§1. General Provisions

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The World Music Olympics (hereinafter “the Competition”) is dedicated to celebrating classical music at the highest level, organized by the World Music Olympics Committee, headquartered in Switzerland. 

 

The Competition identifies and honors the most outstanding musicians and composers worldwide, across performance and composition, and affirms the ideals of artistic mastery, cultural depth, and global recognition. 

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Rooted in values of neutrality, excellence, and refinement, the Competition is governed by principles of fairness, transparency, and rigorous artistic standards.

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The Competition is held annually and is open to musicians of all nationalities.

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Participation in the Competition implies acceptance of these Rules & Regulations. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to revise the present document as necessary.

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§2. Preliminary Round:

First Step Toward International Recognition

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1. The Preliminary Round of the World Music Olympics marks the opening stage of consideration and welcomes applications from musicians of all nationalities and backgrounds.

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​​2. This phase is conducted free of charge, affirming the Competition’s commitment to artistic discovery and global inclusivity.

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3. To apply, candidates must:

• Submit a 5–12 minute performance video using the official online form

• Indicate their name, section, and age category. No further documentation or technical setup is required

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4. Repertoire is of free choice and should reflect the performer’s current artistic level. Submissions must demonstrate musical substance, technical control, and expressive insight.

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5. All applications are reviewed by the Artistic Committee. A limited number of artists will be selected to advance to the First Round, based solely on artistic merit.

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6. Participation in the Preliminary Round is considered preliminary review. Recognition as an official Participant of the World Music Olympics is conferred upon those invited to the First Round, whose artistry meets the elite standards of the Competition.

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Application Deadline (Preliminary Round): February 5, 2026

Results Announced:  March 5, 2026

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§3. Competition Sections

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1. The Competition is structured into the following principal sections, each representing a distinct domain of classical performance or creation:

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• Piano – Solo performance, four hands, and duo repertoire

• Strings – Violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, and classical guitar

• Winds and Brass – All woodwind and brass instruments

• Percussion – Solo and multi-percussion performance, including marimba, vibraphone, and timpani

• Voice – All classical voice types and repertoire

• Chamber Music – Ensembles of two to twelve performers

• Composition – Original works for solo, chamber, or vocal forces (including electroacoustic formats)

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2. Each section is adjudicated independently by the jury.

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3. Candidates may apply in more than one section by submitting a separate application and repertoire for each.

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4. Conducting is not included among the eligible sections.

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§4. Age Categories

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Participants are classified into age divisions based on their birthdate as of the official application deadline:

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• Category A – Professional Division: 26 years of age or older

• Category B – Young Artist Division: 18–25 years of age

• Category C – Junior Division: 14–17 years of age

• Category D – Prodigy Division: 13 years of age or younger

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Applicants must indicate their age category upon registration. Submissions are evaluated within the designated division to ensure fair and contextually appropriate artistic assessment.

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§5. Structure of the Competition

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The Competition is conducted in three stages:

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Preliminary Round

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Open to all musicians worldwide. No fee. Submission of a 5–12 minute performance video. A limited number of candidates are selected to advance. Apply here.

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Application Deadline (Preliminary Round): February 5, 2026

Results Announced: March 5, 2026

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First Round

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1. Candidates selected from the Preliminary Round are formally invited to participate in the First Round of the Competition.

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2. This stage includes the following mandatory components:

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• Completion of the official application

• Payment of an administrative entry fee of €99 (ninety-nine Euros)

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3. Upon successful submission, participants are recognized as official candidates of the Competition. They become eligible for comprehensive jury evaluation, including artistic analysis and consideration for advancement to subsequent stages.

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Important: Admission to the First Round of the World Music Olympics constitutes formal recognition by the Artistic Committee as an artist of exceptional caliber. Selection for this Round places the candidate among a limited circle of musicians whose work reflects the Competition’s artistic values and international standards.

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Application Deadline (Official Entry):  March 19, 2026

Results Announced:  April 9, 2026

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Final Round

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1. No additional submission is required.

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2. The international jury evaluates First Round materials and designates prize recipients.

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Final Results Announced: May 7, 2026

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§6. Repertoire and Recording Requirements

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Performers:

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• Repertoire is of free choice and should reflect musical maturity and interpretive depth.

• Submissions must:

  • Be 5–12 minutes long (shorter durations accepted for younger divisions)

  • Be recorded in one continuous, unedited take

  • Clearly show the performer’s hands and face

  • Be uploaded to a public or unlisted video platform (YouTube)

  • Include name and repertoire in the video title or description​

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Composers:

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• Required materials:

  • Link to audio or video rendering of the work (acoustic or MIDI accepted)

• No stylistic restrictions apply.​​

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§7. Jury and Evaluation

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1. Submissions are evaluated by an international jury of recognized authorities. Juror names remain confidential during the Competition.

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2. Evaluation is anonymous and based solely on the materials submitted.

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• Criteria include:

  • Artistic interpretation

  • Technical execution

  • Stylistic understanding

  • Expressive individuality

  • (For composers) Structural and creative coherence

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• Jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal. No correspondence regarding results will be undertaken.

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§8. Awards and Distinctions

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1. The World Music Olympics confers a limited number of distinctions, awarded solely on the basis of exceptional artistic merit.

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2. The following titles may be awarded:​

• Gold Prize

• Silver Prize

• Bronze Prize

• Annual Grand Champion

• Special Distinction for Artistic Identity

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3. The Gold Prize represents the highest distinction and may be awarded to one candidate per section and age category.

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4. Awardees receive an official certificate issued by the Committee. Physical medals and commemorative items may be requested following the results announcement.

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5. The Finalist Diploma may be awarded to candidates whose work reflects a high standard of artistry, even if not selected for a medal.

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6. The Special Distinction for Artistic Identity is conferred upon candidates whose work reflects a singular interpretive voice or creative vision.

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7. The Annual Grand Champion title is awarded to one artist whose submission embodies exceptional artistic achievement across all categories.

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8. With the participant’s consent, selected laureates may be featured in official publications and announcements.

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§9. Entry and Advancement

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1. Only the limited number of candidates selected to advance to the First Round are formally admitted as participants.

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2. To confirm entry, invited candidates must submit the completed First Round application and pay the administrative fee of €99 (ninety-nine Euros) per section via the official payment platform (PayPal).

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3. Registration affirms inclusion in the official roster and grants access to the full evaluation process conducted by the jury.

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4. The registration fee is non-refundable and applies solely to the current edition.

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5. Selection to the World Music Olympics places an artist among the world’s most distinguished talents, conferring enduring prestige and international recognition. It reflects the value of being heard on a global context—where affiliation itself holds cultural weight beyond competitive result.

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§10. Notification of Results

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• Preliminary Round Results: March 5, 2026

• First Round Results: April 9, 2026

• Final Awards Announcement: May 7, 2026

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Notifications will be sent by email and published on the official website. Certificates will be issued within thirty days of the final announcement.

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§11. Legal and Ethical Conditions

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1. By applying, participants authorize the use of their name, image, and materials for promotional and archival purposes (see personal data protection policy).

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2. All submitted content must be original and created by the applicant. Plagiarism, falsification, or misrepresentation will result in disqualification.

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3. The Competition is not liable for technical difficulties relating to submission or payment.

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4. All personal data will be processed in accordance with the applicable laws.