Kodály Competition Debrecen – Brass 2025
5-13 July, 2025
Debrecen

General information

The Competition is open to horn, trumpet and trombone players of all nationalities who were born on or after 5 July 1995 (maximum 30 years of age on the opening day of the competition).

The Competition takes place in four rounds: Qualifying Round, 1st Round, 2nd Round and 3rd Round. All rounds except the Qualifying Round are open to the public.

Horn, trumpet and trombone players will compete in the same category.

The jury will advance max. 18 instrumentalists to the 2nd Round (at least 3 horn, 3 trumpet and 3 trombone player), and 6 to the 3rd Round (at least 1 horn, 1 trumpet and 1 trombone player).

Application

Application is open from 31 October 2024 until 31 January 2025. 

By submitting an application, the contestant accepts the rules of the Competition.

All applications must be made using the form available on the competition’s website and must include:

• completed application form
• attachments:
  • copy of passport (or ID in case of EU citizens)
  • high resolution portrait photo (at least 300 dpi, min. 2 MB)
  • brief biography (approx. 1000 characters)
• video recordings of the 2 compulsory pieces (see under Repertoire – Qualifying Round)
  • audio-only recordings are not accepted
  • the two compulsory pieces must be recorded in two separate videos
  • pieces must be recorded in their entirety and must be unedited
  • videos must show the musician as he/she is playing
  • videos should be made by one fixed camera
  • videos must be submitted by providing a link (Youtube or Vimeo)
• repertoire of the contestant & information about piano accompaniment.

Contestants accepted to the 1st Round will be notified no later than 3 March 2025. The list of admitted applicants will also be published on the Competition’s website. Some of the applicants will be placed on a waiting list and will be alerted if he/she gets admitted due to others dropping out.

The repertoire submitted at the time of application can be modified until 31 March 2025 by sending an e-mail to kimc(at)kodalycompetition.com

Application fee

The entry fee of EUR 100 is only to be paid by contestants approved to the 1st Round. Contestants will be informed about the method of payment after qualifying. The entry fee shall not be reimbursed under any circumstances.

Travel & accommodation expenses are to be covered by the competitors, but some special rate offers from the Competition’s partners (hotels, restaurants etc.) will be made available.

Rules of the Competition

The order of appearance in the 1st Round will be determined by drawing on 5 July 2025. The order will be maintained throughout the competition.

The contestant will choose the order in which he/she will play the different works in his/her programme. Piano accompanists will be provided by the Competition, but candidates are also allowed to bring their own accompanists. 

Competitors consent to making video/audio recordings, live streaming/live radio broadcasts, and to taking of photos during the event. Participation in the competition is subject to the condition that the competition owns the rights thereto, and the competitor may not claim royalties.

The Jury’s votes are strictly confidential. Any jury member who is a relative or teacher of a competitor may not vote on that competitor nor discuss that competitor’s performance with other members of the Jury. The Jury’s decision is final and there is no right of appeal.