Hello,

I have a few questions about the competition: As far as the preliminary video application is concerned, for the professional category are four pieces required, or only for the final round? If so, are individual movements of works considered as one work, or do multi movement works need to be played in their entirety? Since there are no strict time requirements for the preliminary round, I am wondering if you can inform me as to what the average submission time for the video audition is? Secondly, for the final round, it states there is a time limit, what is the alloted time to each performer?

Best,
Henry

Hello!

My name is Yelena Durneva and I would like to enroll my 12-year-old son, Michael Durnev, in the 2026 Festival (we saw that commuter tuition is listed as $1,600 on the website).
Since Michael is 12 years old, may I attend all of his masterclasses and sessions with him as his parent/guardian? If so, is there an additional fee for parents, or is parent attendance included in the student tuition? We are planning to commute, and do not need room and board.

We are also deeply interested in Mikhail Voskresensky. Could you please let us know whether Professor Voskresensky will be on faculty or offering any masterclasses at this year’s festival? If so, would it be possible for Michael to participate in a class with him?

Thank you very much — we are excited about the opportunity for Michael to attend and look forward to your reply!

Warm regards,
Yelena Durneva

Hello - I am one of the finalists for the competition. However, I have not received my dress rehearsal schedule or competition schedule yet. Have they been released? Additionally, I did not receive any instructions on practice room rental. I would definitely need a practice room. Can you please let me know how to rent one? Thank you!

I’m writing to confirm whether we need to complete another application form, as both my son and daughter have been selected as finalists.

Hi! My name is Yijiao Wang, and I am pleased to have advanced to the final round of the competition. I want to ask for any details regarding the final. Also, if I am interested in participating in the festival too, do I need to submit anything else, and is it scholarship available to participate in the festival? Thank you!

Hi! My name is Yijiao Wang, and I am pleased to have advanced to the final round of the competition. I want to ask for any details regarding the final. Also, if I am interested in participating in the festival too, do I need to submit anything else, and is it scholarship available to participate in the festival? Thank you!

Subject: Request for Late Application Consideration – 2025 Chicago International Music Competition and Festival

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing on behalf of my children, who are passionate young musicians with a deep admiration for the Chicago International Music Competition and Festival. They have long dreamed of participating in this prestigious event, and have been preparing with great dedication.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we missed the official application deadline. We are truly disappointed, as this competition represents a meaningful opportunity for them to grow, share their music, and connect with others who share their love for the art.

We fully understand and respect the importance of deadlines in organizing such an esteemed event. However, if there is any possibility of late acceptance or a waiting list, we would be incredibly grateful for your consideration. We are more than happy to provide all required materials immediately, including recordings, recommendations, and application fees.

Thank you very much for your time and understanding. We greatly appreciate the effort your team puts into making this event such a valuable experience for young musicians around the world.

Warm regards,
Chun Wong

Hello,
I was wondering if there is a repertoire requirement for the final round? The application requires the URL for the "first repertoire selection" and the "second repertoire selection". Are both of these for the preliminary round? Two URLs for the preliminary? or the first one is for the preliminary and the second is for the final round? Thanks!

Hello,

For the Rising Star Category, are movements from larger works acceptable? e.g. first movement of Schumann Fantasy Op. 17

Dear CIMC team

Hope everthing is great!
We are high school students and have decided to participate in this year's CIMC. We are in the chamber Youth Artists (age 13-17) division and play paino duet. We live in Utah. The time of another summer visit to the university is close to that of this competition. We really want to achieve two results in one trip. We have several questions about the Chamber competition. Please answer them one by one. Thank you very much!

1. Can the contestants submit 3 pieces in the Professional Category?
2. We are in the chamber Youth Artist (age 13-17) division, playing paino duet. Can we choose two modern pieces or we nust choose two pieces from different periods among the four periods of Baroque, Classical, Romantic and modern?
3. When is the competition time for the chamber Youth Artist(age 13-17) group? Is it July 18th?
4. In the chamber competition, will the Professional Category and the Rising Star Category compete separately or together?
5. If the final contestants do not register on July 16th, can they register by phone, video or Email? Are finalists who do not register eligible to participate in the finals?
6. When will the result of the competition be known after the final onsite competition?
7. When will the award ceremony be held? We want to know the exact time and place.
8. Will there be a winner concert in this competition? For the contestants of the Chamber Youth Artist(age 13-17) division, on which day will the winner concert be held?
9. Will the award be cancelled if one does not attend the award ceremony? Will the award be cancelled if one does not attend the winner concert?

Hope to hear from you soon!
Best respectfully
Victor and Forest