A contest like no other: the CIM Concerto Competition

Unlike those who take part in it, the CIM Concerto Competition has few rivals, here or anywhere. 

Not only is the fall edition of the event on Nov. 22 open to all musicians and only to CIM students. Within the realm of CIM, it and its spring-semester counterpart also stand alone, offering young artists a unique crucible in which to test their mettle.  

Success at a CIM Concerto Competition “gives you a leaping start,” said violin faculty Olga Dubossarskaya Kaler, a member of the jury. “It remains a part of you. You’ll always remember it.”  

Success, of course, is in the eye of the beholder.  

For some contestants, it’s all about taking first prize. And no wonder. In addition to special prestige, the winner enjoys the chance to perform his or her concerto with the CIM Orchestra, at Severance Music Center or the future Kulas Hall.  

To those players, victory means “everything,” Kaler said. “You just feel this pure joy. And that vote of confidence from the jury, it’s an extraordinary experience. I would say it’s the happiest and most satisfying performance.”  

Winning, though, isn’t everything, and all those who don’t win certainly aren’t losers. Not here at CIM.  

Indeed, from a CIM Concerto Competition, all participants earn something. Maybe it’s a runner-up finish. Maybe it’s a critical word of advice. Maybe it’s a tip that leads to victory next time, or elsewhere.  

“You have to be prepared to receive honest feedback, but if you listen [to the jurors], you can learn a lot,” Kaler said. “What they say may bring you a step or two closer to the result you’re seeking.”  

Some of those steps it’s possible to take on one’s own, before the contest. While every member of the jury has his or her own area of expertise, certain universal standards apply.  

Whether the instrument is violin, piano, voice, or harp almost doesn’t matter, Kaler said. She and her fellow jurors are all looking for the same thing: personality.   

Technical mastery is expected, Kaler said, along with stage presence and the ability to play with an orchestra. What they seek, therefore, is something beyond that, a voice that shines through the music.  

In that one respect, CIM Concerto Competitions compare to other events, and to the field of music in general.  

“I want to hear someone who has respect for the written work, but also an individual take,” Kaler said. “I want to hear personal sounds and colors, a treatment that is uniquely theirs. It’s a very tall order.” 

Friday, November 22  

3:30pm | Mixon Hall  

Fall Concerto Competition