The aim of the Lavaux Classic Piano Competition is to stimulate pianists in training, to reveal and promote musical personalities of interest, and to encourage exchanges between candidates, trainers and pianists on the jury, in a benevolent and constructive spirit.

By commissioning works from young Swiss composers, Lavaux Classic also wishes to highlight and contribute to the enrichment of the contemporary piano repertoire.

The registration fee for the competition is CHF 80 for all categories.

For any information about the competition, you can contact us at: concours@lavauxclassic.ch

APPLICATION

Before you register, please prepare the following documents carefully:

• At least 2 good quality photos, one of which should be full face and one at the piano
• A short biography
• The musical programme of the video and of the 1st round
• Proof of payment of the registration fee (CHF 80)
• The video must be stored on vimeo, youtube, xouku, soundcloud or google drive in order to upload it to the registration.

REGISTRATIONS

SELECTION DATES

• 16 January 2022: Deadline for registration for the first round, submission of application videos and payment of registration fees.
• 12 February 2022: Announcement of the candidates selected for the 2nd round and presentation of the imposed works, as part of the event organised by Lavaux Classic at the Théâtre de l’Octogone in Pully.
• 17 to 19 June 2022: 2nd public round in Cully during the festival.
• 17 to 26 June 2022: Lavaux Classic Festival, announcement of results.
• 9 October 2022: Public final

Category A – “Emotion”

For whom? For very young pianists who have already passed the stage of basic learning, allowing them to express their artistic nature through the works and to arouse the emotion of an audience.

Children up to 12 years of age on the closing date for registration (i.e. born after 16.01.2009). This category is intended for young pianists who are being taught at a conservatory, music school or privately.

Registration fee: CHF 80.00

Program :

• 1^st round (February): a video lasting between 5 and 10 minutes, including at least two pieces of different styles and periods, one of which must be in the baroque or classical style.
• 2^nd round (June): a compulsory piece unveiled in February 2022 (3′ maximum). Programme between 8 and 12 minutes including at least two pieces from different periods and styles in addition to the compulsory piece. Possibility of presenting pieces already proposed in the first round.
• Final (October): free programme of maximum 15 minutes, not including pieces already presented in the previous rounds. Possibility of presenting a piece of chamber music that does not exceed half the duration of the programme presented. (The costs of any musical partners are to be borne by the candidate).

Category B – “Conviction”

For whom? For young pianists who are committed to learning the piano and who have developed a real musical personality before considering possible professional studies.

Candidates up to 18 years of age on the application deadline (i.e. born after 16.01.2003). This category is intended for young pianists who are studying at a conservatory, music school or privately, but who are not yet enrolled in an EMH programme at the time of application. Candidates who are following a pre-college or pre-EMH course are admitted.

Registration fee: CHF 80.00

Programme :

• 1^st round (February): Video of between 6 and 12 minutes duration, including two pieces of different styles, one of which is a Prelude and a Fugue by J.S. Bach (Well-Tempered Clavier Vol. 1 or 2)
• 2^nd round (June): A compulsory piece to be performed in February 2022 (4′ maximum). Programme of 10 to 15 minutes including, in addition to the compulsory piece, at least two pieces of different style and period, one of which must be a classical piece or sonata movement. It is possible to perform pieces already proposed in the first round.
• Final (October): Free programme of maximum 20 minutes, not including pieces already performed in the previous rounds. It is possible to perform a piece of chamber music that does not exceed half the duration of the programme presented. (The costs of any musical partners are to be borne by the candidate).

Category C – “Vocation”

For whom? For young pianists for whom the piano is a vocation and who are committed to a professional career.

Candidates up to 23 years of age on the application deadline (i.e. born after 16.01.1998), studying at the Haute École de Musique, the Conservatoire Supérieur or at an equivalent level.

Registration fee: CHF 80.00

Programme :

• 1^st round (February): Video between 10 and 16 minutes integrating at least two movements of a French suite, English suite or partita by J.S. Bach, a virtuoso etude by Chopin or Liszt and a piece or movement in classical, romantic, modern or contemporary style.
• 2^nd round (June): A compulsory piece unveiled in February 2022 (4′ maximum). Programme of 15 to 22 minutes including, in addition to the compulsory piece, at least one sonata piece or movement in the classical style.
• Final (October): Free programme of maximum 30 minutes, not including a piece already performed in previous rounds. It is possible to perform a chamber music piece that does not exceed half the duration of the programme presented. (The costs of any musical partners are to be borne by the candidate).

Category D – “Passion”

For whom? For all amateur pianists whose passion for music remains at the heart of their daily lives, with high musical and technical standards.

Amateur pianists, without age limit, who have another main professional activity or are following a university course other than the HEM.

Registration fee: CHF 80.00

Programme :

• 1^st round (February): Video of between 6 and 12 minutes duration, including at least two pieces of different period and style.
• 2^nd round (June): One compulsory piece (to be chosen among the three unveiled in February 2022). Programme of 10 to 15 minutes including, in addition to the compulsory piece, at least two pieces of different style and period.
• Final (October): Free programme of maximum 20 minutes, not including a piece already performed in previous rounds. It is possible to perform a piece of chamber music that does not exceed half the duration of the programme presented. (The costs of any musical partners are to be borne by the candidate).

REGISTRATION

REGISTRATIONS

• Applications must be sent before 16 January 2022 at 23:59 only by electronic means
• Candidates must submit a complete application, including
  • A biography or Curriculum Vitae, including at least two photos (one frontal, one at the piano) of the candidate in very good quality, the name of the piano teacher and the musical institution where he/she studies.
  • The musical programme from the video of the first round.
  • The video containing the programme corresponding to the candidate’s category. The candidate begins by stating, in front of the camera, his/her name, date of birth, and the programme he/she is performing in this recording (name and surname of the composers, name of the works and movements). Each piece must be recorded in one take and on one camera. Concert recordings are not permitted.
  • Proof of payment of the registration fee. This fee is non-refundable, except in the event of cancellation of the Competition by the organisers.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• The Lavaux Classic Piano Competition is open to pianists of all nationalities.
• The registration fee is non-refundable regardless of the category. A proof of transfer must be provided at the time of registration.
• The works must be played by heart, except for the contemporary pieces and the chamber music piece of the free programme of the final for categories A, B and C. For category D, the entire programme may be played with score.
• Candidates authorise the recording, broadcasting and retransmission of their performances on any medium, without financial compensation.
• The jury may interrupt the performance of a work if the maximum duration imposed for the round is exceeded.
• The selected candidates and the winners will be announced at the end of each round and after private deliberations by the Jury. The Jury may waive the awarding of prizes. The decisions of the Jury are irrevocable and no appeal will be allowed.
• A member of the Jury who has worked with a candidate on a regular basis during the two years preceding the competition will not take part in the deliberations.
• Registration fees for the first round, travel, accommodation and catering costs for the second round and the final are at the candidates’ expense. If the candidate chooses to include a piece of chamber music in the final, the costs of the ensemble (fees, travel, etc.) are to be borne by the candidate.