Carles & Sofia International Piano Competition

These Terms & Conditions govern participation in the Carles & Sofia International Piano Competition (hereinafter referred to as “the Competition”). By submitting an application, participants confirm that they have read, understood, and accepted these Terms & Conditions in full.

  1. ORGANISER
    The Competition is organised by the Carles & Sofia Music Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “the Organiser”).
    The Organiser reserves the right to interpret and apply these Terms & Conditions in all matters relating to the Competition.
    All decisions of the Organiser are final.

  2. ELIGIBILITY
    The Competition is open to pianists of all nationalities.
    Applicants must meet the age requirements established for each category as specified in the Competition Regulations.
    Participants may apply to more than one category, provided that separate applications and fees are submitted.
    Applications submitted by minors must be completed and authorised by a parent or legal guardian.

  3. APPLICATION PROCESS
    Applications are considered complete only after:
    · submission of the application form
    · submission of valid video links
    · payment of the application fee
    Incomplete applications may not be evaluated.
    The Organiser reserves the right to refuse applications that do not comply with the Competition requirements.

  4. VIDEO SUBMISSIONS
    Participants must submit video recordings available on public or private links via platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo.

    Recordings must:
    · present complete performances
    · be recorded in a single continuous take per work
    · be free of editing, playback assistance, or digital manipulation
    · clearly show the performer’s face, hands, and instrument
    Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disqualification.

  5. JURY AND EVALUATION
    All performances are evaluated exclusively on the basis of the submitted recordings.
    The decisions of the jury are final and not subject to appeal.
    Individual jury votes and comments remain confidential.
    If a contestant has a current or recent pedagogical relationship with a jury member, that jury member will abstain from evaluating the contestant.
  1. AWARDS
    The Competition awards distinctions according to the scoring system published in the Competition Regulations.
    The Carles & Sofia Victory Awards and Gold Hands Awards include invitations to participate in artistic activities organised by the Competition, including gala concerts and special projects in subsequent editions.
    Participation in such activities is subject to availability, scheduling, and artistic planning by the Organiser.
    The Organiser reserves the right to modify the structure or presentation of awards if necessary for artistic or organisational reasons.
  1. GALA CONCERT PARTICIPATION
    Laureates invited to participate in gala concerts organised by the Competition will be informed in advance of the relevant dates and artistic conditions.
    Participation in these concerts forms part of the artistic recognition associated with the awards and does not constitute an additional competition round.
    Unless otherwise specified by the Organiser, invited participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
    No performance fee is provided for participation in these gala concerts.
  1. APPLICATION FEES
    Application fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, including withdrawal by the participant or disqualification due to non-compliance with Competition rules.
  1. USE OF RECORDINGS AND IMAGE RIGHTS
    By submitting an application, participants grant the Organiser the non-exclusive right to:
    · publish submitted recordings
    · reproduce audio and video materials
    · use photographs and biographical information
    · share excerpts on websites, social media platforms, and press materials
    · include materials in promotional and archival documentation
    These rights apply worldwide and without time limitation, exclusively for artistic, educational, and promotional purposes related to the Competition.
    Participants retain full ownership of their recordings.
  1. PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION
    Personal data provided by participants will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR).
    Personal data will be used exclusively for:
    · administration of the Competition
    · communication with participants
    · publication of results
    · promotional activities related to the Competition
    Participants may request access, correction, or deletion of their personal data at any time by contacting the Organiser.
    For minor participants, consent is provided by the parent or legal guardian.
  1. LIABILITY
    The Organiser is not responsible for:
    · technical failures affecting submission platforms
    · internet connectivity issues
    · incorrect or incomplete application materials
    · external circumstances beyond its control
    The Organiser reserves the right to modify dates, jury members, or organisational aspects of the Competition if necessary.
  1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
    Submission of an application constitutes full acceptance of:
    · the Competition Regulations
    · these Terms & Conditions
    · privacy policies
    · jury decisions
    Failure to comply with these provisions may result in disqualification.