Competition
SICHTweisen
September 24 – 27, 2025
This competition is inspired by the musical legacy of Gordon Murray, whose artistry connected generations – and continues to resonate to this day.
About the Competition
As part of the SICHTweisen 2025 cultural festival in Vienna, the competition in the field of harpsichord is aimed at musicians of all ages and nationalities who are dedicated to historically informed performance practice. The aim is to promote outstanding artistic personalities and to strengthen their visibility.
The competition is especially honoured by the presence of Ann Murray and other members of Gordon Murray’s family, who accompanied his musical and pedagogical work over many years and remain deeply connected to the spirit of this competition.
Schedule & Dates
The competition is divided into four phases:
- Pre-selection based on submitted documents and video recordings (May 1 – August 14, 2025)
- 1st round (non-public): Harpsichord solo (September 24/25, 2025)
- 2nd round (public final with award ceremony): Concerto for harpsichord and string ensemble (September 26, 2025)
- Closing concert of the prize winners as part of the festival (September 27, 2025)
By being embedded in the festival program, participants are given a platform that extends beyond the competition itself – a framework that highlights musical expression and artistic profile.
Awards
Awards will be presented in four categories within the competition:
- Interpretation – For musical expressiveness, stylistic differentiation, and historically informed approach to the work.
- Best Orchestra Collaboration – For the most convincing ensemble performance with a string ensemble.
- Innovation & Research – For creative concepts, source-based research, or new interpretative approaches.
- Audience Award – Awarded by the concert audience during the final round.
The total prize money amounts to EUR XYZ. The jury will decide on the distribution of the prize money among the individual categories.
The award ceremony will take place following the final round on September 26, 2025.
Jury
The jury consists of nationally and internationally renowned experts active in the fields of harpsichord, historically informed performance practice, and music education. Their diverse artistic focuses and experiences reflect a broad variety of perspectives and artistic approaches.
Application
To apply, please create a personal profile at www.muvac.com.
After logging in, you can easily complete the application form and upload all required materials.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions for the harpsichord competition are available here for download in both German and English.
Please read them carefully before registering.
Note: The English translation of the terms and conditions is provided for information purposes only. The German original version shall prevail.
Terms and Conditions (EN)
For all binding information regarding participation in the competition
Teilnahmebedingungen (DE)
Für alle verbindlichen Informationen zur Teilnahme am Wettbewerb
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the competition and participation, please feel free to contact us at wettbewerb@kulturperspektiven.org.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the competition and participation.
When and where will the competition take place?
The harpsichord competition will take place from 24 to 27 September 2025 in Vienna as part of the SICHTweisen Cultural Festival.
How is the competition structured?
It consists of four phases: pre-selection by video, 1st round (non-public, solo), 2nd round (public final with a string ensemble), and the prizewinners’ concert.
Who can participate?
Musicians of all nationalities and ages who are dedicated to historically informed performance practice.
Who is excluded from participation?
Individuals with a regular teaching position in harpsichord or related keyboard instruments at a university, and ensembles – participation is limited to solo applicants.
Who is responsible for accommodation and meals?
Participants are responsible for their own accommodation and meals during the competition period. The organizer does not provide or arrange accommodation or catering.
What is the application deadline and how do I apply?
The application deadline is 14 August 2025, 11:59 p.m. CEST.
Applications must be submitted online via an application form including a CV, a copy of ID, two videos, and repertoire details.
The current link is available on the competition website:
www.festival-sichtweisen.com/en/wettbewerb-sichtweisen-2025-en#anmeldung
What are the requirements for the videos?
Videos must be uncut (e.g. .mp4, max. 1 GB per file), one featuring a sinfonia by J. S. Bach, the other a rarely performed piece (1600–1770).
Is there an application fee?an application fee?
Yes, the fee is 50 euros and is non-refundable – even in case of rejection or withdrawal.
How does the competition proceed?
Following the pre-selection, the non-public 1st round (Cembalo solo) will take place on 24/25 September, the 2nd round with the public concert for harpsichord and string ensemble (final) on 26 September, and the prizewinners’ concert on 27 September.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes, for all rounds to which one is invited, as well as for the prizewinners’ concert in the event of an award.
What must be submitted for the application?
A compulsory piece (Bach invention) and a freely chosen work (rare, with source reference, max. 15 minutes).
What is to be performed in the live rounds?
1st round: a free solo programme (25–30 minutes). Final: a concerto (pre-1770, 12–20 minutes) with a string ensemble provided by the organizer.
Is memorization required?
No, memorization is not required.
What instruments will be provided?
Suitable harpsichords will be available for the 1st round (solo) and the final with string ensemble. A two-manual Franco-Flemish and a single-manual Italian harpsichord are planned. An additional instrument will be available for warming up (subject to change).
Who evaluates the competition?
An international jury of experts in music performance, musicology, and pedagogy. The jury’s decisions are final, not subject to appeal, and are based on artistic and professional criteria.
How much prize money is awarded, and how is it awarded?
A total of EUR 3,500.00 in prize money will be awarded as part of the competition. Awards in four categories (Interpretation, Best Orchestral Collaboration, Innovation and Research, Audience Award) are endowed with amounts ranging from EUR 750.00 to EUR 1,000.00. Highly qualified participants may receive more than one award.
When does the award ceremony take place?
The award ceremony will take place immediately following the public final round on 26 September 2025.
Will I receive feedback?
Participants who do not advance from the 1st round may request individual feedback from the jury.
Are certificates issued?
Yes, upon request. Particularly convincing performances may also receive a letter of recommendation.
Will audio and video recordings be made?
Yes, recordings may be used by the organizer for public relations purposes – without compensation or claim to access. Usage is unlimited in time and territory.
What data is collected?
Personal details, contact data, educational background, and submitted media. This data is used exclusively for the competition.
What are my rights?
You have the right to access, correct, delete, or object to the processing of your data.
Who is liable in the event of damage?
The organizer is only liable in cases of intent or gross negligence. No liability is accepted for instruments or personal belongings. In the event of cancellation, travel or accommodation costs will not be reimbursed. Force majeure that leads to changes or cancellation also does not constitute grounds for compensation or reimbursement.
Should I take out insurance?
Yes, in particular for health, accident, liability, and travel cancellation. Participants are responsible for their own insurance coverage.