Preliminary Selection

When I prepare a DVD for the Preliminary Selection, may I record the pieces into separate tracks (not all the pieces in one track)?

Yes, you may record each piece onto individual track.

Piano Section: In recording a number of designated pieces on a DVD for the Preliminary Selection, is it acceptable to do recordings on different days at several different recording venues?

Yes, it is acceptable.
( For the Violin Section, all three pieces of the Applicant’s choice from the repertoire must be recorded on the same day at the same venue.)

Piano Section: In regard to DVDs to be submitted for the Preliminary Selection, the Guidelines state that the performance duration must not exceed 50 minutes in total.
Is there a minimum limit for the recording duration?

No.

When will the Preliminary Selection results be sent out?

Results of the Preliminary Selection are scheduled to be sent out to all the applicants by Friday, February 15, 2013. The result will also be posted on the official website of the SIMC by the same day.

Elimination Round through the Final Round

In regards to the Piano Section Elimination Round Repertoire:
Is it acceptable if my recital program consists of excerpts from a movement(s)/variation(s) from my own selected piece (pieces)?

No. It is not acceptable to perform a recital program which consists of only excerpt(s) of your selected piece (pieces). All movements/variations of a piece(s) you select must be performed. Consequently, if that results in exceeding the set performance time limit, you must change the selection of your pieces and perform within the time limit.

Piano Section: In regards to the Elimination Round, is it acceptable to perform the same pieces which I performed for the Preliminary Selection?

Yes, it is acceptable

If I am unable to register at the place and time designated by the Secretariat, is it possible for a proxy to register on behalf?

No. The Contestant himself /herself MUST register in person

Will the Secretariat provide opportunities to practice during the Competition?

The following practice opportunities shall be provided free of charge during the Competition.

1. For the piano section:
   Four hours a day in a room equipped with a piano starting from the day after the Registration date.
2. For the violin section:
   One rehearsal with the chamber ensemble prior to the Elimination Round. As a rule, rehearsal time will be limited to 50 minutes.
3. For both sections:
   One rehearsal opportunity with an orchestra will be provided in the Semifinal and Final Rounds. As a rule, rehearsal time will be limited to one hour (discussion with the conductor is part of the one hour time limit).

Miscellaneous

I was told that an invitation letter is required at the time of application to obtain a Japanese Visa to enter Japan.

The Secretariat will send you an invitation letter upon request. It may take a while to prepare and send the invitation letter so please contact the Secretariat as early as possible.

How many applicants pass each stage?

The number of people who pass each judging round for each section is as follows:

• Preliminary Selection: approximately 36
• Elimination Round: no more than 12
• Semifinal Round: no more than 6