Call open: 23 September 2022

Application deadline: 31 October 2022

The results will be released by 31 December 2022

The project #synergy: Strengthening the Capacity of the Classical Music Industry in the Western Balkans, supported by the European Commission, through the Creative Europe programme, brings together important partners from six countries of the Western Balkans, that is, some of the biggest art festivals in the region: International Festival KotorArt – Don Branko's Music Days (Montenegro) – project leader, Dubrovnik Summer Festival (Croatia), Belgrade Festivals Centre (Serbia), Ljubljana Festival (Slovenia), Vox Baroque Festival (Albania) and Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina (Kosovo*).    

More information about the #synergy project and project partners can be found here.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

The competition is open to the following instruments or ensembles:

• String instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar
• Wind instruments: flute, voice
• Keyboard instruments: piano, accordion
• String trio (violin, viola and cello), piano trio (piano, violin and cello or piano, violin and viola)

Interested candidates should be:

• young unestablished musical performers (18+ years of age) who have several years of performing experience;
• citizens of Serbia or have a permanent residence in Serbia;
• able to travel in the region during May and from 15 July to 15 August 2023;
• open to cooperation and working with other artists and partners;
• have a good command of the English language;

* Experience in performing contemporary music is desirable. 

HOW TO APPLY?

To apply, you need to send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and the email addresses of local partners no later than 31 October:

• CV or biography with personal data and an overview of relevant information about the professional career so far;
• Audio or video recording of the performance of one or more compositions, lasting from 5 to 10 minutes (YouTube link or recording via WeTransfer or Google Drive platform, etc.). It is desirable that the recording contains pieces of contemporary music;
• Contact of the person who recommends you (required); letters of recommendation from music educators and professionals (optional);

*All documentation must be submitted in English.

Local contact for application for candidates from Serbia: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Candidates will be selected by an expert jury consisting of renowned experts in the domain of classical music from all countries participating in the project. The results will be released on the websites of the project and partners and on social networks by 31 December 2022. Selected candidates will also be notified by email. The details of the engagement and cooperation (rights and obligations of the performer and a detailed description and schedule of activities) of the selected candidates will be regulated by the Performance Agreement.

WHAT IS OFFERED TO SELECTED MUSIC PERFORMERS?

• the opportunity to learn and gain experience in performing contemporary music;
• participation in Montage Week in Žabljak (May 2023), where they will prepare together with selected composers new commissioned works;
• participation in the Teaser concert that will be organized during Montage Week;
• participation in the Festival Tour, which will consist of a total of 13 concerts, realized within the official programme of partner festivals (15 July – 15 August 2023);
• participation in various activities that will be organized in all countries of the project during the festival tour – festival concerts, rehearsals, guided tours, etc.;
• covered accommodation and travel expenses;
• minimum starting fee in the amount of 150 euros;
• a digital promotional package with pictures and short biographies for each participant, which will be digitally released and promoted;
• promotion on #synergy and partner websites and social networks, as well as within the regular promotional activities of all the festivals involved.

For any additional questions regarding this call, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY NOTICE

By applying to this call, you consent to the information provided in the application being stored on a computer or other relevant archiving systems and shared with other authorized organizations or persons involved in the project in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR 2018). Personal data will be processed and stored in accordance with the pertinent legal regulations. The provided information will be used exclusively for the needs of candidate selection. The names and short biographies of the selected candidates will be made public.