All-Russian Competition of Young Composers "Partitura" closes submissions with record result

A record number of applications has been submitted for participation in the IV All-Russian Competition of Young Composers "Partitura" over the years of its existence – 1,405 works from 138 cities across Russia. For the first time, the organising committee received an unprecedented number of entries in the most challenging genres – opera and ballet music: 128 ballet and 95 opera compositions. TV BRICS International Media Network is the international media partner of the competition.

The nomination "Symphonic Work of Small Form" became the most popular this year, attracting 247 submissions. A total of 241 works were submitted in the “Choral Music” category, while 226 composers are trying their hand in the category “Work for One or Several Instruments/ Voices with Orchestra”. “Large-Form Symphonic Music” brought together 195 compositions. Participants also showed great interest in the categories “Film Music” (135 submissions) and “Pop-Symphonic Work, Operetta, and Musical Theatre” (138).

The organisers noted that the competition is becoming younger: the average age of participants has decreased from 26 to 24. According to the organising committee, many strong applications were received from young composers aged 13–15, while the youngest participant to submit a work is only 8 years old.

"Most importantly, the competition is finally becoming truly nationwide: 138 cities are not merely a figure but proof that Russia’s musical community is alive, talented and ready to make itself known. Our work is not only about identifying musical talent but also about supporting it. For us, presenting awards is not the finish line but the beginning – the beginning of accompanying a real creative career"

Irina Gerasimova General Director and Artistic Director of the Russian State TV and Radio Music Centre "Orpheus"

Together with partners, the organisers are creating an entire system of opportunities for laureates, ranging from financial grants and media support to specific creative commissions, while monitoring the creative journey of each participant.

“A vivid example is our joint project with TV BRICS television channel – the documentary “Partitura. Young Music of Russia”. We translated it into English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Arabic. Millions of viewers in different parts of the world became acquainted with our composers. This is not merely a report – it is cultural diplomacy that opens international stages to authors and highlights the significance of Russian culture worldwide,” added Irina Gerasimova, General Director and Artistic Director of the Russian State TV and Radio Music Centre "Orpheus".

Interest in the competition has not been limited to Russia. Applications have been submitted by composers from Belarus, Uzbekistan, China, the United Arab Emirates and other countries. “Partitura” is gradually gaining international recognition.

Among the priority themes are the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, the theme of service to the Fatherland, as well as tribute works dedicated to outstanding Russian musicians and composers.

A shortlist of the 40 best works (five in each of the eight nominations) will be published on the official “Partitura” competition website on 24 August. During the competition audition stage, all laureates’ works will be performed in public reading concerts featuring a symphony orchestra, other instrumental ensembles, choral groups and solo performers.

Due to the unprecedented influx of works in the opera and ballet music categories, the organisers have decided to hold a concert reading in these nominations. It will take place on 5 October at the Moscow State Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre. It is noted that this represents a new level in the work of the “Partitura” competition: participants will not only hear their music performed live by a symphony orchestra, but also see how it acquires theatrical life on stage.

Reading concerts in the remaining nominations will traditionally take place from 2 September to 2 October in the Great Hall of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory.

The competition is organised by the Foundation for Innovative Development of Culture, Education, and Science (FIRCON) and the Russian State TV and Radio Music Centre “Orpheus”, with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives.