Welcome to Crescendo Concerto Competition

Excellence in Performance for Soloists & Orchestral Repertoire

The routine, registration, auditions (First Round), and recitals (Second Round) follow the same prestigious format as the Crescendo International Competition and Little Mozarts.

Register here

Repertoire

Repertoire specifications for Piano, Strings, Winds, Brass, and Ensemble concertos

Piano Concertos

  • One movement from a standard Concerto (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or 20th Century).
  • Cadenza must be performed if included in the selected movement.
  • Must be performed strictly from memory without sheet music.
  • Maximum duration: 12 minutes (longer pieces may be cut by jury).

String Concertos (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass)

  • One fast or slow movement from a major Concerto or Concertante work.
  • Concert pieces with orchestral accompaniment are acceptable upon review.
  • Performance must be fully memorized.
  • Maximum duration: 12 minutes.

Woodwinds, Brass & Voice

  • One complete movement from a solo concerto or concertino.
  • Vocal selections: Orchestrated aria or solo cantata movement.
  • Memorization is mandatory for solo performers.
  • Maximum duration: 10 minutes.

Duet & Chamber Concertos

  • Double or Triple Concertos (e.g., Bach Double Concerto, Mozart Sinfonia Concertante).
  • Performers must coordinate ensemble entries precisely.
  • Sheet music permitted only for ensemble partner accompanists.
  • Maximum duration: 12 minutes.

Requirements

Rules and submission requirements for First Round Auditions and Second Round Recitals

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to instrumentalists and vocalists of all nationalities up to age 26.
  • Applicants are grouped by level: Junior (up to 10 yrs), Intermediate (11-14 yrs), Advanced (15-26 yrs).
  • Teachers, parents, or self-submitting students may submit applications online.

First Round Audition (Live or Video)

  • Live Audition: Select your preferred venue location during online registration. Accompanist required.
  • Video Submission: High-definition unedited video upload (YouTube / Vimeo link) submitted via dashboard.
  • Video recording must clearly show performer’s hands, face, and instrument throughout the piece.

Second Round (Winners' Recital)

  • First and Second Place winners earn the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall / Weill Recital Hall.
  • Winners must register for their recital venue and confirm attendance before the registration deadline.
  • Registration fees for the Second Round are non-refundable as per Crescendo policies.

Rehearsals

Preparation guidelines and rehearsal schedules for First & Second Round performers

Warm-up & Sound Checks

Performers participating in live auditions are assigned a 15-minute acoustic warm-up slot prior to their scheduled audition time.

Accompanist Coordination

Performers requiring an official accompanist must submit score copies at least 3 weeks before the audition or recital date.

Second Round Dress Rehearsals

Sound check and dress rehearsals take place at the recital venue prior to performance. Formal concert attire is required.