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 Cultural Festival SICHTweisen 2025 in Vienna, the harpsichord competition is open to musicians of all ages and nationalities who are committed to historically informed performance practice. It aims to promote exceptional artistic personalities and enhance 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 22 – 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
A total prize fund of EUR 3,500.00 will be awarded as part of the competition. Prizes may be conferred in several categories to recognize outstanding artistic achievements. Multiple awards may be given to a individual participants.
- 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 award ceremony will take place on 26 September 2025 following the final round.
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 these Terms and Conditions is provided for convenience only. The German version shall prevail and is legally binding.
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 Cultural Festival SICHTweisen 2025.
How is the competition structured?
The competition consists of four phases:
- Pre-selection: via video submission
- 1st round: non-public, harpsichord solo (25–30 minutes)
- 2nd round (final): public, concerto for harpsichord and string ensemble (12–20 minutes)
- Prizewinners’ concert: featuring the prizewinners
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 the application form and must include a CV, a copy of ID, a proof of payment, two videos, and details of the planned programme (Round 1: harpsichord solo / Round 2: concerto for harpsichord and string ensemble).
The current link to the application form is available on the competition website:
www.festival-sichtweisen.com/en/wettbewerb-sichtweisen-2025-en#anmeldung
What are the requirements for the videos?
Both videos must be unedited (accepted formats: 3gpp, mp4, mpeg, quicktime, webm, x-ms-wmv; max. 1 GB per file).
The following materials must be submitted:
- Video 1: A three-part Invention (Sinfonia) by J. S. Bach (BWV 787–801)
- Video 2: A rarely performed harpsichord work composed between 1600 and 1770
- Proof of origin is required (e.g. library link, digital scan, or archive reference)
- Maximum performance duration: 15 minutes
- The exact performance duration must be stated
- In the case of suites or variation works, individual movements or sections may be selected
What are the requirements for the planned programme?
- 1st Round: Harpsichord solo
- 2nd Round: Concerto for harpsichord and string ensemble
For each work or selected movement, the following information is required:
- Composer
- Work and selected movements
- Source (edition, manuscript, or similar)
- Performance duration per work or movement
Does the performance material for the string ensemble need to be submitted at the time of application?
No. The performance material for the string ensemble (2nd Round / public final) does not need to be submitted at the time of application. The material must be submitted only after the preselection and upon explicit request by the organizer.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. the application fee is 50 euros and is non-refundable – even in case of rejection or withdrawal.
How does the competition work?
- Pre-selection: via video submission
- 24/25 September: 1st round (non-public) – harpsichord solo (25–30 minutes)
- 26 September: 2nd round (public final) – concerto for harpsichord and string ensemble (12–20 minutes)
- 27 September: prizewinners’ concert
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?
- One compulsory piece: A three-part Invention (Sinfonia) by J. S. Bach (BWV 787–801)
- One free-choice piece: A rarely performed work composed between 1600 and 1770, with proof of origin (e.g. library link, digital scan, or archive reference). Maximum performance duration: 15 minutes; the exact performance duration must be stated. In the case of suites or variation works, individual movements or sections may be selected
What is to be performed in the live rounds?
- 1st round: Free-choice solo programme for harpsichord (25–30 minutes; performance duration must be strictly observed)
- 2nd round (final): Rarely performed concerto for harpsichord and string ensemble (composed before 1770; 12–20 minutes; performance duration must be strictly observed). A string ensemble will be provided by the organizer. Proof of origin for the concerto is required (e.g. library link, digital scan, or archive reference
Is memorization required?
No. memorization ist 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 rehearsal puposes (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. From this amount, prizes may be conferred in the following four categories:
- Interpretation – EUR 1,000.00
- Best Orchestral Collaboration – EUR 1,000.00
- Innovation and Research – EUR 750.00
- Audience Award – EUR 750.00
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.
Who is responsible for processing my personal data?
The data is processed by the organizer based in Austria, acting as the controller under the GDPR. The technical handling (e.g. application, file uploads, jury management) is supported by Muv.ac GmbH, Berlin, within the framework of a data processing agreement.
Will my data be shared with third parties or used for advertising purposes?
No. Your data will only be shared with Muv.ac as a technical service provider under a GDPR-compliant data processing agreement. It will not be used for advertising purposes or shared with any other third parties.
What rights do I have regarding my personal data?
You have the right to access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, and data portability in accordance with Articles 15 to 20 of the GDPR. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Austrian Data Protection Authority.
Who is liable in the event of damage or loss?
The organizer is only liable in cases of intent or gross negligence. No liability is assumed for instruments or personal belongings brought by participants – they are responsible for their own property. The organizer also assumes no liability for damages caused by third parties (e.g. other participants, visitors, or external service providers). In the event of cancellation or force majeure (e.g. natural disasters, pandemics, official orders), there is no entitlement to compensation or reimbursement of travel or accommodation costs.
Am I responsible for my own insurance during the competition?
Yes. Participants are responsible for their own insurance coverage – in particular health, accident, and liability insurance. This applies for the entire duration of travel to and from the competition, as well as the stay itself.
Should I take out travel cancellation insurance?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to take out travel cancellation insurance to protect yourself against personal incidents or inability to attend.