Competition Rules & Regulations
VIII International Saulius Sondeckis Young Violinists and Cellists Competition
June 22-30, 2026 • Šiauliai, Lithuania
Competition Overview
The 8th International Saulius Sondeckis Young Violinists and Cellists Competition takes place June 22-30, 2026, in Šiauliai, Lithuania. It honors the legacy of conductor and professor Saulius Sondeckis (1928-2016).
Eligibility
- Participants must be under 22 years old
- Must be students at music schools, conservatories, or academies
- Performing on violin or cello
Age Categories
Category A
Up to 10 years old (inclusive)
Fee: €70 • 2 Rounds
Category B
11-14 years old
Fee: €75 • 2 Rounds
Category C
15-18 years old
Fee: €80 • 2 Rounds
Category D
19-22 years old
Fee: €100 • 3 Rounds
Special: Top Category D winners perform with the Šiauliai Symphony Orchestra "Camerata Solaris" in the finale.
Competition Format
- Categories A-C feature two rounds
- Category D includes three rounds
- All pieces must be performed from memory
- The jury may stop performances exceeding time limits
Registration Requirements
- Copy of identity document (passport or ID card)
- Professional photograph (minimum 800×1200 pixels)
- Payment confirmation
Important Dates
Maximum 70 participants will be accepted
Evaluation System
The competition employs a 25-point scale to assess performances:
Note: Jury decisions regarding prizes are final and non-contestable.
Prizes & Awards
Estimated Prize Fund
- Prize money distributed among laureates
- Special awards may be established at jury's discretion
- Winners receive payment within 30 days of awards ceremony
Additional Information
- Travel, lodging, and meals are participants' responsibility
- Accompanist services cost extra
- The organizer retains all rights to participants' images and competition recordings for promotional and commercial use