WORLD OPEN Online Competition: Bassoon

Next edition: Winter Edition 2026
Applications until: December 1
Entry fee: €37
Format: online, video

RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN «BASSOON» NOMINATION 2026

Bassoon competition online: who can enter and how it works

The bassoon competition online at the WORLD OPEN Online Music Competition lets bassoonists from all countries compete without leaving home. Soloists, duos, students playing with a teacher and ensembles are all welcome; soloist categories start with children born in 2020 and go up to adult performers. Your stage is a video recording, which the jury reviews and scores.

Every year there is a spring, a summer and a winter edition, and applications are taken all year round. Under the rules you may enter one edition or several. The bassoon dates are shown in the schedule below.

Schedule

The competition is completely online and is held annually. Applications are accepted 365 days a year. The competitor selects one of three editions and sends an application.

SPRING EDITION
Application deadline is March 15th. Announcement of the results on April 05.

SUMMER EDITION
Acceptance of applications until June 1. Announcement of the results on June 15.

WINTER EDITION
Application deadline is December 1th. Announcement of the results on December 15th.

Program

The competition program includes two (preferably diverse) compositions of the participant’s choice. Program is to be performed by heart and completely (soloist). Duos and ensembles are not obligated to perform compositions by heart. It is allowed to perform parts (sonata, suite, concert…) as two pieces.

Participants

Right to participate is given to all competitors from all the countries in the world.

Soloists:

JUNIOR

Category I: born in 2020 – maximum 5 minutes
Category II: born in 2019 – maximum 5 minutes
Category III: born in 2018 – maximum 6 minutes

MIDDLE JUNIOR

Category IV: born in 2017 – maximum 6 minutes
Category V: born in 2016 – maximum 7 minutes
Category VI: born in 2015 – maximum 7 minutes
Category VII: born in 2014 – maximum 8 minutes
Category VIII: born in 2013 – maximum 8 minutes

JUNIOR ARTIST

Category IX: born in 2012 – maximum 10 minutes
Category X: born in 2011 – maximum 12 minutes
Category XI: born in 2009 and younger – up to 12 minutes

SENIOR ACADEMIC

Category XII: born in 2007 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XIII: born in 2005 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XIV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XV: born in 2001 and younger – maximum 13 minutes

SENIOR ARTIST

Category XVI: born in 1999 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
Category XVII: born in 1998 and older – maximum 15 minutes

DUO (two similar or two different instruments)

Duo can perform with only one accompanist. Age category is defined by average age of all participants, without illustrator or accompanist.

Category XVIII: born in 2018 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
Category XIX: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
Category XX: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
Category XXI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXII: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXIII: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXIV: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XXVI: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XXVII: born in 1999 and older – maximum 15 minutes

Student – teacher

In the section “Student – teacher” the age group is determined by the age of the student.

Category XXVIII: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
Category XXIX: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXX: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXXI: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXXII: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXXIII: born in 2005 and older – maximum 12 minutes

ENSEMBLE (of 3-12 members)

The ensemble must contain at least 50% of homogeneous instruments of this nomination. Ensemble can perform with only one accompanist and/or one illustrator. Age category is defined by average age of all participants, without illustrator (accompanist).

Category XXXIV: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
Category XXXV: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
Category XXXVI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 10 minutes
Category XXXVII: born in 2009 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXXVIII: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
Category XXXIX: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XL: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 13 minutes
Category XLI: born in 1999 and older – maximum 15 minutes

Repertoire for bassoon: what to choose

The program is two pieces of your choice, ideally of contrasting character – a lyrical piece that shows the singing tenor register next to something quick and humorous, a character the bassoon carries well. Soloists play from memory and without omissions; duos do not have to memorise. Movements of a sonata, suite or concerto may be counted as the two pieces, so the Largo and the closing Allegro of a Vivaldi concerto already make a program.

Check the limit of your category before choosing: 6 minutes in Category III, 7 in Category V, 10 in Category IX and 13 in SENIOR ACADEMIC. Opening movements of concertos often run long, so time them together with the orchestral introduction played by the pianist.

Repertoire ideas (suggestions, not requirements):

JUNIOR: Weissenborn, Arioso and Humoreske; a movement from one of Galliard’s sonatas
MIDDLE JUNIOR: Telemann, Sonata in F minor (two movements); a movement from a Vivaldi concerto
JUNIOR ARTIST: Elgar, Romance; Weber, Andante e Rondo ungarese
SENIOR ACADEMIC and SENIOR ARTIST: Mozart, Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major; Saint-Saëns, Sonata; Hindemith, Sonata; Tansman, Sonatine

Recording the video: tips for bassoonists

Under the rules the performance is filmed in one go – nothing edited, paused or spliced – and the bassoonist has to be clearly visible. The bassoon is tall and held diagonally, so step back far enough for the frame to include the bell at the top, the bocal and your face, and both hands on the lower joints; a horizontal frame, which the rules recommend, gives the instrument enough room. Low notes need space to develop: do not put the microphone right next to the bell or against a wall. Make sure the reed speaks easily in the low register before you start. Identify yourself orally or with an A4 sheet on a music stand. More: how to film your performance and the rules.

Application, fee and certificates

Register through the online application. Bassoon soloists pay an entry fee of 37 euros; for duos and ensembles the 37-euro fee is paid once per group (payment details). The jury’s points decide the award – in the JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR sections from 65 for a Diploma up to 90–100 for Gold; JUNIOR ARTIST (32.50–50 points) and the SENIOR sections (16.25–25 points) use their own scales, described in the rules. Each participant can download a certificate, and teachers a letter of appreciation. Video requirements and identification, documents, fee and scoring system are explained on the rules page.

Frequently asked questions

Can very young bassoonists take part?

Yes. The youngest soloist category, Category I, is for players born in 2020, with a program of up to 5 minutes. The program rules are the same as for older players: two pieces, played by heart.

Does a bassoon duo have to play from memory?

No. Memorisation is required from soloists; a duo may perform with sheet music.

Can a bassoon ensemble include other wind instruments?

Yes, provided that at least half of its 3 to 12 members play instruments of this nomination. The players’ average age determines the category; the accompanist and illustrator are not included.

What score is needed for an award?

In the JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR sections: 90–100 points for a Gold award, 80–89.99 for Silver, 70–79.99 for Bronze and 65–69.99 for a Diploma. JUNIOR ARTIST (32.50–50 points) and the SENIOR sections (16.25–25 points) use their own scales, described in the rules. There is no cap on how many awards are given.

Can I enter more than one edition in a year?

Yes. The rules allow you to choose one or more of the three editions; check the deadline of each one in the schedule above.

Next steps: compare with the oboe nomination, look through results and see the participants.