Why The Stars of Summer?
More Than a Competition — A Platform for Artistic Growth
The Stars of Summer International Piano, Vocal, and Dance Competition & Festival is more than a traditional competition. It is an international artistic platform dedicated to discovering, supporting, promoting, and presenting young talent through performance opportunities, professional collaborations, and cultural exchange.
Alongside the competition itself, The Stars of Summer also operates as a developing artistic production and talent development initiative, helping selected participants move beyond competition performances toward professional artistic experiences, international exposure, and meaningful stage opportunities.
Our mission is not simply to award prizes, but to help young artists grow, perform, and build real artistic futures.
An International Community of Young Artists
The Stars of Summer welcomes pianists, vocalists, and dancers from around the world in a supportive and inspiring environment that values artistry, individuality, and cultural diversity.
Our convenient single-round video submission process allows participants from any location to compete equally without the expense and stress of multiple travel rounds.
Participants become part of an international artistic community connected through music, dance, creativity, and shared cultural experience.
Exceptional Performance Opportunities
What makes The Stars of Summer unique is the opportunity for selected participants to move beyond online submissions and onto professional stages.
Featured Opportunities Include:
🎼 Performance with the Snowbelt Symphony Orchestra
Selected participants in designated categories may perform concerto and collaborative repertoire with orchestra during the Laureates Concert and special productions.
🌿 Special Winter and Spring Performances
Outstanding participants may also receive invitations to additional seasonal concerts and special collaborative performances with the Snowbelt Symphony Orchestra throughout the year.
🌍 Laureates Concert During One World Day
The annual Laureates Concert takes place during Cleveland’s internationally celebrated One World Day Festival in the beautiful Cleveland Cultural Gardens, where performers appear before large multicultural audiences gathered from across Northeast Ohio and beyond.
🎭 Opera in the Italian Garden
Selected vocalists and performers may receive invitations to collaborate with the beloved Opera in the Italian Garden concert series — one of Cleveland’s most popular outdoor cultural traditions, attracting thousands of audience members each summer.
🎬 Professional Productions & Artistic Collaborations
Outstanding participants may also be invited to participate in concerts, productions, recordings, and collaborative artistic projects presented by The Stars of Summer and its artistic partners.
International Partner Competitions & Global Opportunities
The Stars of Summer proudly collaborates with international artistic organizations and partner competitions that provide selected participants with additional performance and advancement opportunities beyond Cleveland.
These partnerships may include invitations to prestigious international finals, showcase concerts, and performances in renowned venues in the United States and Europe.
Opportunities May Include:
🎹 Carnegie Hall — New York City
Selected participants may receive invitations connected to international finals and showcase performances in one of the world’s most iconic concert venues.
🎼 National Opera Center — New York City
Opportunities for vocalists and instrumentalists to participate in performances and international artistic events.
🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom
Through partner organizations and festivals such as Stars of the Albion, selected participants may receive invitations to perform in distinguished concert halls and artistic venues across London.
🌎 International Artistic Exposure
The Stars of Summer continues building relationships with organizations, presenters, festivals, and producers dedicated to supporting the next generation of young artists internationally.
These opportunities are designed not only to recognize achievement, but also to help participants gain valuable professional stage experience and international artistic visibility.
Recognition That Inspires
The Stars of Summer offers:
🏆 Monetary prizes and scholarships
🏆 Special artistic awards and distinctions
🏆 Invitations to concerts and collaborative projects
🏆 International advancement opportunities
🏆 Professional performance experiences
Special categories may include:
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Tchaikovsky Award
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Ukrainian Award
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Italian Award
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MusiCats Award
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Additional specialty and cultural awards
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A Supportive Artistic Environment
We believe young artists thrive best in an atmosphere that combines high artistic standards with encouragement, respect, and inspiration.
Our distinguished jury includes experienced performers, educators, conductors, and industry professionals who value not only technical achievement, but also individuality, musicality, and artistic potential.
The Stars of Summer strives to create an experience that participants and families remember not only for awards, but for artistic growth and meaningful connections.
Music, Culture, and Artistic Vision
Together with The Stars of Summer Masters concert series, the organization helps connect emerging young talent with distinguished professional musicians, international artists, and audiences through concerts, collaborations, and cultural initiatives.
Founded by Olga Druzhinina, Music Director, and Svetlana Stolyarova, Executive Director, The Stars of Summer continues to grow as both an international competition and a broader artistic initiative dedicated to cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and the future of young performers.
The Stars of Summer is presented under the nonprofit umbrella of the Cleveland School of Dance, a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Join Us
Whether you are taking your first artistic steps or preparing for advanced professional opportunities, The Stars of Summer offers a unique environment where talent is encouraged, artistry is celebrated, and new opportunities begin.
✨ Perform.
✨ Grow.
✨ Connect.
✨ Inspire.