This file is being constantly updated.

Please check frequently the website for the latest version.

March 15, 2008

Q: What does IBLA stand for?

A: IBLA is the name of the ancient Baroque quarters of Ragusa - Ibla, the southernmost province of Italy in Sicily. Ragusa and Ibla are two sister cities built on two 300 m. hills. Ibla is the ancient city and Ragusa is the more modern one. The Monti Iblei that surround the area take the name from the ancient Ibla. The Mediterrenean coast line is only 18 minutes away. It overlooks the island of Malta. The closest airport is Catania Fontanarossa Airport, 2 hours away.

Q: When is the application deadline? Is there a postmark dealine or a receive-in-office deadline?

A: The office in New York accepts applications all year round. We recommend to apply from October through February. Deadline are often indicated in the website or in printed materials. However they are to be considered as an indication of time frame. Deadlines are not severely enforced unless we are in the weeks leading to the competition itself. To obtain a deadline extension you simply need to contact the office, motivate and request it. You will very likely be granted your request. Please do not panic and employ expensive mailing services, registered and or express because of fear of missing a deadline! You will be surprised of how quickly regular mail reaches New York City from everywhere in the world. Again, the office will do what necessary to help you reduce mailing expenses and it will easily grant extension/grace times when requested.

Q: Are there traditional competition rounds or/ and are there selected days for each specific category and division? Can I be eliminated in any round?

A: No, you cannot be eliminated as there are not traditional rounds in this competition. If you are admitted to compete, you will play all your scheduled performances. You will perform public concerts in the days prior and following your Jury performance. The public performances will give you the possibility to get over anxiety, fears, jetlag and what else can affect your psychological status. This competition is very different from the traditional format you may be generally accustomed to. The competition is structured as a sequence of concerts and recitals, where contestants are never judged against each other as in a ‘horse race’: in fact extreme attention is given to the fact that the evaluation is made against a standard of excellence and not against each other. As a consequence, all categories and divisions take place throughout the competition in order to avoid direct confrontation among contestants at all times when possible. Also during the judging procedure, all comparisons between the qualities of performances of individual contestants are discouraged. Again, all comments are made against a standard of excellence and not against each other. As a consequence of this system there may be multiple prize winners: if the jury is in front of two excellent (let us say Bach) performances, it will be able to give two separate (Bach) awards or mentions.

Q: Is the music program really a free choice? Could I know what previous winners have performed?

A: Yes, we strongly encourage a free choice in presenting the music program. This is not a school jury therefore you do not have to show that you know a variety of style or a variety of languages (singers), or that you are in general a good student. You are expected to perform music you feel you perform at its best. The program should represent your musicianship, your taste, your passion, your expertise, your identity in the music world or what you wish to be known for. Very creative programs are encouraged. You may present a program of all contemporary music or all baroque, all classic, all romantic or any combination. You may perform monothematic programs, music of only one composer of any style and period, if you wish to do so. Unpublished works are also welcome. As a winner you will be required to perform the same program or a selection of it. If you play everything very well you will qualify as a top winner. If you perform very well only a part of your program you may qualify for a specific award or honorable mention. This competition should serve as a venue to express your musical personality in its fullness. Also the specific durations of the music program are to be considered approximate: you may play a longer or shorter if approved by the office.

Q: And what about the program for the Bartok’ – Kabalevsky – Prokofiev Competition?

A: In this case you are expected to perform any work of these composers of your own choice, in any combination (all music of one composer, or any combination of the three, including solo music, concertos and instrumental ensemble)

Q: Can I change my competition repertoire?

A: Yes. We want each performer to perform at his or her best. You can make program changes up to the moment you check in at the office in Italy. At that time you will be requested to bring a printed final list of your music program, in the exact order you are planning to perform it for the international jury, indicating your full name, your date of birth, your instrument (section, category, division as it applies), full names of composers and their birth dates, date of each composition, all movements, duration of each including intervals between movements and piece. If you do not bring your own program form correctly filled, you will be asked to fill one at the office. You are expected to adhere strictly to your final music choice. You may play for a shorter duration if you wish so. Just make sure that what you finally choose to perform is exactly what you feel you perform best. If you have requested the services of the official competition piano accompanist, any change to your original program must be approved in advance by the piano accompanist that has been assigned to you. Upon your arrival in Sicily if you still need to change the program, you may do so. You will be expected to provide the office with a new completed form along with 30 copies of it to be given as the last moment change to the jury.

Q: Where should I send copies of the music scores I intend to perform?

A: Please ask the office in advance which specific music score copies you are expected to provide. Generally you will not be requested copies of standard repertoire. Send the requested copies to the office in New York.

Q: And if I have requested the services of the official competition piano accompanist?

A: In this case, you will be required to send copy of your music scores to the accompanist far in advance, at the time your application is accepted. The official piano accompanists are winners of the accompanist section in previous IBLA competitions. Their address and country of residence may vary every year. Make sure to get the address from the office and mail her/him the copies of your music as soon as possible. Also contact the piano accompanist to make sure she/he has received your music.

Q: What am I expected to do when I check in at the office in Italy?

A: You will be assigned the practice time. If you have made last minute changes to your music program, be ready to present the final version (in 30 copies for jurors). If you have requested a B&B, you will be assigned to your specific accomodation. You will be given a tour of the concert hall and the nearby restaurants and will receive the restaurant vouchers.

Q: Am I expected to stay in IBLA throughout the duration of the competition?

A: You are not required to attend throughout the duration of the competition, should you have professional commitments or wish to save money. At the time your application is accepted you are offered specific dates for your public performances and your jury performances. After these performances have taken place you are free to depart. The Foundation will contact you by mail to inform about the results and related details. However, great beaches and historical sites surround the IBLA area, should you wish to take a vacation during your stay. Ragusa Ibla is an astonishingly beautiful wonder of baroque architecture and is located on a hill approximately 15 miles from the Mediterranean Sea and close to the Mount Etna, a volcano, Taormina, Siracusa and the Greek Temples of Agrigento.

Q: Should I wish to stay longer, will I be offered additional performances?

A: Yes, if you stay longer, you may be offered additional performances. This is done in order to give more performance experience to musicians that often do not find performance venues such as the public of an Italian Piazza. Throughout the summer, concert in Italy are offered in Piazza and this experience will prove crucial should you give such a future concert anywhere in Italy. The general performance experience that you will gain during your staying in IBLA and the related ability to handle stress will result in an extremely valuable knowledge and understanding of your own art of performing.

Q: What if I cannot attend on the scheduled days and time?

A: Each candidate will be offered specific performance days; attendance on those days is mandatory. Candidates who have genuine difficulties with this timetable should inform the New York office immediately stating the reason. Every effort will be made to accommodate such cases.

Q: Who teaches the Master Classes?

A: Master classes are offered by the full jury panel. At a time to be scheduled after your jury performance, you will go on stage in front of the full jury along with some jury members as indicated by the Director and a public exchange of suggestions, comments, criticism will take place in a very relaxed manner with the specific goal of trying to make you aware of what can be done to improve the quality of your performance and musical delivery. We all know how hard it is to play and no matter how well we can play, there is still more to learn. This kind of master classes has been very highly requested and it is granted only to a few contestants for time constraint. In fact the competition actually stops to give time to the master class. To be admitted to the master class you are recommended to write a statement explaining why you should be included in the master class.

Q: How do you get jury comments?

A: The process of producing transcripts of the international jury comments on your performance is quite complex as they are translated in English or in Italian from the original handwritten jury sheets. All comments are given anonymously to guarantee the privacy of each jury member but thanks to this procedure, they reflect the immediate pure reaction, thoughts and feelings of each jury member. This procedure requires a great deal of organization and translation, and therefore needs to be requested and paid for in advance.

Q: Should I send certified and or express mail to the competition office in New York?

A: In general, please avoid spending money in expensive mail services options. Regular mail will be perfectly fine. We recommend to inform the office via e-mail that a package has been dropped in the mail. The office will wait for it. Ordinary mail gets to New York faster than you might think. The e-mail form of communication usually solves most of the urgent matters. Photos can be e-mailed to us. Photocopies of your passport may arrive via regular mail. You may share passport information via e-mail for urgent VISA application requirements

Q: What kind of pictures should I send?

A: All pictures are used for advertisement. The best the quality of the picture you send, the best will be the promotion of your image. Market your image the way you deem the best.

Q: Do I need to send you my birth certificate?

A: It is not necessary. A personal statement of your date of birth along with a photocopy of your passport, driver license or state issued ID (Identification Card) will suffice. 

Q: Can I send copies of documents, passport, air-ticket, etcetera, via e-mail or should I send them via regular mail?

A: Yes, you may send all copies via e-mail with the exception of music copies which will be handed in the competiton office in Italy. However, make sure to receive confirmation from the office in regard to the receipt and legible quality of the copies. Often these documents via scanning and e-mail are not fully legible. Just make sure that all has been received well.

Q: With regard to the mailing, is it possible to use registered mail or express courier?

A: In general we discourage spending money in expensive mailing services. Regular mail usually reaches New York very quickly from everywhere in the world. In addition, the office is very flexible with deadlines. Deadlines are usually indications of time frame and not severely enforced. This of course is not the case when you get very close to the competition itself.

Q: What if I need an official invitation to obtain VISA released by the Italian Embassy?

A: The office will assist you in the process of requesting a VISA. It is a long and complex process therefore we recommend to apply as early as possible. Due to tougher internatioanal regulation, at the time of the VISA application, the Foundation becomes the responsible party and the guarantor of your staying: legal statements are made in regard to the legitimacy of your staying and the related financial guarantees. For all VISA recipients it is mandatory to select options from the Foundation Package. Should you fail to do so, the Foundation may formally cancel the VISA request and your participation into the competition.

Q: What are the advantages of the IBLA Hotel Packages?

A: The Foundation is a not for profit organization. What you pay into the package is all offered in services. You will be hosted in locations either close to the concert hall or connected by the Foundation local transportation service. Practice facilities will be available to you from 3 to 5 hours per day, depending on the day. The practice time will be pre-arranged according to your travel schedule. A final schedule will be offered to you when you check in at the competition office in Ibla. The packages include excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some B&B will offer in house breakfast. Others will show you a bar/coffe shop nearby where you can have breakfast. In this case you will not be expected to pay as it is included in the package. Lunch (12:00 to 14:30) and dinner (19:00 to 23:00) will be served in restaurants around the concert hall / office. You will be served the same quality menus as the members of the International Jury. Food is excellent! You will be given restaurant vouchers at the office. Should any problem arise with the hotel and or restaurants, just contact the competition office: the Foundation staff will immediately intervene to resolve any issue. You will be required to e-mail the office exact arrival and departure information. Different levels of accommodation are offered to meet all financial needs although food is the same for all. If you wish to save money, just plan on staying for a shorter duration. The office will try to arrange the dates to meet your travel needs. If you can afford to stay longer, you can surely take advantage of a great vacation following your performances. The beaches are great and easy to reach. All hotels and restaurant staff included in the package have a longstanding experience in serving IBLA Foundation guests. They will understand you if you ask for less or no salt in your food, for example, or provide competition related information useful to you. All staff members are emotionally supportive as they have grown an understanding for competition related stress. The package is the result of 15 years of experience in trying to improve the organization and provide the best possible solutions to a variety of problems. To have that many musicians with the same needs, at the same time, is surely a recipe for disaster if it is not supported by a complete and detailed organization planned in all its details. Local public transportation, in the summer time is reduced to its bare essential. You will find yourself waiting for hours under the hot sicilian sun, before a public bus finally shows up! Shouls you solve the problem by renting a car, please be aware that Ibla is a resident only parking area and in the evening it is closed to traffic. You will be expected to park the car in outside parking area and then walk into the city.

Q: Can I pay the Hotel package expenses when I arrive in Italy?

A: No, all accommodation and airport transportation payments must be made in advance at the time you confirm your presence. Furthermore, a limited number of rooms is available at the lower level of expense and if you wish to get such rooms you need to pre-pay as early as possible. Late reservations will have to settle for the remaining and very often more expensive room choices.

Q: Can you provide pick up at the airport in Catania if I arrive very late at night or depart very early in the morning?

A: Yes, we will provide this service at anytime if you pay and confirm the reservation in advance.

Q: When I arrive at my hotel, what should I do?

A: When you check in at the hotel make sure to have your credit card ready. Although the room and breakfast have been paid for in advance, you need to guarantee the costs of the use of telephone and rooms services (should you order champagne, phone calls, minibar etc.). On your way from the airport, the drivers will provide you with the local transportation shuttle schedule. It indicates the exact pick up and drop off shuttle time between the hotel and the competition office. You will find find additional copies at the hotel front desk. You may also call directly the competition office for any additional question at 0932 247376. This phone is active only during the competition. Prior to the competition always contact the New York office.

Q: And for a Bread & Breakfast Accomodation?

A: If you have requested the service of a driver from the aiport you may be driven to the B&B directly. Otherwise you are requested to check in at the office first. A car then will take you to the B&B that has been assigned to you. B&B do not offer telephone use. You will be using the competition office as your emergency contact. You may give the competition office number 0932 247376 to your family as a contact number for  emergency only. For all general matters you will have to use public phones located around the piazza in Ibla.

Q: My parents and friends have expressed that they would like to join me during the competition. Could I possibly get the same contestants discount package rate for them?

A: Yes, you will be offered the same rate for any person or group accompanying you.

Q: Do we pay Euro or Dollars? I get confused between fees and hotel expenses.

A: All fees are in Euros.  All costs and payments for the Hotel Packages are to be intended only in Euro. Residents of the United States may pay in Dollars using personal check or credit card. Just contact the office before filling the expenses forms to get the agreed upon average international exchange rate. The rate may include related bank/credit card expenses details when they apply.

Q: Is it best to pay by bank transfer or credit card?

A: If you choose to pay via bank transfer, the related fees are determined by the bank you choose in your specific country and you will always pay in Euro. Make sure that the foundation receives the indicated amount clear of any fee. If you charge fee to the foundation you will be requested to make an additional payment for any missing amount. If you choose to pay via credit card, you will be billed in equivalent American dollars as the Foundation credit cards accounts are based in the USA with the addition of the credit card charge fees and international euro exchange rate and fee. We recommend bank transfer.

Q: If I am not part of the Foundation package, how will I handle local transportation?

A: In the summer time, local transportation becomes a serious problem. Italians like to go on long summer breaks or 'ferie' as they call them, and almost exactly at the time the competition starts, all local bus schedule becomes unpredictable and rare. Furthermore, the public service terminates early in the evening. Be stated that we do not wish to see contestants sitting under the hot Sicilian sun, waiting for 2 hours before getting on a bus (if it comes at all). Because of the geographical location of Ragusa - Ibla, on two hills, walking under the sun is not an option. In whatever direction you go, you would have to up and down a hill, wether on your way back to the hotel or to the concert hall. These problems could effect your ability to compete properly. If you are part of the foundation package, you will have no problems, because the competition office will provide the necessary private transportation. If you are on your own, you have to let the office know in advance how you are planning to solve this problem.

Q: If I am not part of the Foundation package, when will I be able to practice?

A: Practice availability is a serious matter/problem: it has to be planned in advance in all its details. It is quite difficult in Italy to raise funds to provide all the pianos that are needed. In Ragusa and Ibla there are not enough pianos available and consequently the Foundation has to bring in additional pianos from other cities. They are always limited in numbers and need to be budgeted and transported in advance. Therefore we cannot respond to last minutes requests. If you are not part of the package it is very important for you to plan ahead and share your practice plan with the Foundation office. If you have any doubt in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact the office in advance. You are expected to make along with your own accommodation arrangements your own practice arrangements and share the details of your practice plan with the office in New York. The plan should include the location / address where you will be practicing and the phone number where the office can reach you during your practice for any urgent matter. Usually this is an option mostly available to Italian citizens who can contact friends or friends of relatives and often solve this kind of problems. Or you may a rent a villa with a piano. However, in all circumstances the practice organization plan must be submitted and approved by the Foundation office in New York, in advance. Failing in doing so will result in cancellation from the competition.

Q: What if my performance does not include the use of a piano? (for example: solo violin, flute, sax, ensemble without piano, etc.)

A: In this case you are free to make your own arrangements. However you are still required to share with the office in New York your practice plan information including the exact address and phone number where you will be staying and where you can be reached during your practice.

Q: Will I be able to try the competition piano?

A: Yes. Every contestant will have ten minutes to try the competition piano. It will be scheduled when you check in at the competition office. You may get additional time if available but you will never be allowed to play on the competition piano without specific office authorization, at all times. Failure to do so may result in cancellation from the competition.

Q: When will I know the time I will perform for the jury?

A: The evening before you perform for the jury, a schedule will be posted at the competition hall with a timetable of juried performances for the following day.

Q: What time is the public concert in Piazza Pola?

A: The public concert occurs between 9:15 pm and midnight. Younger contestants will perform first, all others will perform afterwards. Please be in Piazza Pola no later than 9:00 pm appropriately dressed for an elegant evening and ready to perform.

Q: What is the dress code?

A: You are expected to wear evening elegant concert attire at all times when you perform whether morning, afternoon or evening. A professional stage presentation is expected always. Male performers should wear at all times possible black tie tuxedo and ladies long evening dress. You should look the way you would as winners performing at Carnegie Hall in New York. Your look will be considered part of your professional presentation.

Q: Is it necessary for me to perform for the public in Piazza Pola or other public concerts?

A: Yes. This performance is important as some jurors are present. Do not underestimate the importance of this concert or any other additional concerts you may be granted. Your professional behavior and ability to handle stress is at all times evaluated by the Competition Staff and the Jury will be informed of unprofessional performances/conduct. A specific score is given to your public appearances and integrated into the final jury score. Ability to handle stress is rewarded.

Q: How long should I play on each public performance?

A: The duration of each performance and the choice of music will be determined by the competition director on each day. You are expected to be ready to perform the full program at anytime. The director will then indicate exactly what you will perform.

Q: Can I ask jury members for comments about my performance?

A: Candidates are reminded that it is not permissible to approach jury members throughout the duration of the competition. You cannot contact your members during the competition unless permission has been given by the office ona specific issue. Furthermore, Jury members are required to declare if they have any professional or/and personal relation with any of the candidates. They will be asked not to vote in such circumstances. Candidates may apply to the President for transcripts of Jury comments of their performances.  A fee of Euro 100 will be required and the request must be made in advance.

Q: What if I feel I have not received a fair treatment according to the competition rules?

A: Any objections regarding competition procedures must be submitted to the President, in writing, within three hours of any incident. A triumvirate will be invited from the jury to join the president in the processing of any objections; the decision of this group will be final.

Q: If I don't stay until the end of the competition, how will I find out the results?

A: Results of the competition will be announced at midnight on Sunday. If you are not present, you can obtain results through e-mail usually a week after the end of the competition. Result packages with competition certificates will be mailed approximately 6 to 8 weeks later. NO RESULTS WILL BE GIVEN OVER THE PHONE. PLEASE DO NOT CALL! Please do not expect to receive the final package before the end of August, as the amount of information to process is very large. The package will also include the Jury comments transcripts in English (or Italian) for those who have made a specific request prior to their Jury performance.

Q: If I win, what do I win?

A: The IBLA Foundation raises funds annually for the organization of IBLA winners performers / composers presentation concerts in prestigious institutions such as Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City among other venues. If you win you will be invited to perform in these concerts. Unlike a horse race, winners are not ranked as first, second etc., as it is actually quite impossible to rank great young musicians in this unfortunate traditional manner. IBLA Winners are divided in top winners (invited to most events) and special award or mention recipients (who may be invited upon discretion of the Board of Directors of the IBLA Foundation). Usually Top Winners get expenses fully paid for these events while musicians with lower scores may get partial funding based on their score ranking.

Q: How do I get information about the IBLA Winners and all IBLA related international activities after the competition?

A: Please, visit our web site frequently www.ibla.org you will find a constantly updated list of UPCOMING EVENTS or contact our New York Office iblanyc@aol.com  phone (212) 387-0111

Q: What should I do if I wish to contribute to the activities of the Foundation, whether I win or loose?

A: Your support to the activities of the Foundation will be highly appreciated. The most important support you can offer is helping in organizing concert for the winners in various parts of the world. Should you have the possibility or if you are close to people that can organize concerts please do not hesitate to come up with a proposal. According to your level of professional experience, you may be invited to be part of the future selection process as an additional member of the International Jury Panel. Being part of the Jury process will allow you to gain screening experience as well as be part of the process of choosing future winners that will eventually perform for you and your organization in your part of the world. You can also come up with your own proposal. All projects shall be presented in writing and submitted to the New York office. The Board of Directors will have final saying on which proposals are accepted.

IN RESPONSE TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE IBLA EUROPEAN COMPETITION FOR COMPOSERS

Q: As a composer, do I need to attend the competition in Italy?

A: If you wish to present a live performance of your work, yes, you are welcome to do so during the competition in Italy. If you present a recording of your composition or simply the music score, you need to mail the music score and the recording to the competition office in New York.

Q: Is it mandatory to enclose a recording of my composition?

A: No, the music score will suffice if a recording is not available.

Q: Is there any suggestion or requirement regarding medium (i.e. chamber music, voice and piano, orchestral, choral)? I have several recent works that might prove successful and would like to determine which one(s) to submit.

A: Please choose the one work that you feel would strongly represent you at this time. You will always be free to present another work the following year.

Q:I have read that you are searching for new compositions written for pianoforte, is it correct?

A: Yes, we are planning a New York Columbia University presentation of piano works written after the year 2000. Composers are encouraged to present innovative piano score to be performed by solo pianist, duo piano, four hands, percussions. We encourage the utmost creativity for such project. We also wish to acknowledge the creative impact and influence on piano music compositions by such composers as George Crumb (American), Olivier Messiaen (European), Toru Takemitsu (Japanese). Compositions which publicly recognize a reference to any of these composers will also be welcome.

Q: Are there duration criteria?

A: No, free duration.

Q: How will performances of the winning work be achieved - particularly in the venues listed?

A: Composers, who perform their own works, will be invited to perform at Carnegie Hall as well as in the other venues listed. If a recording has been presented, the recording will be played for the audience in venues of choice. Composers are also invited to present in person his or her music and respond to questions frequently asked from the audience.

Q: In the case of an unperformed work may an electronic realization be submitted?

A: Yes, it may.

Q: Must the music score be submitted anonymously?

A: No, the office requires full disclores of identity in all materials. We fully trust the ability of the IBLA panel of judges to express a fair and balanced selection without having to hide the identity of talented composers.

Q: When is the application deadline? Is there a postmark dealine or a receive-in-office deadline?

A: The office in New York accepts applications all year round. We recommend to apply from October through February. Deadline are often indicated in the website or in printed materials. However they are to be considered as an indication of time frame. Deadlines are not severely enforced unless we are in the weeks leading to the competition itself. To obtain a deadline extension you simply need to contact the office, motivate and request it. You will very likely be granted your request. Please do not panic and employ expensive mailing services, registered and or express because of fear of missing a deadline! You will be surprised of how quickly regular mail reaches New York City from everywhere in the world. Again, the office will do what necessary to help you reduce mailing expenses and will easily grant extension/grace times when requested.

Q: Is a list of previous winners in composition available? I looked at the page of laureates and could not readily identify the winners and works.

A: If you look into the laureates link of the foundation web site you will find the complete list of composers who have been accepted in the competition and their placement. Please do not be confused by the web individual presentation which is still in the works and does not represent all the winners. At the time of the application, you will also receive printed materials reflecting information about former winner composers.

Q:  This question may become more general in the future .. I ask it now only to look forward: may  scores be submitted electronically (i.e. as a PDF file)?

A: We do not exclude this possibility. At this time the traditional music score and the eventual cd recording will suffice. In general we do not accept many applications as we mail around the world the selected works of composers to be submitted to the various Jury panels that will examine the works.

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO INDICATE ADDDITIONAL QUESTIONS THAT YOU THINK MIGHT BE USEFUL TO YOU.

WE WILL BE UPDATING THIS FILE AS FREQUENTLY AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU.

back to top