2027 ICA Young Artist Competition
Eligibility: Competition participants must not have reached the age of 27 as of June 30, 2027.
Application: Applications will open soon.
Young Artist Competition Coordinator: Cecilia Kang – [email protected]
Preliminary Round Contest Rules
1. Application Fee: $50 USD. All applicants must be regular members of the ICA and submit the Competition Application. Non-members wishing to apply may join the ICA and become a regular member. Join now! The application fee is non-refundable. Payment can be made at the following link: https://clarinet.wildapricot.org/event-6349180
2. A photocopy of the contestant’s driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate as proof of age.
3. Both the private teacher, if any, and the contestant attest in a separate written and signed statement that the video recording is the playing of the contestant and has not been edited.
4. A summer mailing address, telephone number, and email address should be provided. Email is the preferred means of communication. Please check your email regularly as this is how you will be contacted.
5. Recording Instructions: Please provide a high-quality video recording containing all repertoire in the exact order as listed in the competition announcement. Record unedited, separate videos for each piece. Multi-movement works should be recorded in a single video. Please be aware that the quality of the recording will influence the judges. Make sure your upper body profile is visible, including your full face and fingers. For the adjudication process, audio files will be extracted from the videos by the ICA to ensure impartiality.
Preliminary Round Repertoire:
1. Required piece with piano accompaniment
- Louis Spohr – Clarinet Concerto No.2, Op.57
- I. Allegro
Piano accompaniment is required for the Spohr
2. Select one of the unaccompanied works from:
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Adolphus Hailstork – Three Smiles for Tracey
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Chen Yi – Monologue (Impressions on The True Story of Ah Q)
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Libby Larsen – Dancing Solo
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I. -With Shadows
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II. -Eight to the Bar
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At ClarinetFest®:
Semi-Final Round
The following repertoire will be required of all semi-finalists:
All semi-finalists will receive a 30-minute rehearsal with a conference pianist at ClarinetFest® or may bring their own pianist at their own expense.
Final Round:
The following repertoire will be required of all finalists:
- Jean Francaix – Clarinet Concerto
- I. Allegro
- IV. Allegrissimo
Judging
Judging of recordings will be conducted with no knowledge of the contestant. Do not include any identification on your video files. There should be no speaking on the recording such as announcing compositions.
Preliminary judging will be by recorded audition. Notification of semi-finalists will be sent by May 1, 2027.
The semi-final and final rounds will be held at ClarinetFest® 2027 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Each Semi-finalist will receive a waiver of registration fees for ClarinetFest® 2027. Travel and other expenses will be the responsibility of the contestant. Visa and travel arrangements are solely the responsibility of the contestant.
A conference pianist will be provided for competitors in the semi-final and final round. If a competitor brings their own pianist, it will be at their own expense. Memorization is not required. All contestants will accept the decision of the judges as final. Past first-prize winners are not eligible to compete. All recordings will become the property of the ICA.
Prizes
First prize – $5,000 USD; the ICA will also feature the first prize winner in a solo performance at its 2028 conference.
Second prize – $2,000 USD
Third prize – $1,000 USD
Financial aid for the application fee may be offered for students in need. Please click the button below to complete the request for financial aid.