Faced with the multitude of competitions and the number of prizes awarded by some of them, Jean-Marie Fournier wanted to create a different kind of competition, with just one winner.From Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 October 2018, Salle Garnier de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo
A high-level competition
To create a competition for talented artists who have previously reached the finals of international contests: this is the aim behind Monaco's Monte-Carlo Music Masters, a music competition established in 1989 by Jean-Marie Fournier, who also owns the Salle Gaveau in Paris. The competition is modelled on sporting events which pit the world's best athletes against each other.
A small number of competitors
The competitors in each of the three categories – piano, voice and violin – face some extremely strict criteria. In addition to being international competition finalists, they must have an extensive and varied repertoire (consisting of between 4 and 5 hours of music) and prove that they have the determination required to compete in a rapid succession of highly-competitive rounds..
A single, unique prize
To avoid any confusion between the winner and the other competitors, a single, unique prize is awarded at the end of the competition: the Prince Rainier
III Prize with a value of €30,000. The winner will also be given the opportunity to undertake a concert tour performing in venues across France and abroad. Just one artist is rewarded in each competition, but all unsuccessful competitors, even finalists, are free to enter the competition again.
A multidisciplinary jury
Rather than being made up uniquely of soloists or teachers who tend to favour their own students, the jury also includes concert performers, festival directors, critics and even a "non-professional", representing the public, whose vote carries the same weight as those of the other members of the jury.
Allowing enough time to reveal talent
To ensure that competitors have sufficient time to showcase every aspect of their talent, the first round is similar to a real recital.
Following pre-selection rounds in different countries, the shortlisted competitors will take part in three tests in Monte-Carlo:
Quarter final
Tuesday 2 October 2018, from 10 am
Free entry.
Semi final
Wednesday 3 October, from 2 pm
The 2 finalists will be selected during this test.
Ticket price (flat rate) €25
Final
Saturday 6 October, at 8 pm
With the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Yoko Matsuo
Presentation: Alain Duault
Tickets range from €20 to €200