MAP-IMC 2026

Concerto Competition

Concerto Competition

The MAP-IMC Concerto Competition is designed to recognize outstanding instrumentalists who demonstrate technical excellence, artistic individuality, musical communication, and a strong understanding of the relationship between soloist(s) and orchestra.

Two Categories

The Concerto Competition is offered in the following two categories:

• 1. Solo Concerto — This category is open to works originally composed for one solo instrument and orchestra. Eligible repertoire may include a complete concerto, one or more movements of a concerto, or another substantial concert work originally written for solo instrument and orchestra.
• 2. Multiple Concerto / Double & Triple Concerto — This category is open to works originally composed for two or more solo instruments and orchestra, including Double Concertos, Triple Concertos, and other works in which multiple solo instruments share featured concerto roles with the orchestra. All featured soloists must be included in the competition application and identified in the submitted video.

Repertoire Requirements

• 1. Applicants may perform a complete concerto, one or more complete movements, or a substantial continuous portion of an eligible concerto work, subject to the maximum performance duration established for the applicant’s age group.
• 2. The submitted work must include a clearly identifiable solo part or featured solo parts written in relationship with orchestral accompaniment.
• 3. Works may be performed with piano reduction, orchestral accompaniment, or another accompaniment format approved by the Competition Committee.
• 4. Memorization is not required unless traditionally expected by the performer or preferred for artistic purposes.
• 5. Cuts may be permitted when necessary to meet the competition time limit, provided that the musical continuity and artistic integrity of the submitted performance are preserved.
• 6. The Competition Committee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of repertoire when the classification of a submitted work is unclear.

Age Groups

For Solo Concerto, the age of the individual soloist will determine the competition age group:

• Under 5 Years Old
• 5–7 Years Old
• 8–10 Years Old
• 11–13 Years Old
• 14–16 Years Old
• 17–19 Years Old
• 20–22 Years Old
• 23 Years Old and Up

For Multiple Concerto / Double & Triple Concerto, the competition age group will be determined by the average age of all featured soloists. The program duration will follow the corresponding age division above.

Video Requirements

• The general MAP-IMC video requirements apply to all Concerto Competition entries.
• For Solo Concerto entries, the featured soloist must remain clearly visible throughout the submitted performance.
• For Multiple Concerto entries, all featured soloists must be clearly visible and identifiable in the submitted video. The recording should allow the jury to evaluate the individual and collaborative contributions of the featured soloists.
• The accompanying pianist, orchestra, conductor, and other accompanying musicians are not considered contestants unless separately registered in another eligible MAP-IMC category.

Judging Criteria

Each jury member will evaluate the performance on a 25-point scale according to the following criteria:

• Technical Accuracy & Control: 0-5
• Tone Quality & Articulation: 0-5
• Interpretation & Musicality: 0-5
• Soloistic Presence & Artistic Communication: 0-5
• Musical Interaction with Accompaniment / Orchestra: 0-5

For Multiple Concerto entries, the jury will additionally consider the artistic communication, balance, and musical interaction among the featured soloists when evaluating the overall performance.

The final score will be calculated according to the MAP-IMC general jury and placing system.

Awards & Performance Opportunities

Concerto Competition participants are eligible for the MAP-IMC Grand Prix, First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, Honorable Mention, and Finalist Certificate according to the competition’s general scoring system.

Selected outstanding Grand Prix and First Prize winners may also be considered for future concerto performance opportunities with MAP-IMC partner orchestras, festivals, or presenting organizations in the United States or internationally.

Performance opportunities are subject to artistic review, repertoire suitability, programming needs, scheduling, availability of participating organizations, and separate confirmation by MAP-IMC and the presenting organization.

Application fee details

*The registration and final application fees are non-refundable, one-time voluntary payments, including domestic/international transaction fees. Participants should submit proof of payment by the deadline for applications.

*Minors’ guardians need to sign a separate notice of “Allowing the Competition Organizer to Use Minors’ Names on Websites and Social Media” to allow the MAP-IMC to publish awards and personal images, video materials, and biographies on major social media platforms around the world.

Chamber Music Competition

Chamber Music Competition

The MAP-IMC Chamber Music Competition is designed to recognize outstanding collaborative musicianship, artistic communication, ensemble awareness, and shared musical interpretation. This division celebrates chamber music as a collaborative art form in which each performer contributes meaningfully to the artistic identity and musical expression of the ensemble.

Eligible Ensembles

The Chamber Music Competition is open to instrumental and/or vocal ensembles consisting of 2–12 performers.

Eligible ensembles may include, but are not limited to:

• Duo
• Trio
• Quartet
• Quintet
• String Ensemble
• Wind Ensemble
• Brass Ensemble
• Mixed Instrumental Ensemble
• Vocal Ensemble / Chamber Choir
• Other chamber music formations approved by the Competition Committee

Each ensemble must register and compete as one group. All participating members must be identified in the competition application and must perform in the submitted video.

Repertoire Requirements

Applicants may choose one or more works representing any of the following musical periods or categories:

• I. Baroque (1600–1750)
• II. Classical (1750–1820)
• III. Romantic (1800–1910)
• IV. Modern Classical / Commercial Music (up to the present)
• V. Works by Living Composer(s)

• 1. Ensembles may perform one complete work, one or more complete movements, or a substantial continuous portion of a chamber music work, subject to the maximum performance duration established for the ensemble’s age group.
• 2. Repertoire should provide meaningful musical roles for the participating ensemble members and demonstrate the collaborative nature of chamber music.
• 3. Original works and arrangements are accepted. When an arrangement is performed, the arranger should be identified in the application whenever applicable.
• 4. Ensembles may submit works from more than one musical period or style, provided that the total submitted performance does not exceed the applicable time limit.
• 5. Cuts may be permitted when necessary to meet the competition time limit, provided that the musical continuity and artistic integrity of the submitted performance are preserved.
• 6. The Competition Committee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of repertoire or ensemble formations when classification is unclear.

Age Groups & Program Duration

The competition age group for Chamber Music entries will be determined by the average age of all participating ensemble members as of the Preliminary Round application deadline.

Age Group	Max Duration
Under 12 Years Old	up to 5 minutes
13–17 Years Old	up to 8 minutes
18–22 Years Old	up to 12 minutes
23 Years Old and Up	up to 15 minutes

All registered ensemble members will be included when calculating the average age of the group.

Judging Criteria

Each jury member will evaluate the performance on a 25-point scale according to the following criteria:

• Technical Accuracy & Intonation: 0-5
• Tone Quality & Articulation: 0-5
• Rhythmic Precision & Ensemble Coordination: 0-5
• Interpretation & Musicality: 0-5
• Ensemble Balance, Communication & Collaboration: 0-5

The final score will be calculated according to the MAP-IMC general jury and placing system.

The jury will evaluate the ensemble as a collaborative musical unit rather than ranking or scoring individual members separately.

Awards & Opportunities

Chamber Music Competition participants are eligible for the MAP-IMC Grand Prix, First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, Honorable Mention, and Finalist Certificate according to the competition’s general scoring system.

Awards in the Chamber Music Competition are granted to the ensemble as a group. Each registered member of an awarded ensemble may be recognized as a member of the winning group in accordance with MAP-IMC certificate policies.

Selected outstanding Grand Prix and First Prize ensembles may also be considered for future performance, masterclass, educational, or collaborative opportunities offered through MAP-IMC or participating partner organizations.

Such opportunities are subject to artistic review, repertoire suitability, scheduling, availability, and the requirements of participating organizations.

Application fee details

*The registration and final application fees are non-refundable, one-time voluntary payments, including domestic/international transaction fees. Participants should submit proof of payment by the deadline for applications.

*Minors’ guardians need to sign a separate notice of “Allowing the Competition Organizer to Use Minors’ Names on Websites and Social Media” to allow the MAP-IMC to publish awards and personal images, video materials, and biographies on major social media platforms around the world.

Large Ensemble / Orchestra / Choir Competition

Large Ensemble Competition

The MAP-IMC Large Ensemble / Orchestra / Choir Competition is designed to celebrate excellence in collaborative music-making and to recognize the important role that large ensembles play in music education, artistic development, and community engagement.

This division provides school ensembles, youth organizations, colleges and universities, community ensembles, festival ensembles, and other eligible groups with an international platform to share their artistic achievements and have their performances heard by distinguished music professionals from around the world.

Eligible Ensembles

The Large Ensemble / Orchestra / Choir Competition is open to instrumental and/or vocal ensembles consisting of 13 or more performers.

Eligible ensembles may include, but are not limited to:

• String Orchestra
• Symphony Orchestra
• Chamber Orchestra
• Wind Ensemble / Concert Band
• Brass Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble
• Choir / Chorus
• Youth Orchestra or Youth Choir
• College / University Ensemble
• Community Orchestra or Community Choir
• Festival Orchestra or Festival Choir
• Other large instrumental, vocal, or mixed ensembles approved by the Competition Committee

A conductor may participate when appropriate to the ensemble and repertoire. The conductor is not counted toward the minimum number of participating ensemble members.

Repertoire Requirements

Applicants may choose one or more works representing any of the following musical periods or categories:

• I. Baroque (1600-1750)
• II. Classical (1750-1820)
• III. Romantic (1800-1910)
• IV. Modern Classical / Commercial Music (up to the present)
• V. Works by Living Composer(s)

• 1. Ensembles may perform one complete work, one or more movements, or substantial portions of eligible works, subject to the maximum performance duration established for the ensemble’s division.
• 2. Ensembles may submit works from more than one musical period or style, provided that the total submitted performance does not exceed the applicable time limit.
• 3. Original compositions and arrangements are accepted. When an arrangement is performed, the arranger should be identified in the application whenever applicable.
• 4. Cuts may be permitted when necessary to meet the competition time limit, provided that the musical continuity and artistic integrity of the submitted performance are preserved.
• 5. Repertoire should be appropriate for the artistic and educational level of the participating ensemble.
• 6. The Competition Committee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of repertoire or ensemble classification when the appropriate category is unclear.

Ensemble Divisions & Program Duration

Large Ensemble / Orchestra / Choir entries will compete according to the educational or organizational classification of the participating ensemble, rather than the average age of individual ensemble members.

Division	Max Duration
Elementary School Orchestra / Choir	up to 5 minutes
Middle School Orchestra / Choir	up to 8 minutes
High School Orchestra / Choir	up to 10 minutes
Youth Orchestra / Choir	up to 15 minutes
College / University Orchestra / Choir	up to 20 minutes
Community / Festival Orchestra / Choir	up to 20 minutes

For ensembles whose membership spans multiple age or educational levels, the Competition Committee may determine the most appropriate division based on the nature, affiliation, and primary membership of the ensemble.

Video Requirements

• 1. The general MAP-IMC video requirements apply to all Large Ensemble / Orchestra / Choir Competition entries.
• 2. The submitted recording must clearly represent the performance of the ensemble entered in the competition.
• 3. The video should provide a sufficiently clear view of the ensemble and conductor, when applicable, to allow the jury to evaluate ensemble coordination, communication, and overall performance.
• 4. Each work or movement submitted for evaluation must be recorded as a continuous, unedited performance. Recordings of different works may be combined into a single submitted video.
• 5. No audio enhancement, artificial sound effects, or editing that alters the musical performance is permitted.
• 6. Recordings from live concerts, school performances, festival performances, or recording sessions are accepted, provided that they comply with the general MAP-IMC video requirements.
• 7. The participating organization must submit an ensemble roster or other documentation identifying the performers represented in the competition entry when requested by the Competition Committee.

Judging Criteria

Each jury member will evaluate the performance on a 25-point scale according to the following criteria:

• Technical Accuracy & Intonation: 0-5
• Tone Quality & Ensemble Balance: 0-5
• Rhythmic Precision & Ensemble Coordination: 0-5
• Interpretation & Musicianship: 0-5
• Overall Artistic Presentation & Ensemble Leadership: 0-5

The final score will be calculated according to the MAP-IMC general jury and placing system.

The jury will evaluate each ensemble according to the artistic and educational context of its respective division. The purpose of the evaluation is to recognize musical achievement, ensemble development, collaborative musicianship, and effective artistic communication.

Awards & Recognition

Large Ensemble / Orchestra / Choir Competition participants are eligible for the MAP-IMC Grand Prix, First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, Honorable Mention, and Finalist Certificate according to the competition’s general scoring system.

Awards are granted to the participating ensemble or organization as a whole. The conductor or ensemble director may also be recognized on the official award documentation in accordance with MAP-IMC certificate policies.

Selected outstanding Grand Prix and First Prize ensembles may be considered for future performance, educational, festival, or collaborative opportunities offered through MAP-IMC or participating partner organizations.

Application Fee Details

*The registration and final application fees are non-refundable, one-time voluntary payments, including domestic/international transaction fees. Participants should submit proof of payment by the deadline for applications.

Special Large Ensemble Participation Benefit

MAP-IMC encourages members of participating large ensembles to further share their individual and collaborative artistry through the Solo, Concerto, and Chamber Music competitions.

• 1. If at least five (5) members of a registered Large Ensemble / Orchestra / Choir successfully register for MAP-IMC 2026 in an eligible Solo, Concerto, or Chamber Music category, the participating Large Ensemble / Orchestra / Choir will be eligible for a 50% refund of its competition application fees following the conclusion of the competition.
• 2. If at least ten (10) members of a registered Large Ensemble / Orchestra / Choir successfully register for MAP-IMC 2026 in an eligible Solo, Concerto, or Chamber Music category, the participating Large Ensemble / Orchestra / Choir will be eligible for a 100% refund of its competition application fees following the conclusion of the competition.
• 3. Individual participants counted toward this benefit must be listed members of the participating ensemble and must complete the applicable MAP-IMC registration requirements.
• 4. The Competition Committee may request an official ensemble roster or verification from the conductor, director, school, or participating organization to confirm eligibility.
• 5. Any applicable refund will be processed after the Final Results & Awards Announcement Date.

Through this initiative, MAP-IMC seeks to encourage broader participation within music programs while supporting the connection between individual artistic development, ensemble learning, music education, and community engagement.