17th WORLD OPEN TRADITIONAL-FOLK SINGING COMPETITION

传统 – 民间歌唱 – 2026 年的规则

 

RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN «TRADITIONAL-FOLK SINGING» NOMINATION 2026

 

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 competitive program includes two diverse works of the participant’s choice and is performed completely by heart. Both or only one song can be performed: a) a cappella, b) with “live” musical accompaniment, c) using a backing track (use of a phonogram is not allowed).

 

PARTICIPANTS

Right to participate is given to all competitors from all the countries in the world. The age category in ensembles is determined by the average age of all participants, not taking into account the age of the illustrator and accompanist.

Competition program must be performed only in traditional way. It is preferable that the backing musical instruments and traditional costumes are from the area that contestant presents.

SOLOISTS

JUNIOR

Category I: born in 2020 – maximum 7 minutes
Category II: born in 2019 – maximum 7 minutes
Category III: born in 2018 – maximum 7 minutes

MIDDLE JUNIOR

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

JUNIOR ARTIST

Category IX: born in 2012 – maximum 7 minutes
Category X: born in 2011 – maximum 7 minutes
Category XI: born in 2009 and younger – up to 7 minutes

SENIOR ACADEMIC

Category XII: born in 2007 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
Category XIII: born in 2005 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
Category XIV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
Category XV: born in 2001 and younger – maximum 8 minutes

SENIOR ARTIST

Category XVI: born in 1999 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
Category XVII: born in 1998 and older – maximum 8 minutes

 

SMALL FORMS (2 – 4 singers)

• Category XVIII: born in 2018 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
  Category XIX: born in 2016 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
  Category XX: born in 2014 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
  Category XXI: born in 2012 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
  Category XXII: born in 2010 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
  Category XXIII: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 7 minutes
  Category XXIV: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
  Category XXV: born in 2003 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
  Category XXVI: born in 2000 and younger – maximum 8 minutes
  Category XXVII: born in 1999 and older – maximum 8 minutes

 

VOCAL ENSEMBLES (from 5 to 15 participants)

• 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 12 minutes
•  Category XXXI: born in 2008 and younger – maximum 12 minutes
•  Category XXXII: born in 2006 and younger – maximum 15 minutes
•  Category XXIII: born in 2005 and older – maximum 15 minutes

 

VIDEO REQUIREMENTS & VERIFICATION

The recording must be a single continuous shot without any editing, pausing, or cuts. On the recording, performer(s), must be clearly seen (soloist, duo, ensemble).

Option 1: Oral Identification

• Start the recording.
• The participant:

– Soloist or duo must state their first name, surname, year of birth, and the name of the competition (WORLD OPEN MUSIC COMPETITION).

*The participant (soloist) can say the name of the competition and only WORLD OPEN (but in this case only participant in younger categories). Participants in the oldest category do not have to say their year of birth.

– One of the member of ensemble says the name of ensemble, their age category, and the name of the competition. 

• Perform the program.
• Stop the recording.

 

Option 2: Visual Identification (Poster)

If a poster is displayed, an oral presentation is not required (soloist).

• Start the recording.
• At the beginning of the video, the participant (soloist) must display for 3–5 seconds “clearly legible” (held in hand or placed on a music stand) a printed sheet of paper (A4 size, bold font) or a clear poster containing the following information:

– First and Last Name (in English block letters), Year of Birth, Name of the competition (WORLD OPEN MUSIC COMPETITION)

• Perform the program.
• Stop the recording.

 

Recording must be sent in Mp4 format. Convert the video through our converter DETAILS

Best way to record a video DETAILS

 

COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

Participant is required to send the following documents:

• Filled in Online Application form.
• Video recording in Mp4 format.
• Proof of identity (copy of ID card or birth certificate showing full name and date of birth):
  – we recommend a screenshot of part of the document where only the first name, last name, date of birth and title of the document are visible.

   

  or

  – Scanned list of members with their years of birth, verified by the institution they are representing (for ensembles).

• Payment Confirmation.

 

 Total maximum size of all files – 100 MB. Detailed instructions for OnLine application DETAILS

 

FINANCIAL CONDITIONS

Participants (soloists) pay a fee of 37 euros. Duo and ensemble pay a fee of 37 euros (from a duo or ensemble) THIS PAGE

 

INTERNATIONAL JURY

Work of the Jury is regulated by special Rules. Jury members are to be elected out of renowned music pedagogues, as well as performing artists, conductors and chamber musicians. Contestants are ranked according to the average score awarded by the Jury. Number of awards (prizes) is not limited.

GOLD AWARD/ LAUREATE FIRST PRIZE – is to be awarded to the competitor who wins 90 – 100 points.

Participant’s performance level:

Performance level: GRANDE PERFORMER (99 – 100),

Performance level: CONCERT PERFORMER (96 – 98,99),

Performance level: VIRTUOSO PERFORMER (93 – 95,99),

Performance level: EXCELLENT PERFORMER (90 – 92,99).

 

SILVER AWARD/ LAUREATE SECOND PRIZE – is to be awarded to the competitor who wins 80 – 89,99 points.

Performance level: EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMER (85 – 89,99),

Performance level: PROMISING PERFORMER (80 – 84,99).

 

BRONZE AWARD/ LAUREATE THIRD PRIZE – is to be awarded to the competitor who wins 70 – 79,99 points.

Performance level: PERSPECTIVE PERFORMER

 

DIPLOMA – is to be awarded to the competitor who wins 65 – 69,99 points.

 

The Absolute Winner in his discipline (all three editions) participates in the Masters Final. Jury selects Absolute Winner of Master Finals, i.e. Absolute Winner of all competition disciplines and the entire competition. 

 

PRIZE FUND

A total of $5,000 in prize money will be distributed as follows:

• 2/3 of the fund: Awarded to selected absolute winners of the WORLD OPEN,EUROPE OPEN and AMERICAN OPEN MUSIC COMPETITION.
• 1/3 of the fund: Awarded to selected teachers for outstanding pedagogical excellence THIS PAGE

 

CERTIFICATES FOR COMPETITORS

All contestants receive certificates after the end of each edition in all nominations:

• Certificates in electronic form can be downloaded on THIS PAGE
• Certificates are sent by the postal service (on request) on THIS PAGE
• DETAILED Certificate for scholarship in electronic form (upon request) download on THIS PAGE

 

LETTERS OF APPRECIATION AND DETAILED CERTIFICATE FOR PORTFOLIO TO TEACHERS

• Letters of APPRECIATION to teachers in electronic form can be downloaded from THIS PAGE
• DETAILED Certificate for a portfolio in electronic form (upon request) for teachers, accompanists who need an additional confirmation document download on THIS PAGE

 

ORGANIZER

The European Association of Music Educators and Performers & Producer Agency MIR Production, with the support of the Ministries of Culture and Communications, organizes WORLD OPEN ONLINE MUSIC COMPETITION.

Competition is held by the Rules of participation, which is proposed by expert council, and is to be adopted by Assembly of the Association.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

In case of dispute between Organizer and competitors, provisions of English text will prevail.

By participating in the competition, the contestants automatically waive their right to material compensation in connection with the publication and distribution of the competition videos.

By applying for the competition, participants automatically accept conditions from previous provisions of these Rules.