COMPETITION & CONCERTS

The competition is open to candidates from all nationalities born on or after 1 July, 1993.

The complete application package must be received by the secretariat between 1 February and 1 November, 2024.

The applicant must submit items ① to ④ below, and send the complete set (application form, photo, official document copy, and video recording) to the Tokyo International Viola Competition Secretariat.

① Application form(All sections must be completed. No change in repertoire is allowed after the application has been submitted.)
The application form can be downloaded from this website downloaded.

② Photograph

• A high-resolution digital photo of the applicant taken after February 2024, facing forward, from the chest up, with image quality sharp enough to be used in printed materials (300 dpi or higher).

③ Photocopy of an official document (such as passport) confirming the applicant’s age

④ Video recording of the applicant’s performance of the required repertoire (see “○Required repertoire, 1) Preliminary Selection”) for the preliminary selection

• The recording must be made in or after February 2024
• The video recording for the preliminary selection, 2 required repertoires must be played in a row, without stopping the video shooting between movements or pieces.
• The video data must be unedited, taken from the same one fixed camera.
• The video must show the entire body of the applicant and also must clearly show the applicant's face, arms and fingers.

Via online service

• Save all items ① to ④ in 3) for the application in one single folder.
• The folder must be titled with the applicant's family and given name, and sent to the address below using an online delivery service such as Dropbox, We Transfer.
  
• Applications should be sent to: tivc@tvu.co.jp

*All application materials should be submitted at the same time.
*Incomplete applications (applications which are missing any required documents or items) will not be accepted.

A preliminary selection will be carried out to select the contestants who will participate in the competition. This preliminary selection will be made on the exclusive basis of the documents and video recording submitted by the applicants. The results of the preliminary selection will be sent to the applicants by January 31, 2025.

All applicants who pass the preliminary selection must pay an entry fee of JPY 30,000 by bank transfer to the account designated by the secretariat no later than Wednesday, 26 February, 2025. Applicants should burden bank transfer fee at your expense. If the entry fee is not paid by this date, the approval to participate in the competition will be withdrawn. The entry fee is not refundable under any circumstances.

In principle, all travel expenses shall be borne by the contestant. However, if the secretariat deems it necessary, grants shall be provided to contestants not residing in Japan, who passed the first round. The amounts vary according to the region as listed below. The travel expense grants shall be given after any necessary taxes are deducted. (The applicable tax rate may be about 20.42%).

In principle, all accommodation expenses shall be borne by the contestant. However, if the secretariat deems it necessary, the secretariat shall cover accommodation expenses (basic single room charge) for contestants who do not reside in Tokyo area from the registration day for the competition (May 21) until the day specified below, provided that a contestant uses a hotel designated by the secretariat.

• Contestants who pass the First Round until next morning after the day of the First Round
• Contestants who pass the Second Round until next morning after the day of the Second Round
• Contestants who pass the Semifinal Round until next morning after the day of the Semifinal Round
• Finalists until next morning after the day of the Final Round
• Prizewinners until next morning after the day of the Prizewinners' Gala Concert

Official accompanists for all rounds will be provided by the secretariat. The secretariat will specify the time and place for rehearsals. At the first and second rounds, the contestants may also bring their private accompanist at their own expense (including travel and accommodation).

• First Prize JPY 1,000,000
• Second Prize JPY 600,000
• Third Prize JPY 300,000

*The prize money shall be paid after any necessary taxes are deducted.

• Audience Prize ; prize money of JPY 100,000 by the audience votes at the final rounds on 31 May, 2025.
• Special Prize for the Best Interpretation of Japanese Composition
  prize money of JPY 100,000 donated by SUNTORY FOUNDATION for ARTS
• Appearance in the Nagoya Philharmonic concert series after 2026
• Appearance in the Prizewinner's Concert at Runde, Nagoya
• Appearance in the Prizewinner's Concert and Prizewinner's Gala Concert
• Appearance in the Viola Space after 2026

*The prize money shall be paid after any necessary taxes are deducted.

The contestant must obtain appropriate visas to enter Japan to participate in the competition. The same applies to the accompanist. If an invitation letter and/or any other document is required for the visa application, the applicant must make a request to the secretariat.

The contestant and the accompanist are responsible for their own insurance to cover health care, injury, loss, or damage to the instrument, luggage or other personal belongings in case of accident, fire, or theft during travel and during their participation in the competition.

The Tokyo International Viola Competition Secretariat has unrestricted rights to broadcast or televise, publicly perform or present, record or video-record, publish and portray any part of the contestant’s and accompanist’s participation in the competition, including, but not limited to, rehearsals and performances during the competition, as well as ceremonies, rounds, and related events.

Any problem arising from or related to these guidelines for applicants shall be settled in accordance with the Japanese text of the guidelines and laws of Japan.

The contestants shall not give any public performance during the period of the competition other than those required for the competition. This condition will no longer apply once the contestant fails to pass a competition round.

• 1 February Applications accepted from this date
• 1 November Deadline for applications (must be received by this date)

• By 31 January Notice of Preliminary Selection
• 26 February Deadline for submitting confirmation of participation / payment of participation fees
• 21 May Registration
• 22 May Rehearsal with official accompanist
• 23 May – 1 June First Round
  Second Round
  Semi-Final Round
  Final Round
  Prizewinners’ Concert
  Workshops for participants
  Gala Concert by Jury members
• 2 June – Prizewinners’ Gala Concerts