The Rules

INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION COMPETITION IN VALCAMONICA

3rd edition

Cevo – 20/21 september 2025

Artistic Direction: Municipality of Cevo – Department of Culture
Organizational Direction: Association “El Teler”

ANNOUNCEMENT AND COMPETITION RULES

  • The Mountain Community of Valle Camonica, the Union of Municipalities of Valsaviore, the Municipality of Cevo, Pro Loco Valsaviore, Promo Cevo, and the Association “El Teler” of Berzo Demo announce the 3rd International Accordion Competition in Valle Camonica.

  • The competition is open to all accordionists of any gender and nationality, with the aim of promoting musical culture and supporting young musicians.

  • Participants may perform with acoustic instruments of any type and brand.

SECTIONS, CATEGORIES, AND PERFORMANCE DURATION

Section I: Classical
Section II: Variété

PROGRAMME

Saturday, 20 September

Category A (Classical & Variété): SOLOISTS UP TO 12 YEARS OLD (Born in 2012 or later)
Free-choice program, max. duration 10 minutes.

  • 1st Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €200 (gross)

  • 2nd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €100 (gross)

  • 3rd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €50 (gross)

Category B (Classical & Variété): SOLOISTS UP TO 15 YEARS OLD (Born in 2009 or later)
Free-choice program, max. duration 12 minutes.

  • 1st Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €250 (gross)

  • 2nd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €150 (gross)

  • 3rd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €100 (gross)

Category C (Classical & Variété): SOLOISTS UP TO 18 YEARS OLD (Born in 2006 or later)
Free-choice program, max. duration 18 minutes.

  • 1st Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €400 (gross)

  • 2nd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €200 (gross)

  • 3rd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €100 (gross)

Sunday, 21 September

Category D (Classical & Variété): SOLOISTS WITHOUT AGE LIMITS
Free-choice program, max. duration 20 minutes.

  • 1st Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €1200 (gross)

  • 2nd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €800 (gross)

  • 3rd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €500 (gross)

Category “Chamber” – ENSEMBLE MUSIC (up to 12 members)
Groups must include at least one accordion as the main instrument, with other instruments or all accordions.
Free-choice program, max. duration 20 minutes.

  • 1st Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €800 (gross)

  • 2nd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €400 (gross)

  • 3rd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €200 (gross)

Category “SMIM” – LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL WITH MUSICAL PROGRAM (up to 12 members)
Groups must include at least one accordion as the main instrument, with other instruments or all accordions.
Free-choice program, max. duration 20 minutes.

  • 1st Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €250 (gross)

  • 2nd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €150 (gross)

  • 3rd Prize: Certificate + Scholarship €100 (gross)

Both original works and transcriptions are allowed.
Performing from memory is not mandatory. Performances will be called in alphabetical order. Late arrivals may perform at the end of the auditions, at the sole discretion of the Artistic Director.

At the time of performance, participants must present two copies of the performed pieces to the jury.
By participating, competitors guarantee that any original work submitted does not infringe on any author’s rights and releases the Organization from all liability.

The Organization reserves the right to include the performed pieces in a CD compilation or collection of sheet music/MIDI files, without additional compensation beyond standard copyright royalties.

JURY AND SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS

  • All submitted applications will be examined.

  • Missing or incomplete documentation, or failure to comply with the rules, will result in exclusion.

  • Auditions will begin at 10:00 AM on 20 September 2025.

  • Jury decisions are final and unappealable.

  • The Jury may:

    • request performance of the full program or part of it if time limits are exceeded.

  • The Jury will draft the final rankings for all categories.

  • All participants will receive a certificate of participation.

  • The Jury may award Special Prizes or split monetary prizes in case of ex-aequo.

  • First Prize winners must perform in the two evening concerts of the event, during which prizes will be awarded. Failure to perform results in forfeiture of the prize.

  • Prizes not collected in person or by proxy will remain with the Organization until arrangements are made.

The winners of the Classical and Variété categories will be guests of honor at the Accordion Festival on 16–17 August 2026.

REGISTRATION AND FEES

  • Individuals up to the 4th degree of kinship with jury members cannot participate.

  • If a participant has had or currently has a teaching relationship with a jury member within the past year, that jury member will abstain from voting.

  • Applications must be submitted via email no later than 13 September 2025, using the registration form available on the competition website: https://www.cifvallecamonica.it.

  • Send applications to: iscrizioni@cifvallecamonica.it – confirmation will be provided.

Registration fees (VAT included):

  • €25.00 for Categories Baby, A

  • €30.00 for Categories B, SMIM

  • €35.00 for Category C

  • €40.00 for all other categories

Required documents:

  • Completed and signed registration form (for minors, signature of parent/legal guardian required)

  • Copy of valid ID (for minors, ID of both minor and parent/legal guardian)

  • Proof of payment of the registration fee

Payment details:
Bank: Banca Popolare di Sondrio, Berzo Demo Branch
Account holder: El Teler
IBAN: IT 07 C 05696 77170 000004209X46 – BIC SWIFT: POSOIT22
Payment reference: VALCAMONICA ACCORDION COMPETITION – FULL NAME, section and category of applicant

MISCELLANEOUS

  • The Organization reserves the right to adjust the program depending on the number of registrations (announcement by 17 September 2025) or to cancel the competition in case of force majeure (refunds will be issued).

  • Any radio/TV broadcast of the event will not entitle participants to compensation.

  • The Organization may authorize Italian and foreign broadcasters to record, film, and broadcast performances in any format and technology, current or future.

  • Travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of participants.

  • Upon request, the Organization will provide information on local accommodations with special offers for participants.

  • The Organization is not liable for any accidents or incidents during the event.

  • Participation implies full acceptance of these rules.

CONTACTS

For organizational information:
Association “El Teler”
Email: elteler@libero.it – info@cifvallecamonica.it
Contact person: Battista Ramponi
Phone: +39 320 4367218

Participants must check the competition website shortly before the event for updated information (e.g., audition times, travel directions, food, lodging, etc.).

Register Now