PARMIGIANI MONTREUX JAZZ

SOLO PIANO COMPETITION

Since 1967, the world’s greatest jazz pianists have graced the stages of the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Their biographies tell tumultuous tales of hard work and artistic endeavor, but also of solidarity with
fellow musicians and magical opportunities.

In 1999, the desire to provide one such opportunity led Claude Nobs, founder and director of the Festi-
val, to create the world’s first international Solo Piano Competition for professional jazz pianists. His aim
was not only to lend a helping hand to young musicians struggling for recognition, but also to enable
them to meet pianists of the same age and level from other countries.
The Solo Piano Competition is open to musicians under the age of 30.

The organizers receive entries from over fourty different countries. In the spring, around ten to fifteen
pianists are selected to take part in the semifinals and final at the Montreux Jazz Festival, in front of a
jury of professionals and a discerning international audience. Musicians, record company representa-
tives and producers seeking new talent take their seats among the general public. During the Festival,
the competing pianists are encouraged to exchange their experiences and forge friendships and are
given plenty of opportunities to attend concerts and workshops together in Montreux.

Only four prizes are awarded each year. But the organizers believe that all the participants leave Mon-
treux with the conviction that they have taken their career one step further through this culturally enri-
ching musical experience.

STAGES OF THE COMPETITION

Applications
To be returned by March 1st 2014 (postmark date) with the requested items.

First Selection
Jury members will examine entries that include a CD with the Artist’s performance (a total of 10 minutes
max.). Both candidates –selected for the semifinals and non selected- will be notified approximately
by May 1st 2014 by email . The selected Artists will be invited to perform in Montreux in July 2014 (the
exact dates of the competition, as well as the names of the jury members, are still to be determined).
The Artists have to confirm their participation in writing to the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Semi-finals (maximum 15 competitors)

The candidates qualified for the semi-finals will be invited to perform in Montreux in July 2014 (dates
of competition are yet to be determined). The candidates will have to perform the requested pieces
(length of the performance 10 min. maximum) in front of a jury. The non respect of the timing will be
penalized by the jury.

Final (maximum 4 competitors)

The final will be held shortly after the semi-finals. The participating pianists will have to perform in front
of the jury. The length of the performace will be determined after the jury’s selection at the semi-finals
depending on the candidates at the final (15 minutes max.) The non respect of the timing will be pena-
lized by the jury.
The final will take place at the Montreux Palace-Petit Théâtre

Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony will take place straight after the final at Petit Théâtre- Montreux Palace.

Name (artist):

Signature:
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PRIZES
The first prize winner of the Parmigiani Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition receives CHF 10’000.–
Swiss francs, a limited edition Parmigiani Swiss Watch manufactured in Fleurier valued at CHF 14’500.-,
a certificate and a recording session at the Balik Farm Studio, located in the breathtaking scenery of
Switzerland’s Toggenburg region (The Balik Studio prize consists in 4 complete days in a professional
studio recording, accommodation and a professional sound engineer for the recording of the cd. The
Balik Studio prize is non-transferable and is not redeemable for cash or credit, in whole or in part)

The second prize winner receives CHF 5’000. – Swiss francs and a certificate.

The third prize winner receives CHF3’000. – Swiss francs and a certificate.

The Parmigiani Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition attracts an audience of connoisseurs who
award their own prize. The winner of the Public Prize receives a multi CD boxed set of the works of a
famous pianist and a certificate.

PIANO COMPETITION WINNERS

2013 Jerry Léonide (Mauritius)
2012 Marialy Pacheco (Cuba) www.marialypacheco.com
2011 Piotr Orzechowski (Poland) www.piotrorzechowski.pl
2010 Nikolay Sidorenko (Russia)
2009 Isfar Sarabski (Ex æquo) (Azerbaijan) | Beka Gochiashvili (Ex aequo) (Georgia)
2008 Gaël Rakotondrabe (France) www.myspace.com/gaelrakotondrabe
2007 Rolando Luna Carrillo (Cuba) www.mp3.com/artist/rolando-luna-carrillo
2006 Dan Tepfer (USA / France) www.dantepfer.com
2005 Harold Lopez-Nussa Torres (Cuba) www.myspace.com/haroldlopeznussa
2004 Robert Botos (Hungary) www.myspace.com/robibotosmusic
2003 Tigran Hamasayan (Armenia) www.tigranhamasyan.com
2002 Marius Vernescu (Romania) www.softrecords.ro
2001 Robert Lakatos (Hungary) www.myspace.com/robertlakatos
2000 Daniel Szabo (Hungary) www.szabodaniel.com
1999 Leo Tardin (Switzerland) www.leotardin.com

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
The Parmigiani Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition is open to pianists of all nationalities born after
January 1st, 1984. Previous first prize winners of the competition are not eligible to compete. Finalists and
semifinalists of Montreux’s previous competitions may not compete more than three times. The demo,
semifinal and final have to be played solo piano exclusively. The piano performance during the compe-
tition has to be played as it is, it cannot be prepared (no paper or plastics on the strings or similar). The
following criteria are among those that will be taken into consideration: originality, imagination, style, musi-
cality (harmony, rhythm), dynamic (color, nuances), touch, mastering of the instrument and technique.

Jury
The competition is placed under the patronage of Quincy Jones, extraordinary ambassador to the
Montreux Jazz Festival, with the collaboration of pianists and musicians from the international jazz
scene. The jury has been presided by:

2013 Iiro Rantala 2007 & 2008 Fazil Say

2012 Leszek Mozdzer 2005 & 2006 Joe Sample
2011 Tommy LiPuma 2004 Michel Camilo
2010 Yaron Herman 2003 James Williams
2009 Chucho Valdés 2002 Joe Sample
2001 Randy Weston
2000 John Lewis
Name (artist): 1999 George Duke

Signature:
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Travel and accommodation

Travel and accommodation expenses are to be covered entirely by the candidates. However, the Mon-
treux Jazz Festival office can help by providing addresses of hotels and youth hostels in the area and
by sending semifinalists an invitation that can be used to seek funding from cultural institutions in their
native countries.

Pianos
Artists are guaranteed regular access to a piano for practice during the competition period at the Mon-
treux Conservatory. The Montreux Conservatory for rehearsals will be open from 10am till 7pm (aprox.)

Legal notice
The jury’s assessment will take place in private in accordance with the assessment criteria presented
(see above). The Artist accepts that the jury’s decisions are final and that no appeal is possible. The
Foundation will not be held responsible if, in case of necessity, the present competition is modified,
postponed or cancelled. Any dispute relating to the interpretation, execution or non-execution of the
present regulations will be subject to the Swiss Law.

Recordings
The Fondation du Festival de Jazz de Montreux or its successor has the right to record the sound
(the «Audio Recording») and visuals (the «Video Recording») of all Artist’s performances during the
competition and any other venues concerning the Montreux Jazz Festival now and in the future and to
exploit the same, without payment of any compensation to Artist, for all forms of worldwide television
and radio (including for news and information purposes), Internet streaming (including free on-demand
streaming) and on any kind of commercial audio device or commercial audiovisual device (including
download) now known or hereafter developed.

The Fondation du Festival de Jazz de Montreux or its successor has the right to use Artist’s name and
likeness, as well as the right to use of Audio Recording and the Video Recording for the promotion of
the Montreux Jazz Festival. If the Artist grants an interview recorded or filmed by or on behalf of the
Montreux Jazz Festival, such interview may be utilized in connection with the rights granted above.

For any questions, information and contact

at the Montreux Jazz Festival
Victoria Leon
v.leon@mjf.ch

ADDRESS TO SEND THE APPLICATION

Montreux Jazz Festival
2m2c
Montreux Competitions-Piano
Av. Claude Nobs 5
1820 Montreux
Switzerland

Name (artist):

Signature:
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To be returned by March 1st 2014 (postmark date)

With the requested items. The competition is open to pianists of all nationalities born after January 1st,
1984 (under the age of 30).

Items to be sent with the entry

1. a demo CD in mp3 format: the recording must include three pieces of music. The total length of the
recording should not exceed 10 minutes and must include:
-one original piece composed or played by Miles Davis. You have to choose between one of this 10
pieces:
VERY EARLY - Bill Evans
HEYOKE - Kenny Wheeler
SNO PEAS - Phil Markowitz
LÔRO - Egberto Gismonti
SÒ DANCO SAMBA - Tom Jobim
DON’T FORGET THE POET- Enrico Pieranunzi
LADIES IN MERCEDES - Steve Swallow
CONFIRMATION - Charlie Parker
THE SONG IS YOU - Jérome Kern
CARAVAN - Duke Ellington

Artists should perform their own interpretation of the original piece, improving and developing it.
- a personal composition
- a personal choice (note that this one can be inspired by any music styles)

2. Two ID or professional photos (max size 11*15cm) with the name of the entrant written on the
back.
3. A photocopy of the entrant’s Identity Card, Passport or Driver License (the birth date has to
appear on the copy)
4. A curriculum vitæ.
5. Other relevant documents (diplomas, press…) if any.

If you are selected for the semifinals, you will be asked

to play:
- one of the eight original pieces excluding the one played for the demo CD (Artists should perform their
own interpretation of the original piece, improving and developing it).
- a personal composition or a personal choice (note that this one can be inspired by any music styles)

If you are selected for the final, you will be asked to

play:
- one of the eight original pieces excluding the one played for the demo CD and excluding the one you
played for the semifinals (Artists should perform their own interpretation of the original piece, improving
and developing it).
- a personal composition or a personal choice (note that this one can be inspired by any music styles)
- a 12 bar Blues

ADDRESS TO SEND THE APPLICATION

Montreux Jazz Festival
2m2c
Montreux Competitions-Piano
Av. Claude Nobs 5 / 1820 Montreux / Switzerland

Name (artist):

Signature:
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By signing this Parmigiani Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition 2014 entry form, the Artist confirms
to have read, understood and accepted the rules and regulations of the Competition and to comply
with them. By signing this Parmigiani Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition 2014 entry form, the Artist
confirms the accuracy of the documents and information sent.
Please, complete this document in CAPITAL LETTERS.

Surname/Family Name First Name

__________________________________________ __________________________________________

Street/Number

________________________________________________________________________________________

ZIP/Town Country

__________________________________________ __________________________________________

E-mail

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone Mobile Phone

__________________________________________ __________________________________________

Nationality Date of birth (day/month/year)

__________________________________________ __________________________________________

How have you heard about that competition?

(Name of school, club, etc)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

The organisers reserve the right to refuse incomplete applications.

PLEASE SIGN ALL THE PAGES OF THIS FORM (from 1 to 5).
NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE SENT BACK. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL.
NO FEE IS ASKED TO ENTER THE SELECTIONS OR THE COMPETITION.
THE JURY WILL NOT GIVE ANY FEEDBACK ABOUT THE DECISIONS.

Date:___________________________________ Read and agreed:___________________________

Name (artist):

Signature:
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PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION
To fill in ONLY if under 18 years old

I certify, as a parent or guardian, I give permission for:

(Child’s name): _____________________________________________________________________

to participate in the Parmigiani Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition according to the terms signed in
the application form/subscription to the competition, on July 2014.

Relation to participant: ______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian name: ______________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: ______________________________________________________________________

Please enclose a copy of the Parent/Guardian identity card or passport.

Place and date: ____________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature: ___________________________________________________________

Name (artist):

Signature:
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