WORLD OPEN Online Competition: Chamber Ensemble

Next edition
Winter Edition 2026
Applications until
December 1
Entry fee
€37
Format
online, video
Apply now General rules

RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN «CHAMBER ENSEMBLE» NOMINATION 2026

Chamber ensemble competition online: who can enter and how it works

The Chamber Ensemble nomination of the WORLD OPEN Online Music Competition is a chamber ensemble competition online for groups of 3 to 15 musicians from any country: trios, quartets, quintets and larger chamber groups, listed separately as classic and non-classic ensembles. The age category is based on the average age of the members, not counting the illustrator or accompanist.

Three editions are held each year and applications are accepted at any time. The ensemble records its program on video where it normally rehearses, so members do not have to travel together to a venue.

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. The program does not have to be performed by heart. It is allowed to perform parts (concert, sonata, trio, symphony …) as two pieces.

 

Participants

Right to participate is given to all competitors from all the countries in the world. In chamber ensembles, from 3 to 15 participants can perform. The age category is determined by the average age of all participants, excluding the age of the illustrator (accompanist). All ensembles can perform with only one accompanist, and in categories I, II and IX, X – an accompanist and / or illustrator.

CLASSIC ENSEMBLES (from 3 to 15 participants)

MIDDLE JUNIOR 

  • Category I: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
  • Category II: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes

 

JUNIOR ARTIST

  • Category III: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
  • Category IV: born in 2009 and younger – maximum 12 minutes

 

SENIOR ACADEMIC

  • Category V: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
  • Category VI: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 15 minutes

 

SENIOR  ARTIST

  • Category VII: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
  • Category VIII: born in 1999 and older – maximum 15 minutes

 

NON-CLASSIC ENSEMBLES (from 3 to 15 participants)

MIDDLE JUNIOR 

  • Category IX: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 5 minutes
  • Category X: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes

 

JUNIOR ARTIST

  • Category XI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
  • Category XII: born in 2009 and younger – maximum 12 minutes

 

SENIOR ACADEMIC

  • Category XIII: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
  • Category XIV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 15 minutes

 

SENIOR  ARTIST

  • Category XV: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
  • Category XVI: born in 1999 and older – maximum 15 minutes

Repertoire for chamber ensembles: what to choose

An ensemble presents two compositions of its own choice, preferably contrasting, and may play from the music. Separate movements of a concerto, sonata, trio or symphony may count as the two pieces. The limit depends on the category: 5 or 7 minutes in MIDDLE JUNIOR, 12 minutes in JUNIOR ARTIST and 15 minutes for the older groups. Pick works in which every part is audible and each player has a real role, and agree on repeats in advance so that the program fits. Ideas, offered as recommendations only:

  • MIDDLE JUNIOR, classic: a movement of the Toy Symphony attributed to Leopold Mozart; the Rondo all’Ongarese finale of Haydn’s “Gypsy” trio.
  • JUNIOR ARTIST: a movement of Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik; the slow movement of Haydn’s “Emperor” quartet.
  • SENIOR ACADEMIC and SENIOR ARTIST: the first movement of Dvořák’s “American” quartet; a movement of Schubert’s “Trout” quintet or of Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet.
  • Non-classic ensembles: arrangements of Piazzolla tangos such as Libertango or Oblivion, jazz standards, folk-music arrangements.

Recording the video: tips for chamber ensembles

The rules ask for one continuous take with no editing, pauses or cuts, in which all performers are clearly seen. Seat the group in a semicircle and place the camera far enough back to frame every member, including the accompanist if there is one; a wide landscape shot works better than a close-up of one player. A stereo microphone or recorder in front of the group, roughly at head height, usually gives a better balance than a phone placed low. Before the music starts, one member names the ensemble, its age category and the competition, or the group shows an A4 sheet with this information on a stand. Advice: how to record a video; requirements: rules.

Application, fee and certificates

The ensemble applies through the online application, attaching the video, the payment confirmation and proof of age — for a group this can be a list of members with years of birth verified by the institution it represents. The fee is 37 euros per ensemble (how to pay). In the JUNIOR and MIDDLE JUNIOR sections Gold is given from 90 points, Silver from 80, Bronze from 70 and a Diploma from 65; JUNIOR ARTIST (32.50–50 points) and the SENIOR sections (16.25–25 points) use their own scales, described in the rules. Certificates go to all participants; teachers can download a letter of appreciation. Full rules: rules page.

Frequently asked questions

How many musicians can a chamber ensemble have?

From 3 to 15 participants, in both the classic and the non-classic list.

Do we have to play by heart?

No. The program does not have to be performed from memory.

Can the ensemble perform with an accompanist?

Every ensemble may perform with one accompanist. In Categories I, II, IX and X an accompanist and/or an illustrator is allowed. Their age is not counted when the category is determined.

How is the age category calculated?

Take the ages of all members except the accompanist or illustrator and find the average; that figure decides the category.

When are chamber ensemble results announced?

According to this page: April 05 for the spring edition, June 15 for summer and December 15 for winter.

Related nominations: Duo (two different instruments), Orchestra, and the results page.

Chamber Ensemble: results and participants

Results by year

Participants by year

Participants 2026