The Stars of Summer International Vocal & Piano
Competition & Festival
1. Eligibility: The Organizing Committee cordially invites solo and ensemble pianists and singers of ages 5 and above, regardless of nationality, to participate in the 7th Annual The Stars Of Summer International Piano & Vocal Competition. Applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian endorse their application. Participants may enter the competition representing a school or as an independent participant
! ENTERING VIDEOS HAVE STRICTLY LIMITED TIME OF 5 MINUTES !
! EXCEPTION: CATEGORY TO BE PERFORMED WITH THE ORCHESTRA !
2. Entry Category: Performance with Orchestra
No time limitation applies to this category.
The Performance with Orchestra category is divided into two sections:
Section A – Featured Repertoire Selected by the Organizing Committee
This section includes works selected by the Organizing Committee based on the artistic programming of current and future Stars of Summer concerts and productions.
The Organizing Committee will provide orchestral materials for the featured repertoire.
Selected vocal and dance entries may be programmed as collaborative performances involving vocalists, dancers, and orchestra, at the discretion of the Organizing Committee.
Winners selected by the Jury and Organizing Committee may be invited to perform with orchestra at the Laureates Concert and other Stars of Summer events.
Featured Repertoire for 2026
Piano
Alexander Peskanov – Piano Concerto No. 12 "The Gypsy"
One movement per application.
Performance may be accompanied by a second piano
(with omitted orchestral solos) or approved orchestral MIDI accompaniment.
Contestants may enter all three movements by submitting separate
applications for each movement.
Selected winners may be invited to perform with orchestra
at the Laureates Concert and other affiliated events.
Sheet music:
https://peskanov.com/piano-concerto-no12-gypsy-digital-sheet-music
Section B – Participant's Choice Repertoire
Participants may enter a concerto or other work for
soloist and orchestra of their own choosing.
Participants are responsible for providing complete orchestral scores
and performance materials suitable for rehearsal and performance.
All submissions will be adjudicated equally by the Jury and
remain fully eligible for awards, rankings, diplomas,
scholarships, special prizes, and all competition recognitions.
Selection for performance with orchestra is a separate
artistic and logistical decision and is not guaranteed.
Performance opportunities are subject to:
Artistic suitability
Availability of orchestral materials
Rehearsal requirements
Orchestra management approval
Programming considerations
Organizing Committee discretion
Participants selected for orchestra performance may be invited to perform:
At the Laureates Concert during the One World Day Festival;
At future Stars of Summer productions;
At Snowbelt Symphony Orchestra Winter or Spring concerts;
At other partner performances and special events.
Performance Invitations
The decision regarding orchestra performances rests solely
with the Organizing Committee and orchestra management.
Participation in the competition does not guarantee a
performance opportunity with orchestra.
In addition, participants from any competition category may be selected by members of the Jury for special performance opportunities, including appearances in judges' concerts, partner events, educational programs, and performances with orchestra.
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PIANO:
To be performed on one piano by solo, duet or trio in categories:
World Composers: Perform a piece from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Modern repertoire, representing the diverse range of composers from around the world.
American Composer: Showcase a piece by any American composer from any era, celebrating the rich musical heritage of the United States .
Italian Composer: A piece by any Italian composer in any style, capturing the essence of Italian musical heritage.
Ukrainian Composer: A piece by a composer born or living in Ukraine, or a piece on a Ukrainian theme by any composer, reflecting the rich musical tradition of Ukraine.
Tchaikovsky Award: A piece by P.I.Tchaikovsky
MusiCats: A piece on the theme of cats by any composer and in any style, adding a playful and whimsical element to the piano repertoire.
VOCAL:
a. Classical (NO MICROPHONE): Accompaniment options include piano, orchestra, instrumental ensemble, a capella, featuring pieces from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Modern repertoire. Note: For open-air concerts in the Gardens, singers selected for performances must use a microphone.
b. Microphone: Categories include classical cross, pop, jazz, and musical theater, using microphones and recorded accompaniments.
ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE MAY OFFER A VOCALIST(S) PERFORMANSE WITH THE ORCHESTRA.
To be performed with piano or midi accompaniment by solo or group in categories:
World Composers: Perform a piece from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Modern repertoire, representing the diverse range of composers from around the world.
American Composer: Showcase a piece by any American composer from any era, celebrating the rich musical heritage of the United States .
Italian Composer: Present a piece by any Italian composer in any style, capturing the essence of Italian musical heritage.
Ukrainian Composer: A piece by a composer born or living in Ukraine, or a piece on a Ukrainian theme by any composer, reflecting the rich musical tradition of Ukraine.
Tchaikovsky Award: A piece by P.I.Tchaikovsky
MusiCats: A piece on the theme of cats by any composer and in any style, adding a playful and whimsical element to the vocal repertoire.
3. Application Deadline: All application materials and information must be submitted online by July 30 at 12 pm (noon)
4. Competition Fee:
Piano and Vocal.
$80.00 for each solo entry;
$55.00 for each participant for each ensemble entry (e.g. Duet $110.00; Trio $165.00).
With orchestra:
$150.00 for each concerto entrance for one movement;
$150.00 for each solo with orchestra entry;
$ 85.00 for each participant for each ensemble with orchestra entry (e.g. Duet $170.00; Trio $255.00).
Please note: all application fees are non-refundable EXEPT videos not accepted for processing by Committee because of:
a -edited video;'
b-unacceptable for public moral
5. Awards will be presented during the Laureates Concerts: "Harmony Showcase: A Symphony of Stars," will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens during One World Day Festival. This concert will feature all the winners of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes, in any categories.
6. Additional Fees: There is no additional fee for participating in the "Harmony Showcase: A Symphony of Stars" concerts.
7. Early Submissions: Participants are encouraged to submit their entries as soon as possible.
We look forward to welcoming talented musicians from around the world to showcase their skills and celebrate the universal language of music at The Stars of Summer International Piano and Vocal Competition and Festival.
8. Photo and Video Materials: The Stars of Summer 2026 reserves the right to use any photo or video recording of the participants performance during the competition and the Laureates’ concert for promotional purposes
For further inquiries, please visit our website www.TheStarsOfSummerUSA.com or contact us directly via email thestarsofsummerusa@gmail.com.
Feel free to email: thestarsofsummerusa@gmail.com if you have any questions or suggestions.
Warm regards,
The Stars of Summer International Piano & Vocal Competition and Festival