Announcement

The Foundation Mariele Ventre of Bologna announces the fourth edition of the International Competition for Choir Conductors "Mariele Ventre".

Regulations

1.--The competition is open to choir conductors of both genders who by 30.06.2007 must not have reached his/her 40th year of age.

2.--To enter the competition, candidates should fill in the form provided. This must be returned by registered mail from Italy, or by an equivalent postal consignment from abroad, to FONDAZIONE MARIELE VENTRE, Largo Mariele Ventre n. 3 - 40125 Bologna (ITALY) by 10.06.2007, the date of expiry of the notice. Application forms arriving later than the deadline will be accepted according to the date as postmark.

The form must contain:

a.--personal details of the candidate;

b.--address, telephone number and any e-mail address;

c.--school and musical activity curriculum (choir conductor activity must be certified by the choir or music association/institute);

d.--videocassette or DVD of a performance given by the candidate as choir conductor. This performance must contain a rehearsal of conducting an a cappella piece and the complete performance of the same piece;

e.--receipt of payment of € 75 entry fee accredited to Post Office account no. 28097400 in the name of Fondazione Mariele Ventre - Largo Mariele Ventre 3, 40125 - Bologna (Italy), reason for payment: CMV 2007, or to the Fondazione Mariele Ventre bank account, no. 074000004858W, at CARISBO, Filiale Bologna 2 Torri - Bank co-ordinates – CIN I, ABI 06385, CAB 02504, in the name of: Fondazione Mariele Ventre, Largo Mariele Ventre n. 3 - 40125 Bologna (ITALY).

 Competition entry implies payment of the entry fee and acceptance of the competition regulations, tests characteristics, repertoire and calendar.

3.--Admission to the competition is at the sole discretion of the jury, who will examine each application and select the candidates (maximum number of 12), who will be informed no later than 15.07.2007.

The selected candidates will be accommodated free of charge in Bologna.

4.--The winners of the past editions cannot take part in the competition.

5.--All disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of the Bologna Court.

Competition

1.--The competition will take place in Bologna from the 2nd to the 6th of October 2007 in the Aula Absidale S. Lucia, Via de’ Chiari, 23 and will consist of two stages: a preliminary stage and a final stage.

2.--Candidates will be admitted to the tests in alphabetical order. The first letter will be selected by draw. This draw will be done by the candidates themselves.

3.--The preliminary stage (October 2nd, 3rd, 4th) involves the performance of three music pieces drawn by the candidate, one for each of the three historical periods included in the repertoire.

4.--Each candidate may rehearse for 15 min. before each performance.

5.--The final stage (October 6th 2007) includes the performance of three music pieces drawn by the candidate, one for each of the three historical periods included in the repertoire; this stage involves the participation of a maximum of 5 candidates, who may rehearse each of the 3 pieces for 15 min. before the performance. The sequence decided by the draw applies to the performance with all three choirs.

6.--The test, both during the preliminary stage and final stage, consists of the performance of three music pieces drawn on the morning of the 2nd October 2007 at the headquarters of the Fondazione Mariele Ventre: each candidate shall hold three draws, one for each of the three periods (Renaissance - Baroque, Romantic, Modern-Contemporary).

For the Renaissance-Baroque period, each candidate will direct the "Ensemble Orlando Fribourg" from Fribourg (Switzerland).

For the Romantic period, each candidate will direct the "Coro Polifonico di Ruda" (Ruda - Italy).

For the Modern-Contemporary period, each candidate will direct the "Grex Vocalis" Choir from Oslo (Norway).

Prizes

1.--Three prizes entitled to Mariele Ventre will be awarded, on the basis of the final judgement of the jury:

First Prize: € 7,000 + the silver cup of the Presidency of the Italian Republic,

Second Prize: € 3,500,

Third Prize: € 2,000.

2.--The candidates placed first, second and third are obliged to participate free of charge in the final concert, which will take place on the 6th of October 2007 in Bologna, under penalty of cancellation of the prize.

Jury

1.--The international Jury is made up of 7 members chosen by the Fondazione Mariele Ventre among the most well-known and qualified personalities of the choral world.

2.--The judgement of the jury is unquestionable and unappealable.

Languages

The Competition's official languages are Italian and English. French, German and Spanish can be used on condition that prior notice is given by candidates.

Final dispositions

1.--The winners renounce any compensation or rights for any photographs, recordings or televising during the competition and the final concert.

2.--In the case of force majeure, the Foundation reserves the right to make any amendments to these regulations.

3.--The material sent by applicants will not be returned.

Special section

As from 2007, there will be a special section for the conductors of treble voice choirs. The competition will be held in a single session on 5th October 2007, and the jury will admit a maximum of 8 candidates who will conduct the "Coro I Piccoli Cantori delle Colline di Brianza di Rovagnate" (LC), Italy. The rules stated for the international competition apply.

The single prize for the winner is € 2,500.