5th Pancyprian Instrumental&Vocal Music Festival-Competition
“YOUNG ORPHEUS” Paphos, Cyprus
May 11 & 18, 2025
Rules&Regulations
Applications are accepted until April 20, 2025.
1. General Provisions
1.1. These regulations define the procedure and rules for the International Festival-Competition of Children’s and Youth Musical Creativity “YOUNG ORPHEUS” (hereinafter referred to as the Festival).
1.2. The Festival is held with the support of:
Paphos Music Lyceum
1.3. The main preparation and organizational activities are carried out by the organizer.
1.4. The organizational work is conducted by the Festival Organizing Committee.
1.5. The Festival is open to participation by all interested individuals and organizations.
1.6. The Festival is held in two formats:
In-person participation (stage performances)
1.7. Information about the Festival is published on the website and social media.
1.8. The Festival has its logo and other necessary symbols and attributes.
2 Goals and Objectives of the Festival
2.1. The event aims to support and develop children’s and youth musical creativity.
2.2. The main objectives of the Festival are:
Identifying and supporting talented children and youth, creating favorable conditions for their cultural development;
Preserving and developing cultural potential, fostering intercultural dialogue, and introducing young talents to the best examples of culture and art;
Attracting attention from government, international, and commercial organizations to children’s and youth creativity;
Preserving and developing national cultures;
Promoting the creative growth and harmonious development of personalities.
3. Participants of the Festival-Competition
The Festival is open to anyone aged 5 to 21 years, including solo performers, duets, and ensembles, regardless of their place of residence.
For many participants, this is their first step towards success, a chance to experience bright emotions and showcase their best talents.
4. The Festival-Competition offers two types of participation:
4.1. Competition: The program is performed from memory (except for duets and ensembles). Performances are evaluated by the jury, with diplomas awarded for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place, or a participant diploma (for the minimum score) and a commemorative prize.
4.2. Festival: Performances are allowed with sheet music, without jury evaluation. Participants receive a diploma and a commemorative prize. (Participation in the competition and the festival is at the participant’s discretion. However, we recommend that the competition program include pieces of no less than Grade 3 level)
5. Competition and Festival Categories
Category “Piano”
Category “Harp”, “Guitar”
Category “Stringed Instruments”
Category “Academic Vocals” solo, ensemble
Category “Pop-Jazz Vocals” solo, ensemble
Category “Folk Music” (instrumental, vocal, solo, ensemble)
Category “Wind Instruments”
Category “Percussion Instruments”
Category “Instrumental Ensemble”
6. Age Categories
I: 5-7 years
II: 8-10 years
III: 11-13 years
IV: 14-16 years
V: 17-19 years
VI: 20-21 years
7. Program and Time Limits
Ages 5-10: Up to 3 minutes
Ages 11-13: Up to 5 minutes
Ages 14-16: Up to 7 minutes
Ages 17-21: 5 to 10 minutes
8. Performance Order
The order of performances is determined by the Organizing Committee (program changes are allowed until May 1).
9. Jury
The jury comprises highly qualified professional musicians and educators from Cyprus — true masters of their craft, renowned for their impeccable reputation and extensive experience. They have repeatedly served as chairpersons of prestigious international competitions in various countries, making a significant contribution to the development of musical art.
10. Evaluation Criteria
Participants’ performance skills are evaluated in each category and age group. Participants are awarded diplomas for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as participation diplomas. Each participant receives a commemorative prize in the form of a figure on a pedestal.
Participants in multiple categories receive a diploma for each category but only one commemorative prize.
Winners in each age group and category are determined by the highest total score based on all evaluation criteria.
Instrumental Performance:
Level of proficiency with the musical instrument, technical skill in performance; complexity of the repertoire and arrangement; intonation accuracy and musical tuning; appropriateness of the competition program to the age characteristics of the participants; technical capabilities for ensemble performance, musicality, artistry, artistic interpretation of the musical piece; creative individuality, emotional expression in performance.
Vocal Performance:
Professionalism (good vocal abilities, accurate intonation, excellent diction, artistry, the ability to convey the meaning of the piece to the audience, ability to build the song’s dramaturgy, skill in using a microphone); stage presence; repertoire selection, etc.
Instrumental Ensemble:
Level of proficiency with the instrument, intonation accuracy, musical tuning, complexity of the repertoire, suitability of the competition program to the age characteristics of the participants, harmonious and cohesive performance.
Scoring:
Minimum score: 65, maximum score: 100
65-75 – Participant Diploma
75-85 – Laureate of the 3rd Degree
85-95 – Laureate of the 2nd Degree
95-100 – Laureate of the 1st Degree
Grand Prix Award:
The Grand Prix awards are granted by the jury’s decision: to one most outstanding participant in the “Musical Instruments” category and to one participant in the “Vocal” category. If there are no deserving candidates, the Grand Prix awards may not be granted.
The decisions of the jury are final and cannot be appealed.
11. AWARDS
Grand Prix – participant receives a Grand Prix diploma, the main prize of the Festival, a certificate for free participation for the competition next year and performance in Gala concert in Markideio theatre 18.05. 2025
Laureat 1st prize – Diploma, a certificate for a 50% discount on participation in the competition next year, commemorative prize and certificate for participation in Gala concert for next edition Festival.
Laureat 2nd and 3rd prize – Diploma, commemorative prize and present from sponsors
Participants of Festival and Competition – Diploma of participation and commemorative prize.
Groups (6 members or more) — (only the group leader receives the prize and diploma)
18 May Sunday at 19:00, the 5th anniversary of the Festival will be celebrated at the Markideo Theatre (entrance free) with a ceremonial awards presentation for all participants.
Participants must be present at the awards ceremony or appoint a representative. Awards and diplomas will not be issued on other days.
Attention! The awarding of prizes and diplomas will take place only at Markideio Theatre. Entrance free.
12. Registration:
Registration fee — 40 euros per participant (regardless of the number of nominations)*
Ensembles (up to 5 members inclusive) — 40 euros per participant (each member receives a separate prize and diploma)
Groups (6 members or more) — 70 euros (only the group leader receives the prize and diploma)**
*If a participant competes both in an ensemble and as a solo performer, or in different nominations, they pay only one registration fee and receive one prize and separate diplomas for each nomination.
**If the members of the ensemble wish to receive a prize and a diploma, this can be arranged by agreement and requires a separate fee of 15 euros per participant.
To participate in the 5th International Festival-Competition “Young Orpheus,”
fill out the application form on the festival’s website, attaching the payment receipt for the registration fee by 24:00, April 20, 2025