Coltman Chamber Music Competition

Règlement & répertoire

Inscription & droits

• Apply as an ensemble by 18 December 2026, 23:59 CST (19 December 06:59 in Germany). US$50 per player, nonrefundable. Any country of residence. Instrumental groups of 3–6, one instrument per player at any given time and all playing in both works. No singers, six/eight hands, two pianos or setups exceeding three minutes. Each player may enter one group; personnel and repertoire fixed after submission.
• Senior: each member aged at most 35 and average younger than 31 on 7 March 2027. Junior: aged 18 or younger and in high school or below; an eligible 19-year-old still in grade 12 or lower on 6 March submits proof such as a counsellor’s letter. In Junior, prior first-prize winners must make up less than half. Under-18s need adult supervision if selected. There is no general recommendation-letter item in the published checklists.
• Submit member and group details and the video. If invited, submit a group bio, high-resolution colour group photo of up to 10 MB and links to website/social accounts if applicable. Prepare clean score PDFs with measure numbers as instructed. Invitees notified 25–29 January 2027.

Tours & durées

Programme and video audition · one of the two works

• Senior: two contrasting selections, each from a different period and by a different composer, up to 25 min total. Junior: two selections by different composers, up to 15 min total. Transcriptions and selected movements allowed; repeats optional. The rulebooks define five periods for works where contrast is required.
• Upload video or unlisted YouTube link. Film at least 720p, fixed frame, all members together, each movement complete and unedited. Break between movements is allowed. Audio from the same take. No backing tracks, computer-generated electronics or ensemble, school or player identities in recording and titles. List the composer, work and movement.

Live semifinal · 6 March · maximum 10 min

• Include music from both submitted selections. Before starting, tell the judges what you will play and where any excerpt begins.

Live final · 7 March · both selections

• Perform both submitted selections, up to 25 min for Senior or 15 min for Junior. Senior is adjudicated in separate String & Piano and Mixed Instrumental categories.

Source : Official application and timetable · Senior division rulebook · Junior division rulebook