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Competition Regulations

1. Competition Overview

The Erwin Schulhoff Composition Competition celebrates the legacy of the composer Erwin Schulhoff by encouraging contemporary composers to create innovative and original works of string chamber music. This year's edition focuses on compositions for string chamber ensembles, including Duos (Violin, Cello), Trios (Violin, Viola, Cello), Quartets (2 Violins, Viola, Cello), Quintets (2 Violins, Viola, Cello, Doublebass/ 2nd Cello), Sextets (2 Violins, 2 Violas, 2 Celli), or Octets (4 Violins, 2 Viola, 2 Celli).


2. Eligibility

  • The competition is open to composers of any age and nationality.
  • Compositions must be original works for string chamber ensembles, as defined above.
  • Each composer may submit only one composition.


3. Composition Requirements

  • Instrumentation: Works must be composed for string chamber ensembles: Duo, Trio, Quartet, Quintet, Sextet, or Octet.
  • Duration: Compositions should have a performance length of between 5 to 15 minutes.
  • Originality: The work must be entirely original. See the section on originality and intellectual property for more details.
  • Submission Format: Submissions must be in the form of a PDF score. Optionally, MIDI or MP3 renderings may be included. They are not required, but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Scores must be legible and clearly notated.


4. Submission Process

  • All submissions must be made online via the competition portal.
  • The deadline for submissions is January 1, 2025. Late entries will not be considered.
  • Each submission must include:
    • A PDF of the full score.
    • Contact details
    • A signed Originality Declaration (see below).


5. Entry Fee and Prizes

  • Entry Fee: The entry fee for the competition 35€. However, each competitor will receive a 49€ voucher for a free submission through the scodo publishing tool of Universal Edition.
  • Prizes:
    • Winner: €300 professional subscription for one year for scodo.
    • Honorary Mention: An additional award will be given as an Honorary Mention, including wide publicity for the awarded composer and their work.
    • Kodály String Duo Special Prize: This award will be given for the most outstanding composition in the string duo category. As part of this distinguished prize, the Kodály String Duo will perform the prize-winning composition at one of their concerts, either as part of a recital or during their tours, providing the piece with valuable international exposure.

6. Judging and Criteria

  • Works will be judged based on:
    • Originality and Creativity: Composers are encouraged to push the boundaries of string chamber music while maintaining artistic coherence.
    • Technical Skill: The score should reflect mastery of composition techniques and the appropriate use of instrumentation.
    • Musical Expression: The composition should demonstrate strong musical ideas and effective communication through music.
  • The panel's decision is final, and no correspondence regarding decisions will be entertained.


Guidelines on Originality and Intellectual Property

Each competitor of the International Erwin Schulhoff Composition Competition must adhere to the following guidelines regarding the originality and intellectual property of their submissions:

  1. Originality of Work
    • Each composition must be solely the work of the submitting competitor. Collaborative works or works composed by multiple authors are not permitted.
    • The submission must not infringe upon the copyright or intellectual property rights of any individual, group, or entity. This includes using any material—whether musical, lyrical, or otherwise—that belongs to others without proper authorization.
  2. No Plagiarism
    • The submitted work must not be copied or plagiarized from any existing works, whether copyrighted or in the public domain. Competitors are responsible for ensuring their submissions are entirely original or appropriately credit any borrowed material.
    • If any existing musical motifs, quotations, or materials are used, they must be properly attributed, and necessary clearances or permissions must be obtained before submission.
  3. Responsibility of Competitors
    • It is the competitor's responsibility to ensure their work adheres to the above guidelines. Any violations of these terms, whether intentional or accidental, may lead to disqualification.
    • In cases where originality or copyright issues arise after submission, the competition organizers reserve the right to investigate and take appropriate action.
  4. Declaration of Originality
    • Competitors will be required to sign a declaration confirming that their work complies with the competition's originality and intellectual property guidelines at the time of submission.


9. Competition Results

  • The competition results will be announced on January 27, 2025 on the competition's official website and social media platforms.
  • Winners will be notified via email and provided with instructions on how to claim their prizes.


10. Publicity and Performance Rights

  • By entering the competition, participants grant the organizers the right to publicize their name and image  in connection with the competition.


11. Data Protection

All personal information provided during the submission process will be used solely for the purposes of organizing and promoting the competition and will not be shared with third parties without the participant's consent.


12. Contact

For any queries regarding the competition, please contact info@schulhoffcompetition.com