Despite the pandemic, 200 young musicians from around the world have applied to enter the competition.

There is a great deal of interest in the Prague Spring International Music Competition. This can be seen from the nearly 200 young musicians from around the world who have applied to enter in the fields of piano and string quartet. “For the piano competition alone, we have nearly 160 competitors, and Czech participants account for about 15% of the applicants. This is affirmed by the competition’s truly international dimension,” says Roman Bělor, director of the Prague Spring Festival. “The large numbers of applicants and the extraordinarily positive response from the juries have strengthened our conviction that in spite external circumstances, realising the competition is the right thing to do, although it will be a real organisational challenge,” Bělor adds. 

Joining him in making remarks is the cellist Michal Kaňka, the Prague Spring Competition Committee chairman: “I’m glad we have managed to find a way to monitor organisationally and deal with all of the public health and travel restrictions so this year’s competition can take place. The competition is an enormous goal and motivation for young talents, and especially today, when cultural events around the world have been restricted, such an international event is enormously needed.“

Round I of the piano competition will take place online – on the basis of submitted video recordings, the international jury will select the ten pianists who will advance to Round II, which will take place in Prague with the competitors taking part in person. Five pianists will then be chosen for the Semi-Finals, where they will compete in the discipline of chamber music. Three pianists will advance to the Finals, where they will be accompanied by the Prague Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Marek Šedivý. From Round II through the Finals, the competition will be broadcast online. If public health measures permit, the Finals at the Rudolfinum will take place before an audience in the hall

In view of the ongoing worldwide pandemic, the competition rules have also been amended for the string quartet competition. Round I and Round II will take place online – on the basis of submitted video recordings, the jury will select three quartets to be invited to take part in person in the Finals, which are planned to take place at the Rudolfinum and to be broadcast by live streaming online. If public health measures permit, the Finals will take place before an audience in the hall. 

An important component of Round II of both competitions are the compulsory compositions written on commission for Prague Spring by two prominent Czech composers – Jana Vöröšová has given her composition for the pianists the title Hra (Play), while the compulsory composition for string quartet by Slavomír Hořínka also bears a fitting title – Four. 

For details, visit our website at soutez.festival.cz.