Entry Information

Repertoire Requirements

Performance of works by memory is encouraged (e.g. concerti). Entrants may perform with music when presenting a collaborative work (e.g. a sonata)

Heats: A video recording of one or two works with a total performance time of up to 10 minutes. This must be a recorded performance made in 2025, filmed in a single take and without edit. The video recording and supporting documentation must be uploaded to the Sydney Eisteddfod Entrant Portal by 4.00 PM on Monday, 14 April 2025

Semi-Final: Saturday, 5 July 2025 | Chippen Street Theatre

Up to 12 Senior entrants will be selected to give a live performance of two contrasting works which must vary in style and period. The performance must not exceed a total duration of 12 minutes. Please note that the time limit includes the time taken between pieces/movements. Selection of works cannot include items performed in the Heats.

Final: Saturday, 6 September 2025 | The Concourse, Concert Hall

Up to 5 entrants will be selected to present a recital program of works varied in style and period which may include works from the Semi-Finals. The performance duration for the Senior Scholarship is up to 12 minutes (includes the time taken between pieces/movements).

Important Notes

All entrants are to submit a video recording along with supporting documentation for the heats via the Sydney Eisteddfod Entrant Portal. The video submission must be uploaded to the Sydney Eisteddfod Entrant Portal by 4.00 PM on Monday, April 14 2025.

Entrant’s video submission must be a YouTube or Vimeo link. Please clearly indicate the work’s title and composer, along with the name of the entrant’s first and last in the title and/or description box (eg. Emily Jones_ Prelude and Allegro_Kreisle ). Please ensure the privacy settings of your upload allow third party viewing so our panellists can view.

Email: [email protected] if you have any questions relating to this submission method.

The following documentation will be required when submitting your application:

* A 150-word biography

* A short (maximum 300-word) statement outlining your current and proposed studies, and how the Sydney Eisteddfod NSW Doctors Orchestra Instrumental Scholarship might help you.

* A publicity picture in colour as a JPEG file - in high resolution (minimum 2M.B.)

Upon progression to the Semi-Final, entrants will be asked to list their proposed repertoire for the Final.

Please use the following format when listing your proposed works for later rounds (including complete titles for all movements, if applicable)

Semi - Final: Accompanied by XXX

1. La Fontaine d'Arethuse Op. 30 by Karol Szymanowski (6:00 mins)

2. Nigun No. 2 from 'Baal Shem' Suite by Ernst Bloch (6:00 mins)

Final: Accompanied by XXX

1. La Fontaine d'Arethuse Op. 30 by Karol Szymanowski (6:00 mins)

2. Nigun No. 2 from 'Baal Shem' Suite by Ernst Bloch (6:00 mins)

3. Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor Op. 26 by Max Bruch (8:30 mins)

iii. Finale. Allegro energico

Changes to repertoire cannot be made any later than the fortnight leading up to the Semi-Final. Entrants will be notified if their repertoire is considered unsuitable for the later rounds.

Conditions

1. Previous winners not eligible.

2. Event is open to any instrumentalist who is a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand. ~ Residency and proof of age documents will be cited by Sydney Eisteddfod staff upon progression to the Semi-Final. This can include a Birth Certificate, an Australian or New Zealand passport, or a permanent resident stamp. A driver’s licence is not acceptable.

3. Adjudicator reports will be written for the heats only. No marks will be given on these reports.

4. Accompaniment: Performances are for solo instrument with acoustic piano accompaniment unless the work chosen was composed specifically for solo instrument without accompaniment. No Official Accompanists are provided.

5. Up to five Finalists and two Reserve Finalists will be selected from the Semi-Finals.

6. The awarding of the scholarshisp is at the discretion of the adjudicators and is given on the understanding that the Winner will undertake study in music performance, including tertiary studies, masterclasses, private lessons, solo and chamber music recitals - both domestically and/or internationally.

7. In awarding the scholarship the adjudicators will take into consideration presentation, current level of achievement, commitment to professional development and artistic potential.

8. The scholarship must be utilised within two years of winning and completed within two years thereafter. The payment of instalments is upon application to Sydney Eisteddfod with satisfactory reports of progress from the winner's teacher or teaching institution.

9. The Winner and Finalists must be reasonably available for media interviews and performance engagements. Sydney Eisteddfod will endeavour to continue to provide performance opportunities to alumni as a way of staying connected and nurturing the creative practices of all.

10. Please refer to the Instrumental Category Rules & Conditions of Entry.

Prizes

Senior Scholarship: $10,000 ($2,000 cash plus $8,000 Scholarship). Sponsored by the NSW Drs Orchestra - Musicus Medicus. Senior Finalists: $500 each (excluding place-getters). Sponsored by the NSW Drs Orchestra - Musicus Medicus.