PRESTO COMPETITION
PRESTO COMPETITION INVITES YOUNG TALENTED PERFORMERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2025 COMPETITION
About Brisbane as a Musical Hub
A Thriving Musical City
This prestigious event is open to young string players aged 12 and under. The competition provides a unique opportunity for talented musicians to develop their professional skills and enhance their stage confidence.
Brisbane thrives as a musical hub, housing vibrant music festivals and competitions that provide abundant opportunities for musicians.
Taking part in an international music competition offers young musicians far more than a performance opportunity. It opens the door to artistic growth, global connection, and meaningful recognition. Participants gain exposure to international performance standards, receive valuable professional feedback, and develop confidence through presenting their work on a broader stage. Engaging with talented peers from around the world expands their musical perspective and inspires higher levels of achievement.
With the convenience of online submission, students can participate from anywhere, making the competition accessible, affordable, and flexible for busy families and schools.
For those who excel, the experience culminates in a prestigious Winners Concert and Award Ceremony at Brisbane City Hall, giving young performers the unforgettable opportunity to showcase their talent on one of the city’s most iconic stages.
Professional Development Opportunities
The Presto competition is designed to nurture young string players and help them reach their full potential. By participating in this competition, participants will have the opportunity to:
Improve Technique: Through rigorous practice and performance, young string players can refine their technique, intonation, and rhythm.
Develop Performance Skills: Through various performance rounds, participants will have the opportunity to develop stage presence, charisma, and a commanding presence.
Learn from Experts: The competition provides a platform for young musicians to learn from renowned musicians and educators who serve as judges and mentors.
Building Stage Confidence
Opportunities for Growth and Recognition
Performing in front of an audience can be nerve-racking for young musicians, but the Presto competition helps to build stage confidence by providing a supportive and nurturing environment. By participating in this competition, participants will:
- Experience Live Performances: Watching and listening to other talented musicians performing live can help young string players gain perspective on their abilities and encourage them to perform at their best.
- Receive Feedback: The judges provide feedback to participants, helping them to identify areas of improvement and offering guidance on how to improve their stage presence.
- Learn from Peers: Interacting with other participants from diverse backgrounds and skill levels can help young string players develop a supportive network of peers who share their passion for music.
key dates
The competition dates have now been finalised and will follow the timeline below.
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Applications Close
Finalists announcement
EARLY BIRD FINISHED
Semi Final Results
Gala Concert TBC
COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
Opportunity for Winners to Perform and Learn Abroad
BIYMF can assist with arranging an accompanist for semifinal/final performances. Please contact the festival coordinator for further details or visit the accompanist guild website at https://accompanistsguildofqld.wordpress.com .
Payment for performances and rehearsals must be arranged and negotiated between the competitor and accompanist.
- Competitors for the opening round must record one piece of your choice with a maximum time limit of 15 mins
- Semi Finalists – are to perform live two contrasting pieces of your choice with a maximum time limit of 15 mins
- Finalists – the judging panel will choose one of two pieces to be performed live in the final at the gala concert where the prize winners will be announced.
Competitors must ensure that a copy of their sheet music is provided to the festival coordinator at the start of the day of their scheduled semifinal. Please note that photocopies will not be returned.
The 15 minute time limit must be strictly adhered to. Competitors may be penalised and/or cut off if they exceed the time limit.
The cost of travel to the competition will be borne by the competitor. Those requiring assistance with booking accommodation, transport or tours can contact the festival coordinator.
Accepted semifinalists are responsible to apply for a travel visa to Australia where necessary and to hold sufficient travel, accident and health insurance for the duration of their stay.
The judging panel is composed of a minimum of 5 distinguished, international musicians and all decisions of the panel are final. The judges reserve the right to withhold any prize or award should the required standard not be achieved.
The Festival reserves the right to record, film, web-stream or broadcast any part of the Festival events. Competitors must grant BIYMF the sole and exclusive right to use of these recordings.
The following must be received by BIYMF before an application can be accepted:
- A complete online application form with a copy of the applicant’s passport or birth certificate. All applicable information must be completed.
- A link (youTube/Vimeo/Dailymotion etc.) to the recording of the applicant performing their audition repertoire
- Payment of the $99 AUD non-refundable application fee to be paid online during the submission of the application form Please note, that the application fee will increase to $150 AUD after the early-bird cut-off date
