 2 p.m. at the Casals Forum, Beethovenplatz 1, 61476 Kronberg/Ts. The subsequent prize-winners' concert and award ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
ADMISSION TO THE COMPETITION
Digital preliminary round
Admission to the competition is via a digital preselection. At least three jury members will decide on admission based on the videos submitted. The results of the digital preliminary round will be published under "Results". All participants will be additionally informed about the publication by e-mail.
>> Instructions for recording the application videos
The decision of the jury is final and unappealable.
The jury looks forward to every video that is posted. It highly appreciates the commitment behind it and the joy of playing the piano. Due to the time limit of the competition, a pre-selection is necessary. A rejection does not in any way mean that the talent and pianistic skills of the applicant are in question.
Digital preliminary round repertoire
The repertoire requirements for the digital preliminary round are identical to the repertoire requirements of the competition. ofthe competition.h. Thus, depending on the age group, two to three contributions (complete works/movements/pieces) from two to three epochs.
The repertoire played may be taken from the The repertoire may be taken from thecompetition program, but does not have to be. Other contributions may also be can be chosen.contributions may be chosen.
The length of the video is not fixed.
CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
Eligible are all pianists who, on the day of the beginning of the competition, have reached the age of
- have reached the age of 6 and
- have not yet reached the age of 20.
Youth enrolled full-time in a music degree program are excluded from the competition. Young students are admitted.
Individuals who have had an ongoing teaching relationship, public or private, with a jury member in the past 2 years are not eligible to participate.
The competition is public in all parts. The collection and processing of personal data is mandatory for the planning and implementation of the competition. The organizer assures the compliance with corresponding data protection regulations.
Private video and audio recordings during the competition are not permitted. The organizer will make video and audio recordings, the rights of use of which each participant transfers to the organizer free of charge. Claims for fees are inadmissible.
The organizer is not liable for personal injury and property damage arising in connection with the events of the competition.
In case of disagreement, the text of the German-language invitation to tender shall apply. The place of jurisdiction is the court responsible for the venue Kronberg.
AGE GROUPS, PLAYING TIMES, REPERTOIRE
# |
Age group |
Playing time |
Repertoire |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
AG I: born 2016/2017 (until 31.03.2017) |
5-10 minutes |
at least two contributions (complete works/movements/pieces) from at least two epochs |
2 |
AG II: born 2014/2015 |
5-10 minutes |
at least two contributions (complete works/movements/pieces) from at least two epochs |
3 |
AG III: born 2012/2013 |
10-15 minutes |
at least three contributions (complete works/movements/pieces) from at least two epochs |
4 |
AG IV: born 2010/2011 |
10-15 minutes |
at least three contributions (complete works/movements/pieces) from at least two epochs |
5 |
AG V: born 2008/2009 |
15-20 minutes |
at least three contributions (complete works/movements/pieces) from at least three epochs |
6 |
AG VI: born 2006/2007 |
15-20 minutes |
at least three contributions (complete works/movements/pieces) from at least three epochs |
7 |
AG VII: born 2003 (from 01.04.2003)/2004/2005 |
20-25 minutes |
at least three contributions (complete works/movements/pieces) from at least three epochs |
In the choice of repertoire, original literature - no arrangements - and a variety of epochs are desired.
Epochs are defined as:
a) Baroque
b) Classical
c) Romantic/Late Romantic
d) Impressionism
e) Expressionism/Modernism
The pieces should correspond to the ability and musical understanding of the participants and be selected in a contrasting and diverse manner.
Memorized playing is not obligatory and does not count towards the score. Misplaced notes must be played from original notes.
The repertoire can be changed by the participants 4 weeks before the competition. The change must be submitted in writing. After this date a change does not have to be accepted.
The use of copies of protected works/protected editions is prohibited in compliance with copyright law, unless otherwise specified by the rights holder.
A page turner is not provided by the organizer. Pedal raises must be brought by the participants themselves.
The order of the participants is based on their age, the youngest starts.
Two unsolicited reading copies of contemporary compositions must be made available to the jury for the duration of the competition.
If the maximum playing time is exceeded, the jury is entitled to stop the performance. The minimum playing time must not be undercut.
PROCEDURE OF THE COMPETITION
The competition starts with age group I and ends with age group VII.
On the day of their performance, participants must register at the appropriately marked registration table in front of the Carl-Bechstein-Saal of the Casals Forum at least 1 hour before their own audition date. There they will be registered and informed about the audition schedule, their audition space and any changes.
There are 4 play-in rooms with grand pianos available. During the competition breaks the grand pianos can be tried out on the stage.
At least 10 minutes before the audition time, participants must be in front of the Carl-Bechstein-Saal, the location of the audition.
At the end of each day, the results of the age groups completed by then will be announced in the Carl Bechstein Room and published on the website as a download.
Afterwards, participants will be given the opportunity to have a consultation with the jury, within the limits of the time available.
Special prizes will be awarded at the end of all auditions at the announcement of results on Sunday.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
- Artistic design
- Sound quality
- Playing technique
- Stylistics
- True to text
- Musical understanding
- Stage presence
- Personality
- Originality
- Development potential
- Difficulty and mastery of the piece
POINT SYSTEM
- Prize: 25/24 points
- Prize: 23/22 points
- Prize: 21/20 points.
- participated with very good success: 17 - 19 points
- participated with good success: 14 - 16 points
- participated with success: 11 - 13 points
- participated: up to 10 points
PRIZES AND AWARD CEREMONY
The information about the prices and special prices will be updated soon. Check back here later.
AWARD CEREMONY
All prize winners will be honored for their exceptional achievements during the prize winners' concert. Each participant will receive a certificate.
All contest participants will receive free admission and a free admission ticket for an accompanying adult.
The decisions of the jury are final and unappealable.
The jury may award prizes in one category more than once or not at all. All prizes will be presented during the Prize Winners' Concert at the Awards Ceremony. It is expected that the prizes will be received personally by all prize winners. The respective prize money will be transferred to an account to be specified.
Important information for the winners of the first prizes and special prizes
Participation in the winners' concert is obligatory for the winners of the first prizes, otherwise they lose their right to the prize awarded to them Prize. It takes place without any fee.
Special prize winners are not entitled to participate in the prize winners' concert; the jury decides on their participation.
Time for your questions!

If you or your students would like to participate in the competition but still have questions, e.g. about the repertoire, the conditions of participation, the registration or digital preliminary round, you can contact the artistic director, Ulrike Danne-Feldmann.
She appreciates your interest and will be happy to answer your questions!