Hugo Breitner Society - Fidelio competition

What the Fidelio competition offers

You will win a one-off scholarship worth 800 EUR as a soloist or 1,500 EUR per ensemble. Six scholarships will be awarded in each of the two categories as part of the competition. In addition, an audience prize worth 1,500 euros will be awarded, as voted for by the audience. If you are entering the ‘Performance’ category, the winners will also receive a performance slot at the ‘Pitten Classics’ festival as well as coaching from a professional artists’ agency. The best soloist or ensemble from both categories can win the major annual Fidelio Scholarship worth 5,400 EUR. The competition is organised by the Hugo Breitner Society to support young artists at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna (MUK).

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are a student at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna (MUK).
• Ensembles: At least half of a group's members must be MUK students. In duets and for soloists, everyone must be a MUK student. Soloists can only enter the Kreation category.
• Field of study: Open to every genre, including new music, classical, jazz, dance, acting and performance.
• Nationality, age, income: There are no restrictions. Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply; there is no upper age limit and you do not need to prove financial need. If you are younger than 18, you will need the written consent of a parent or guardian.
• Repeat entries: You may enter the competition more than once, but no more than three times with the same ensemble. If you have already won, you may only enter the competition again with a new programme.

How to apply

Entries must be submitted by email by the deadline, which is at the beginning of November (on 5 November for the 2019 round). Both categories will be conducted in three stages: a preliminary round, which will be judged by MUK lecturers; a main round, which will be judged by an external jury comprising artists and cultural managers; and a final performance in front of an audience, who will award their own prize.

How realistic are your chances?

As only MUK students are eligible to apply, the pool of applicants is small from the outset. With six scholarships available per category, the chances of success within this group are certainly realistic. The quality and originality of your performance are the deciding factors. If you are enrolled at the MUK and can put together a compelling programme, this scholarship is a realistic goal.