Ictus International Music Competition

Trumpet Competition | Orchestra Competition | Band Competition

Described by David Bilger of the Philadelphia Orchestra, as “democratizing music competitions,” Ictus Music was founded to make international music competitions more accessible through eliminating prohibitive travel costs, conference fees and visa issues. This is made possible through having the application and adjudication take place only online. It is not the intention of the competition to replace live music performance, but the competition hopes to increase the perception of classical music and music performance through this accessible international platform. In 2018, Ictus had bands, orchestras, and trumpet soloists apply from 13 countries and 13 U.S. States.

The competition maintains a high artistic standard through being judged by a jury composed of internationally renowned musicians. Ictus International Music Competition Jury members have played with or conducted some of the world’s leading orchestras and chamber ensembles including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Concertgebouw Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Canadian Brass, and more.

Additionally, Ictus International Music Competition has a strong educational focus. The competition’s website, social media, and YouTube channel provide a free resource to the public through video interviews and performances of the renowned musicians who serve as jury members. These interviews provide insights into those musicians careers, their beginning in music, practical tips on how to practice, what they listen for when adjudicating, how to audition for professional music jobs, and the future of classical music. The performance videos will serve in place of the traditional live concerts that most competitions have to showcase the jury.