2026 International Music Artistic Selection Final Review

Artistic Selection Framework

This program is not structured as a traditional competition. It functions as an artistic selection platform that identifies young musicians prepared to engage in a public, international forum through music, reflection, and dialogue.

The selection is open to performers of all instruments and vocal styles and is organized by age group, as artistic development and readiness for public engagement are best understood within developmental stages. While musical performance serves as the primary form of expression, the selection process also considers stage presence, communicative clarity, and reflective thinking.

Rather than ranking participants or comparing instruments, the review focuses on artistic coherence, intention, and the ability to contribute meaningfully within a shared forum context. Selected participants are invited to join a curated forum experience that emphasizes artistic voice, cultural exchange, and engagement with broader social and global perspectives.

Evaluation & Scoring Framework

Selection is conducted through a holistic review process that assesses overall artistic readiness for participation in a public, international forum. The evaluation considers multiple dimensions of artistic practice and reflection, without numerical ranking or instrument-based comparison.

Professional Artistic Quality – 60%

Assessed by a panel of three cross-disciplinary reviewers.

This component evaluates the overall artistic integrity of the performance, including musical coherence, technical command appropriate to the participant’s age, stylistic awareness, and expressive clarity. The focus is on whether the performance is professionally grounded and artistically communicative within its chosen context, rather than on instrument-specific technical comparison.

 Stage Presence & Communication – 10%

Assessed as part of the live or recorded performance review.

This component considers the performer’s ability to engage an audience, maintain focus, and communicate intention through presence, pacing, and overall presentation. Stage presence is understood as an extension of artistic communication, not theatrical display.

Personal Statement & Reflection – 30%

Assessed by two independent reviewers.

The personal statement is evaluated for clarity of artistic intention, reflective awareness, and the ability to articulate one’s musical choices and learning process. Language fluency, rhetorical polish, or presentation style are not assessed. The focus is on depth of thought, honesty of reflection, and readiness to engage in dialogue within a forum setting.

Selection Outcome

Final selection is based on the combined assessment across all three components. There are no numerical rankings, prizes, or placements. Participants who meet the artistic and reflective criteria are selected and invited to participate in the forum experience.

Performance Categories

The program is open to young musicians and performers and is organized into the following four performance categories:

Keyboard

·       Piano

Strings

·       Violin

·       Viola

·       Cello

·       Double Bass

·       Harp may be included within this category when applicable.

Winds & Percussion

·       Woodwinds

·       Brass

·       Percussion

These instruments are reviewed within a unified evaluation pool, with consideration given to their distinct performance characteristics.

Voice

·       Classical

·       Musical theatre

·       Contemporary

·       Folk

·       Other vocal styles

Participants are requested to provide their own accompanist. Alternatively, Kunst Harmonie may offer accompanist recommendations upon request.

Age Categories

Children A: 6–8 years

Children B: 9–11 years

Junior: 12–14 years

Youth: 15–17 years

Young Artist: 18 and above 

Final Review Information

(Live Performance & Personal Statement Video)

Date: May 10, 2026, Afternoon

Location: OPERA America’s National Opera Center, Marc A. Scorca Hall 

                  Address: 330 7th Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001

Performance Guidelines:

·       Participants will present one self-selected work.

·       The repertoire may be the same as or different from the preliminary round, provided it best represents the participant’s artistic interests and strengths.

·       Memorization is encouraged, though not required.

*There is no time limit; however, the review panel reserves the right to stop a performance once sufficient evaluation has been made. This decision will not affect the result and may vary depending on the age group.

Statement Questions:

·       When performing this piece, which specific section did you find most challenging, and why?

·       Was the difficulty mainly technical, musical, or related to articulation?

·       How did you work through this challenge in your preparation?

·       If given a choice, in what type of setting or for what kind of audience do you think this piece is most suitable? Explain your reasons.

These questions apply to all age groups.

Please name your video using the following format:

Participant’s First and Last Name / Age Group

Personal Statement Submission Guidelines:

·       Participants are required to record their personal statement separately and upload it to YouTube as an unlisted video BEFORE attending the live final round on 5/10/2026.

·       Participants may submit this registration form first and send the video link separately to kunstharmoniemusic@gmail.com, using the same format above as the email subject line.

·       Failure to submit the personal statement video will be considered a withdrawal from the competition.

·       Responses may be long or short. There is no right or wrong answer. We welcome your honest thoughts.

Registration Fees

Final Review: USD 250 per participant

Fee Includes:

·       Professional photography and video recording of each performance

·       Official Finalist Certificate (Bronze Seal)

·       Written jury comments and evaluation summary

·       Official invitation to the UN Honorary Concert & Ceremony

·       Official website recognition under the 2026 Season

·       Competition venue, concert grand piano, lighting, and technical support

·       Administrative and staffing support throughout the event day

*The fee covers all official services and event-related costs. No additional payment will be required from finalists except for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

Payment Method

Zelle: kunstharmoniemusic@gmail.com

Account Name: Liu Music and Arts LLC

Payment Note (Required):

Participant’s First and Last Name / Age Group

Example: First Last / Children A

Registration Will Open on April 1