SSP Sea to Sky Int'l Piano Music Festival Vancouver (Concerto)

SSP Sea to Sky International Piano Music Festival

Vancouver Audition

June 27 - 29th 2025

Festival Mission:

The Sea to Sky International Piano Music Festival is co-hosted by the Steinway Young Artist Club and Tom Lee Music. It is set before the stunning summer backdrop of beautiful Greater Vancouver, under blue sky and gentle clouds, with the call of the sea and its waves not too far away.

The festival aims to break the bounds of musical expression and create harmony within nature. Participants will experience the songs of nature as the gentle breeze ripples through the foliage while and the music serenades the greenery and floral beauty, creating a wonderful natural symphony. Accompanied by the exquisite sound of the world’s finest piano, Steinway & Sons Concert Piano, each young artist will perform confidently - their melodies intertwining with the beautiful landscape to form a musical tapestry of natural beauty. SSP provides the following recognition and performance opportunities for its participants:

• Trophy and Certificate Recognition

• Winners’ Concerts

• Winners’ Concerts at New York Carnegie Hall

• Reference letter from the SSP Organizing Committee after participating three SSP competitions. This reference letter will be helpful for university applications.

• Festival concerts

• Festival masterclasses

• Ultimate Starry Night Concert

• Final Gala Concert

General Information：

Registration:

- Candidates may register for In-person audition online starting February 1st, 2025.

Link:

• Solo

Session I Aged7-9 www.eventbrite.ca/e/1205980543269?aff=oddtdtcreator

Session II Aged 6 & under www.eventbrite.ca/e/1206136971149?aff=oddtdtcreator

Session III Aged 10-13 www.eventbrite.ca/e/1206149970029?aff=oddtdtcreator

Session IV Aged 14-18 www.eventbrite.ca/e/1206156810489?aff=oddtdtcreator

• Concerto www.eventbrite.ca/e/1206163239719?aff=oddtdtcreator

• Quintet www.eventbrite.ca/e/1206192737949?aff=oddtdtcreator

QR code: See the poster for details

• Deadline of Registration: June 16, 2025; No late application will be accepted.

• Category/Application Fees:

$160 CAD for Piano Solo (non-refundable)

$350 CAD for Concerto Competition (non-refundable)

$600 CAD for Concerto with Quintet (non-refundable)

Audition:

- In-person Audition: June 27th - June 29th, 2025

- Venue Address: 16060 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC

Competition Guidelines For Piano Solo

Groups/Categories

SSP Sea to Sky International Piano Music Festival is open to Piano Solos from ages 4-18. Participants should register according to their age in the following groups as of June 30th, 2025.

• Under 6 years old

• 7-9 years old

• 10-13 years old

• 14-18 years old

Each group will be divided into the following three competing categories using Royal Conservatory Examination grading system:

• Junior: Beginner to RCM Grade 4 level; time limit: 3 minutes and under

• Intermediate: RCM Grade 5–Grade 9; time Limit: 5 minutes and under

• Advanced: RCM Grade 10 and above; time Limit: 8 minutes and under

The organizing committee has the final right to arrange and adjust the categories and classes at registrations.

Repertoire Guidelines For Piano Solo

• Only One selection of Baroque, Classical, Romantic or Modern work must be chosen and performed from memory (original compositions, arrangements, simplified editions, popular music and/or non-classical music from method books are not acceptable).

• Please note that ONLY ONE movement can be selected from Sonata/Sonatinas; or one selection from partita, suites; or Bach’s Prelude and Fugue.

• One composition per application will be accepted.

• Participants may apply as many times for audition. Each time is considered a new entry and need to submit the appropriate fees and a different repertoire.

• No changes in the submitted repertoire may be made once a contestant is admitted.

• “Shortened” version won’t be accepted.

• Performance at the audition that exceeds the time limit for each category will be asked to conclude the performance and marks will be deducted.

Committee have the rights to adjust the categories and classes at registrations.

Audition Guidelines

• All auditions are done in person.

• All participants must wear formal attire.

• Participants must prepare a copy of your original performance score for the judge at the audition.

Competition Guidelines For Concerto Competition

Groups/Categories

SSP Sea to Sky International Piano Music Festival is open to Concerto Competition from ages 7-18. Participants should register according to their age in the following groups as of June 30th, 2025.

• Under 7-10 years old

• 11-18 years old

The organizing committee has the final right to arrange and adjust the categories and classes at registrations.

Repertoire Guidelines For Concerto Competition

• Only One selection of Baroque, Classical, Romantic or Modern work must be chosen and performed from memory (original compositions, arrangements, simplified editions, popular music and/or non-classical music from method books are not acceptable).

• Please note that ONLY ONE movement can be selected from Bach, Hayan, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Chopin, or some Contemporary Concert for younger players.

• One composition per application will be accepted

• Participants may apply as many times for audition. Each time is considered a new entry and need to submit the appropriate fees and a different repertoire.

• No changes in the submitted repertoire may be made once a contestant is admitted.

• “Shortened” version won’t be accepted.

• Contestants must provide their own accompanist.

• Performance at the audition that exceeds the time limit for each category will be asked to conclude the performance and marks will be deducted.

• One movement only up to 15 mins.

The committee has the right to adjust the categories and classes at registrations.

Audition Guidelines

• All auditions are done in person.

• All participants must wear formal attire.

• Contestants must provide their own accompanist.

• Participants must prepare a copy of your original performance score for the judge at the audition.

Guidelines For Concerto with Quintet Concert

• Only 6 space available.

• Concerto with quintet: one movement from Bach, Hayan, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Chopin, or some Contemporary Concerto for younger players.

• Dress rehearsal on June 29th, 2025. 2 pm-4 pm

• Concert on June 29th, 2025. 5 pm-8 pm.

• One movement only up to 15 mins.

Judging/Marking Guidelines

Participants will be judged according to the following criteria, using listed scale for the following 3 categories, for a total score of 100.

• Musicality and artistry: (40 Marks)

Ability to demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the musical aspects of performance. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the style of the chosen repertoire and attention to details such as articulations, dynamics, touch and shaping.

• Technical mastery: (40 Marks)

Ability to comfortably navigate the technical challenges of the literature. Performance should be free of major note or fingering errors and be able to utilize an appropriate tempo and, when required, clean pedalling.

• Stage presence: (20 Marks)

Ability to demonstrate a high level of professionalism throughout their performance, displaying both confidence as well as charisma. This includes appropriate performance attire.

First Place Winners: 88 - 100

Second Place Winners: 78 - 87

Third Place Winners: 70-77

Honorary Mentions: 60-69

Winners’ Concert at Carnegie Hall

• First and second place winners of the Solo, Concerto, and Artist Program categories, along with the performers of the Quintet Concert, will be invited to perform at New York's Carnegie Hall.

• Each performer can select one solo piece, with a maximum performance duration of 4 minutes.

• Carnegie Hall Weill’s Hall Performance Date: February/March, 2026

• Concert Fees: $650 CAD

• Concert fees will include 4 free tickets for guests and a photo link to download your photos.

• Certificates and medals will be presented at the end of the Winners’ Concert to all participating winners at Carnegie Hall.

Prizes & Rewards

• Performance Certificates and trophies.

• Professional Review by jury.

• The selected winners of solo category will have the opportunity to participate in The Ultimate Starry Night Concert.

• The first and second place winners will have the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall.

• Professional Photography

• Exclusive Festival T-Shirts

• Publicity through Featured Article on Steinway WeChat Official Account.

• Festival concerts

• Festival masterclasses

• Final Gala Concert

• Refreshments will be served