1. General

(1.1) The Competition will take place in Haverhill on Saturday 25 September 2010 between 9.30am and 8.30pm in the presence of an audience.

(1.2) Acceptance and participation at any stage of the Competition is at the discretion of Haverhill Sinfonia. Entries will not be accepted from previous winners of the first prize of this Competition.

(1.3) The decisions of the Adjudicating Panel shall be final and binding (including whether or not to award any prize).

(1.4) Haverhill Sinfonia reserves the right to change either the Official Accompanist or members of the Adjudicating Panel should it become necessary.

(1.5) Haverhill Sinfonia and all other prize promoters will not offer financial assistance to any Competitor with regard to travelling or accommodation expenses for either the Competition itself or the winners’ performances.

(1.6) Competitors will not receive any notes or comments, either written or verbal, from the Panel. Nor will any comments be made, either via telephone or correspondence, regarding reasons for selection or rejection of applicants at any stage.

(1.7) It is extremely important that Haverhill Sinfonia is able to contact Competitors immediately after the closing date (19 August). Competitors must inform Haverhill Sinfonia of any change of address and contact details.

2. Requirements

(2.1) Entries are invited from SOLO performers.

(2.2) The categories are Brass, Piano, Singers, Strings (including harp and guitar) and Woodwind.

(2.3) The Competitor must be of diploma standard, or the minimum standard of Grade 8 distinction in the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations.

(2.4) Competitors may be of any age and any nationality. The age of the Competitor is not taken into account at any stage of the Competition – performances are judged solely on musical merit.

3. Entries

(3.1) The entry fee of £35 (GB pounds sterling) (non-returnable) together with the Entry Form and any other relevant details (curriculum vitae, press reviews, references, etc.) must arrive at the address shown NOT LATER THAN Thursday 19 August 2010.

(3.2) Entries may be submitted at any time up to, and including, the closing date. Entries cannot be accepted by Email, as the entry fee of £35 and recording must also be received by the closing date. References may be sent separately but, must arrive by the closing date. Haverhill Sinfonia will not accept responsibility for any items lost in the post, either from or to the Competitor.

(3.3) In the first round, a maximum of 25 Competitors will be selected by Haverhill Sinfonia’s Music Director to take part in the final round of the Competition on 25 September. Confirmation will be sent to all Competitors by 31 August (by Email, where possible) notifying them as to whether or not they have been selected to participate in the final round.

(3.4) The Competitor is requested to send, typed in English on a separate sheet of paper, up-to-date biographical details of their musical career and achievements for publication in the Competition programme and on Haverhill Sinfonia's website, should they be selected for the final round. These may be abbreviated or edited as necessary by Haverhill Sinfonia. Please also send at least one photograph, which Haverhill Sinfonia may use for publicity purposes at any time.

(3.5) It is recommended that photocopies, not originals, of documents and press cuttings should be sent. Please provide English translations of press reviews or any other foreign language material which is submitted.

(3.6) If the Competitor is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign the Entry Form. If you are signing on behalf of the Competitor and wish all correspondence from Haverhill Sinfonia to be addressed to you (the parent or guardian), please state clearly in the signature section of the Entry Form – otherwise all correspondence will be addressed to the Competitor.

(3.7) When sending entries from overseas, the Competitor must ensure that all Customs, Excise and other taxes are paid. This is entirely the responsibility of the Competitor and Haverhill Sinfonia is not liable for any such fees and will not accept packages with fees to pay.

(3.8) It is suggested that Competitors from outside the UK pay the entry fee (£35) direct to Haverhill Sinfonia’s bankers. If you wish to pay the entry fee by Bank transfer, please Email info@haverhillsinfonia.co.uk to request Haverhill Sinfonia's Bank details.

(3.9) All bank charges are to be paid by the Competitor. Haverhill Sinfonia must receive the full amount of the fee. Please check with your bank, at the time of sending, that all the appropriate charges have been paid and send a photocopy of your bank payment details with your entry.

(3.10) Please do not send a cheque unless your bank account is in the UK. We are not able to accept payment by credit or debit cards.

(3.11) By signing the Entry Form, the Competitor is committed to honour every performance date that forms part of each prize, should they be a winner.

(3.12) A number of Competitors will be placed on a reserve list, which will be compiled for use in the event of any of the original 25 Competitors having to withdraw.

4. Recording

(4.1) A recording (clearly labelled and to include the date of recording) of contrasting pieces demonstrating the full range of the Competitor’s musical and technical abilities should be sent with the Entry Form. The recording, preferably CD or DVD, may be on audio cassette tape (not DAT), video tape VHS-PAL format (not small camcorder tape), CD (not MiniDisc) or DVD. Please make sure that you send only Recordable (R) CDs and DVDs which have been finalized – do not send re-writeable (RW) discs. It is in the interest of each Competitor that the recording is of the best possible quality to give a fair and accurate account of their abilities.

(4.2) The recording should include at least one example made during 2010 featuring the Competitor as the soloist, either unaccompanied or accompanied (by piano or orchestra, etc.). The recording does not have to be the same as the proposed 20 minute recital programme – this is entirely up to each Competitor. Please note that recordings will be returned only if a self-addressed envelope with adequate postage is provided. These will be returned during the week beginning 4 October 2010.

5. At the Competition

(5.1) Each Competitor will have 20 minutes in total in which to perform their programme. The Panel will stop any Competitor whose programme over-runs this time limit. Each performance will be timed from the beginning of the first piece. The 20 minutes will include pauses between pieces and any applause.

(5.2) The Competitor should prepare a programme of contrasting pieces which may include individual movements. The choice of music and whether or not to perform from memory is left entirely to the individual Competitor. It is not necessary to provide copies of music for the Panel.

(5.3) Competitors will have approximately 15 minutes to rehearse before their performance. An upright piano will be available in the rehearsal room.

(5.4) Only one piano will be available on stage for use during the performance so pianists will not be able to perform concertos with accompaniment.

(5.5) Electronic recordings and amplification equipment will not be permitted as any part of the 20 minute recital performance.

(5.6) The Official Accompanist is available for a fee of £30, please tick the appropriate box on the Entry Form if required. Do not send this fee until requested. Competitors who are allocated the Official Accompanist will have only approximately 15 minutes (as mentioned in Rule 5.3) to rehearse immediately prior to their performance. Extra rehearsal time, before the day of the Competition, can be arranged (in London) with the Official Accompanist on a private basis, if required.

6. Performance Prizes

(6.1) The winner will perform an evening recital as part of the University of Essex's season of concerts. This recital will take place between April and June 2011 in Colchester on a date to be agreed between the winner and the University of Essex. The winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from the University of Essex. This recital will be organized by the University of Essex who will arrange all details with the winner.

(6.2) The winner will perform an evening recital as part of The Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival. This recital will take place in Church Stretton on Friday 29 July 2011. The winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from The Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival. This recital will be organized by The Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival who will arrange all details with the winner.

(6.3) The winner will perform a recital as part of Cambridge Summer Music Festival which will take place during July and August 2011 on a date to be agreed between the winner and Cambridge Summer Music Festival. The winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Cambridge Summer Music Festival. This recital will be organized by Cambridge Summer Music Festival who will arrange all details with the winner.

(6.4) The winner will perform an evening recital as part of The King's School, Ely's season of concerts. This recital will take place during November 2011 in Ely on a date to be agreed between the winner and The King's School, Ely. The winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from The King's School, Ely. This recital will be organized by The King's School, Ely who will arrange all details with the winner.

(6.5) The winner will perform a recital as part of Stratford-upon-Avon Chamber Music Society's season of concerts. This recital will take place between September 2011 and January 2012 in Stratford-upon-Avon on a date to be agreed between the winner and Stratford-upon-Avon Chamber Music Society. The winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Stratford-upon-Avon Chamber Music Society. This recital will be organized by Stratford-upon-Avon Chamber Music Society who will arrange all details with the winner.

(6.6) The winner will perform a solo work with Bedford Sinfonia during its 2011-12 season, the date and work to be agreed between the winner and Bedfordshire Orchestral Society. The winner will receive £325 from Bedfordshire Orchestral Society. This concert will be organized by Bedfordshire Orchestral Society who will arrange all details with the winner.

(6.7) The winner will perform a solo work with the Lambeth Orchestra during its 2011-12 season, the date and work to be agreed between the winner and the Lambeth Orchestra. The winner will receive £300 from the Lambeth Orchestra. This concert will be organized by the Lambeth Orchestra whose Music Director, Christopher Fifield, will arrange all details with the winner.

(6.8) The winner will perform a solo work with Wymondham Symphony Orchestra during July 2012, the date and work to be agreed between the winner and Wymondham Symphony Orchestra. The winner will receive £325 from Wymondham Symphony Orchestra. This concert will be organized by Wymondham Symphony Orchestra who will arrange all details with the winner.

(6.9) The highest-placed pianist will perform a lunchtime recital as part of the Corsham Festival or as part of Pound Arts' season of concerts. This recital will take place in Corsham, Wiltshire during 2011 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Pound Arts. The prize-winner will receive £225 from Pound Arts. This recital will be organized by Pound Arts who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no pianist winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of pianist from the remaining Competitors.

(6.10) The highest-placed pianist will perform an evening recital as part of Louth & District Concert Society's season of concerts. This recital will take place in February or March 2011 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Louth & District Concert Society. The prize-winner will receive £225 from Louth & District Concert Society. This recital will be organized by Louth & District Concert Society who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no pianist winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of pianist from the remaining Competitors.

(6.11) The highest-placed pianist will perform an evening recital as part of Bury St. Edmunds Concert Club's season of concerts. This recital will take place between September and November 2011 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Bury St. Edmunds Concert Club. The prize-winner will receive £225 from Bury St. Edmunds Concert Club. This recital will be organized by Bury St. Edmunds Concert Club who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no pianist winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of pianist from the remaining Competitors.

(6.12) The highest-placed pianist will perform an evening recital as part of Leighton Buzzard Music Club's season of concerts. This recital will take place between September and December 2011 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Leighton Buzzard Music Club. The prize-winner will receive £250 from Leighton Buzzard Music Club. This recital will be organized by Leighton Buzzard Music Club who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no pianist winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of pianist from the remaining Competitors.

(6.13) The highest-placed pianist will perform an evening recital as part of Bridport and West Dorset Music Club's season of concerts. This recital will take place during November 2011 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Bridport and West Dorset Music Club. The prize-winner will receive £225 from Bridport and West Dorset Music Club. This recital will be organized by Bridport and West Dorset Music Club who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no pianist winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of pianist from the remaining Competitors.

(6.14) The highest-placed pianist will perform an evening recital as part of Haywards Heath Music Society's season of concerts. This recital will take place during its 2011-12 season in Haywards Heath on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Haywards Heath Music Society. The prize-winner will receive £225 from Haywards Heath Music Society. This recital will be organized by Haywards Heath Music Society who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no pianist winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of pianist from the remaining Competitors.

(6.15) The highest-placed pianist will perform a recital as part of Hoddesdon Music Club's season of concerts. This recital will take place between February and April 2012 in Hoddesdon on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Hoddesdon Music Club. The prize-winner will receive £225 from Hoddesdon Music Club. This recital will be organized by Hoddesdon Music Club who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no pianist winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of pianist from the remaining competitors.

(6.16) The highest-placed string player will perform an evening recital as part of Uppingham School's season of concerts. This recital will take place in Uppingham between October 2010 and May 2011 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Uppingham Concerts. The prize-winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Uppingham Concerts. This recital will be organized by Uppingham Concerts who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no string player winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of string player from the remaining Competitors.

(6.17) The highest-placed string player will perform an evening recital as part of Brickwall Music and Arts Society's season of concerts. This recital will take place in East Sussex between October 2011 and June 2012 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Brickwall Music and Arts Society. The prize-winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Brickwall Music and Arts Society. This recital will be organized by Brickwall Music and Arts Society who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no string player winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of string player from the remaining Competitors.

(6.18) The highest-placed violinist or cellist will perform an evening recital for Music at St. Peter's in Wallingford. The recital will take place between May and September 2012 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Music at St. Peter's, Wallingford. The prize-winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Music at St. Peter's, Wallingford. This recital will be organized by Music at St. Peter's, Wallingford who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no violinist or cellist winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of violinist or cellist from the remaining Competitors.

(6.19) The highest-placed string or woodwind player will perform an evening recital as part of Faversham Music Club's season of concerts. This recital will take place between October 2011 and April 2012 in Faversham on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Faversham Music Club. The prize-winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Faversham Music Club. This recital will be organized by Faversham Music Club who will arrange all details with the prize-winner.

(6.20) The highest-placed woodwind player will perform an evening recital as part of Bideford Music Club's season of concerts. This recital will take place during its 2011-2012 season on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Bideford Music Club. The prize-winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Bideford Music Club. This recital will be organized by Bideford Music Club who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no woodwind player winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of woodwind player from the remaining Competitors.

(6.21) The highest-placed singer will perform an evening recital as part of Live At St. Wilfrid's Concerts Society season of concerts. The recital will take place during March 2011 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Live At St. Wilfrid's Concerts Society. The prize-winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Live At St. Wilfrid's Concerts Society. This recital will be organized by Live At St. Wilfrid's Concerts Society who will arrange all details with the prize-winner.

(6.22) The highest-placed pianist, guitarist or harpist will perform an evening recital as part of the Embrace Arts, University of Leicester's season of classical concerts. This recital will take place between May and July 2011 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Embrace Arts. The prize-winner will receive £225 from the University of Leicester. This recital will be organized by Embrace Arts who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no pianist, guitarist or harpist winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of pianist, guitarist or harpist from the remaining Competitors.

(6.23) The highest-placed pianist, guitarist or harpist will perform an evening recital as part of Linton Music Society's season of concerts. This recital will take place between January and May 2012 on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Linton Music Society. The prize-winner will receive £225 from Linton Music Society. This recital will be organized by Linton Music Society who will arrange all details with the prize-winner. In the event of no pianist, guitarist or harpist winning one of the seven main prizes, the adjudicators will select their choice of pianist, guitarist or harpist from the remaining Competitors.

(6.24) The highest-placed prize-winner, other than pianist will perform a solo work with Airedale Symphony Orchestra during its 2011-12 season, the date and work to be agreed between the prize-winner and Airedale Symphony Orchestra. The prize-winner will receive £325 from Airedale Symphony Orchestra. This concert will be organized by Airedale Symphony Orchestra who will arrange all details with the prize-winner.

(6.25) The highest-placed prize-winner, other than pianist will perform a solo work with Arnold Sinfonia in Haverhill during 2011-12, the date and work to be agreed between the prize-winner and Haverhill Sinfonia. The prize-winner will receive £325 for this performance from Haverhill Sinfonia. This concert will be organized by Haverhill Sinfonia who will arrange all details with the prize-winner.

(6.26) The highest-placed prize-winner, other than singer will perform an evening recital as part of Brockenhurst Music Society's season of concerts. This recital will take place during 2011 in Brockenhurst on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Brockenhurst Music Society. The prize-winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Brockenhurst Music Society. This recital will be organized by Brockenhurst Music Society who will arrange all details with the prize-winner.

(6.27) The highest-placed prize-winner, other than singer will perform an evening recital as part of Witney Music Society's season of concerts. This recital will take place between October and December 2012 in Witney on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Witney Music Society. The prize-winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Witney Music Society. This recital will be organized by Witney Music Society who will arrange all details with the prize-winner.

(6.28) The highest-placed prize-winner, other than brass will perform an evening recital as part of Derby Chamber Music Society's season of concerts. This recital will take place between September and December 2011 in Derby on a date to be agreed between the prize-winner and Derby Chamber Music Society. The prize-winner will receive £225 and the accompanist (if required) will also receive £225 from Derby Chamber Music Society. This recital will be organized by Derby Chamber Music Society who will arrange all details with the prize-winner.

7. Other Prizes

(7.1) The second prize-winner will receive the sum of £250.

(7.2) The third prize-winner will receive the sum of £200.

(7.3) The fourth prize-winner will receive the sum of £175.

(7.4) The fifth prize-winner will receive the sum of £150.

(7.5) The sixth prize-winner will receive the sum of £125.

(7.6) The seventh prize-winner will receive the sum of £100.

(7.7) A prize of £200 will be awarded for the “Best Performance of a work by a British Composer”.

(7.8) A prize of £200 will be awarded for the “Best Performance of a work written since 1950”. Remember to include the year of composition on the Entry Form.

(7.9) A prize of £200 will be awarded to the “Highest-placed string player”.

(7.10) A prize of £200 will be awarded to the “Highest-placed brass player”.

(7.11) A prize of £200 will be awarded to the “Best Accompanist” (all accompanists, except the official accompanist, will be considered).

(7.12) No further sums will be offered to any prize-winner from Haverhill Sinfonia or any of the prize promoters.