International Nehama Lifshitz Vocal Competition
RULES
1. About the competition
1.1. Nehama Lifshitz (1927 – 2017) was a world-renowned Yiddish singer, often called “the Jewish Nightingale”, whose professional career as a singer started in Lithuania – in Kaunas and Vilnius. She became highly popular and famous throughout the former Soviet Union and on tours in the West.
1.2. The competition will take place on 2022 September 25-26 in Vilnius (Lithuania).
2. The aim of the competition
2.1. To popularize Jewish music, to seek out its most talented performers and composers and to continue cooperating with them.
2.2. We aim at helping creative young people in this field to realize their potential and to communicate with peers the world over.
3. Participants
- Group A 7-10 years old.
- Group B 11-15 years old.
- Group C 16-19 years old.
- Group D 20-30 years old.
4. Repertoire
4.1. Participants in groups A and B perform 2 songs (works):
- the first song is a Jewish song or song by a Jewish composer, or Jewish theme,
- the second is a work of free choice.
4.2. The total duration of both songs is no more than: 7 minutes in group A and 8 minutes in group B.
4.3. Participants of group C and D perform 3 songs (works):
- the first song is a Jewish song or song by a Jewish composer, or Jewish theme,
- the second and the third is a work of free choice.
4.4. The total duration of all 3 songs is no more than 12 minutes in group C and 15 min in group D.
4.5. Participants can find Jewish songs here. Participants are welcome to choose songs from other sources too.
4.6. We recommend created specially for the competition the ballad of Giedrius Kuprevičius “Vilnius Streets” based on the poem Yidishe Geslekh (Jewish Streets) written by Vilnius-based poet Leyb Stotsky (Jewish Streets) for Group C (short version here) and Group D (full version here).
5. Language
5.1. Participants can perform songs in all languages.
5.2. The Jury can award an additional up to 3 points for performing the song in Yiddish.
5.3. Consultations on Yiddish pronunciation will be published separately (for registered participants).
6. Performance
6.1. The performance of the songs is acoustic, performed live without sound amplification and without electronic musical instruments.
6.2. Soloist can be accompanied only by one acoustic musical instrument: piano, guitar, accordion or others. He/she is free to use any musical instrument.
6.3. One song can be performed a cappella – without accompaniment.
6.4. Soloist can participate with his/her accompanist or ask the organizer for concertmaster free of charge for one rehearsal and participation in the competition. The cost of the additional rehearsal – 30 €.
6.5. The order of the participant’s songs depends on a choice of the participant. It will not be possible to change this procedure later.
6.6. Microphones will be used for recordings in order to obtain better recording quality for the webcast.
7. Application and registration
7.1. The Registration form can be filled in online or downloaded from here.
7.2. Participants who arrive to the competition must sign the Registration form for participation in the competition and present an identity document.
7.3. The registration fee is EUR 30 for Group A and B participants and EUR 50 for Group C and D participants. There is no refund for those who do not enter the competition.
7.4. The fee is non-refundable.
7.5. Applications are accepted until 2022. July 15.
7.6. Within two weeks of receipt of the applications, the organizing committee will inform each participant about his/her registration for the competition.
8. Evaluation of participants
- musical, vocal literacy, purity, clarity and professionalism;
- creativity of the performance;
- stage image;
- quality of performance and artistic level.
- up to 3 points are awarded for performing a song in Yiddish;
- up to 3 points may be awarded for the performance of G. Kuprevičius’ ballad “Vilnius Streets”;
- additional 1 point in each category one participant can be awarded by the chairman of the Jury.
9. Awards
| A group | B group | |||
| Soloists | Vocal pedagogues | Soloists | Vocal pedagogues | |
| I place – 200 Eur | 100 Eur | I place – 250 Eur | 125 Eur | |
| II place – 150 Eur | 75 Eur | II place – 200 Eur | 100 Eur | |
| III place – 100 Eur | 50 Eur | III place – 150 Eur | 75 Eur | |
.
| C group | D group | |||
| Soloists | Vocal pedagogues | Soloists | Vocal pedagogues | |
| I place – 300 Eur | 150 Eur | I place – 400 Eur | 200 Eur | |
| II place – 250 Eur | 125 Eur | II place – 300 Eur | 150 Eur | |
| III place – 200 Eur | 100 Eur | III place – 250 Eur | 125 Eur | |
.
9.2. Winners of 4-6 places will be awarded diplomas.
9.3. Nominations:
- In groups A and B – The best performance of a Yiddish song.
- In groups C and D – The best performance of Giedrius Kuprevičius ballad. “Vilnius streets”.
- The best concertmaster of the competition.
9.4. Prizes:
- Nehama Lifshitz daughter’s Roza Litay prizes.
- Lithuanian Jewish (Litvak) Community Prize.
- Sponsor prizes.
9.5. Jury has the right:
- To give the same place to few participants. In this case, the cash prize is distributed evenly.
- To give no nomination or prize.
9.6. The decisions of the Jury are final and not subject to appeal.
9.7. Diplomas and prizes will be awarded at the Closing ceremony of the competition or sent to participants by post.
10. Obligation of the winners
Obligation of all the winners and the winners of nominations and the special prizes is to take part in the ceremony at the Closing of the competition.
11. Accommodation and travel expenses
11.1. Participants cover their own and accompanying person’s travel and accommodation expenses.
11.2. The organizers can offer accommodation in Vilnius city in the guest house or in the hotel.
12. Visas
Participants who need visas to come to the Republic of Lithuanian must inform organizers before 1 of March 2022 by email nechama@competition.lt
13. We offer
- Thematic excursion “Lithuanian Jerusalem”. The tour can be in Yiddish, Hebrew, Lithuanian, English or Russian;
- Meeting at Sholom Aleichem ORT gymnasium;
- Meeting in the Lithuanian Jewish community;
- Meeting at the Lithuanian Museum of Jewish history.
14. Consent of the participant
14.1. By completing the registration form participant agree that their personal information, such as name, photo, creative biography, and program may be published online, in the competition catalog, and in other sources.
By completing the registration form participant agree that their performance is broadcasted online or/and TV.
14.2. The organizers of the competition ensure that the personal data of the participants are used only for the purposes of the competition.
14.3. Information about the Privacy Policy can be found at here.
15. Organizers
Public institution „Pro partners“ www.propartners.lt;
Support Fund of Nehama Lifshitz International Vocal Competition.
16. Rights of organizers
- To broadcast the competition on television channels and the Internet or give the right to do so to others;
- To produce and distribute audio and video or other promotional material of all kinds;
- To use or allow others to use the promotional material provided by the participant;
- To dispose of records made during the competition free of charge;
- Not to pay royalties for the performances of participants.
17. Contacts
For general questions – Elijus Romanovas, competition director, +370 698 20711, nechama@competition.lt
Rolandas Aidukas, coordinator + 370 67315956, rolandas.aidukas@gmail.com
Information on the Internet – www.competition.lt
18. Payment details
Name: Tarptautinio Nechamos Lifsicaites vokalistu konkurso paramos fondas
Address: Vytauto g.25, LT-08119 Vilnius
Bank: AB SEB Bank
Swift: CBVILT2X
IBAN: LT897044090100884848;
Purpose of payment: participant’s Name, Surname registration fee.