The V International Music Competition-Laboratory of Alice Gitsba is recruiting
JulY 2026 - June 2027
RULES FOR THE ORGANISATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC
ALISA GITSBA COMPETITION-Laboratory
1.1. These Regulations set out the objectives, content, thematic areas and categories of participants for the ‘5th International Music Alisa Gitsba Competition-Laboratory’ project (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Competition-Laboratory’)
2.1. The Competition-Laboratory aims to identify and support young performers aged between 18 and 45, who will take part in an informal educational programme and gain experience of participating in a competition. The best performers will take part in a series of final concerts across Russia and Abkhazia.
The aim of the competition-laboratory is to create high-quality non-formal educational and creative conditions at an international level for identifying and supporting representatives of academic performing arts (organisation of a musical competition-laboratory within the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia) and to provide support and information on opportunities and prospects for further development (organising a competition within the project and staging concert performances until June 2027 across regions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia).
2.2. Objectives of the competition-laboratory:
The aim of the competition-laboratory is to create high-quality non-formal educational and creative conditions at an international level for identifying and supporting representatives of academic performing arts (organisation of a musical competition-laboratory within the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia) and to provide support and information on opportunities and prospects for further development (organising a competition within the project and staging concert performances until June 2027 across regions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia).
2.2. Objectives of the competition-laboratory:
- To inform representatives of the project’s target audiences about development opportunities by organising an educational, creative and communicative environment for young, talented leaders in the field of academic vocal art; through participation in the laboratory’s theoretical and practical programme; and by providing opportunities to enhance their creative potential;
- To engage the project’s target audiences in non-formal educational activities and immerse them in a simulated competitive environment;
- To create the necessary conditions for showcasing the achievements of the project’s target audiences by organising concert performances by identified talented performers within the territory of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Abkhazia, and countries both near and far abroad.
3.1. Venues: Moscow, Sukhum, St Petersburg, Tver and others.
3.2. The competition-laboratory events will take place from September 2026 to June 2027.
3.2. The competition-laboratory events will take place from September 2026 to June 2027.
4.1. The founder of the competition-laboratory is Alisa Gitsba, Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation, People’s Artist of the Republic of Abkhazia and Recipient of the Order of ‘Honour and Glory’, 2nd class (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Founder’), with the support of Rosatom Energosbyt JSC
4.2. Co-founders:
4.2.1. The Government of the Republic of Abkhazia;
4.2.2. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Abkhazia.
4.2. Co-founders:
4.2.1. The Government of the Republic of Abkhazia;
4.2.2. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Abkhazia.
5.1. Representatives of academic performing arts, aged 18-45, from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia;
5.2. Professionals in the field of classical vocal art from the Russian Federation, the Republic of Abkhazia and countries both near and far abroad (Honoured Artists, students at universities and music colleges, soloists from leading specialist cultural institutions, and teachers);
5.3. Beneficiaries: residents and visitors to Moscow, St Petersburg, Tver and Sukhum (Abkhazia).
5.2. Professionals in the field of classical vocal art from the Russian Federation, the Republic of Abkhazia and countries both near and far abroad (Honoured Artists, students at universities and music colleges, soloists from leading specialist cultural institutions, and teachers);
5.3. Beneficiaries: residents and visitors to Moscow, St Petersburg, Tver and Sukhum (Abkhazia).
6.1. The Organising Committee is responsible for coordinating all activities of the competition-laboratory. The Organising Committee is composed of representatives of the Founder and specialists in the subject areas of the categories and the competition-laboratory.
6.2. For the purposes of assessing the competition entries and determining the participants for the final event, the Organising Committee of the Competition-Laboratory appoints a jury for the Competition-laboratory. The jury comprises renowned musicians and distinguished figures in the arts and culture.
6.3. LABORATORY JURY MEMBERS:
6.2. For the purposes of assessing the competition entries and determining the participants for the final event, the Organising Committee of the Competition-Laboratory appoints a jury for the Competition-laboratory. The jury comprises renowned musicians and distinguished figures in the arts and culture.
6.3. LABORATORY JURY MEMBERS:
- Evaluates the entries submitted to the competition-laboratory, and issues expert opinions and recommendations based on the results of the competition-laboratory’s remote and in-person events.
- The jury may, at its discretion, stop a participant during an audition;
- The jury’s decision is final and not subject to review.
- Each participant in the competition-laboratory may receive an expert assessment of their performance from any member of the jury
7.1. The International Music Alisa Gitsba Competition-Laboratory will take place from September 2026 to 30 June 2027 and will comprise competition rounds, an informal educational programme, and gala concerts featuring the competition’s laureates and winners.
Stages of implementation:
Stage 1 (September 2026): the first selection round based on video submissions – viewing and initial assessment of the video material by experts (the jury), and drawing up a list of at least 100 participants for Stage 2.
Stage 2 (October 2026) – implementation of the non-formal educational programme (meetings, workshops, masterclasses, a press conference, offline events and the final of the International Music Alisa Gitsba Competition-Laboratory held as part of the competition). Announcement of the competition results and presentation of awards to the winners.
12 October – 15 October 2026 – the final, Moscow: draw, live auditions (on stage).
Competition-Laboratory events: masterclasses, lectures, themed meetings, in-person events with online broadcasts, etc. (travel expenses and accommodation in Moscow are to be covered by the Competition-Laboratory participants or the sending organisation).
27 October 2026 – a celebratory gala concert marking the 5th anniversary of the Competition-Laboratory, Republic of Abkhazia, Sukhum, on the stage of the S. Chanba Abkhaz State Drama Theatre, accompanied by the Abkhaz State Chamber Orchestra. Accommodation and travel expenses to Abkhazia shall be covered by the host organisation.
Stage 3 (November 2026–June 2027) – organisation and staging of winners’ concerts and masterclasses in Abkhazia and across the regions of Russia.
Stage 3 (November 2025 - June 2026) – arrange and hold concerts in Abkhazia and the regions across Russia.
7.2. The competition rounds of the Competition-laboratory will take place in three categories: ‘Solo Opera Singing’, ‘Chamber Vocal Performance’ and ‘The Art of Accompaniment’.
7.2.1. Category ‘Solo Opera Singing’, age group: 18 to 45 , inclusive.
7.2.2. Category: ‘Chamber Vocal Performance’, age group: 18 to 45 years inclusive.
7.2.3. Category: ‘The Art of Accompaniment’ (accompanists), age category: 18 to 45 years inclusive.
7.3. Auditions will be held at all stages. The format of the auditions and their rounds are set out in the Laboratory Regulations.
Stages of implementation:
Stage 1 (September 2026): the first selection round based on video submissions – viewing and initial assessment of the video material by experts (the jury), and drawing up a list of at least 100 participants for Stage 2.
Stage 2 (October 2026) – implementation of the non-formal educational programme (meetings, workshops, masterclasses, a press conference, offline events and the final of the International Music Alisa Gitsba Competition-Laboratory held as part of the competition). Announcement of the competition results and presentation of awards to the winners.
12 October – 15 October 2026 – the final, Moscow: draw, live auditions (on stage).
Competition-Laboratory events: masterclasses, lectures, themed meetings, in-person events with online broadcasts, etc. (travel expenses and accommodation in Moscow are to be covered by the Competition-Laboratory participants or the sending organisation).
27 October 2026 – a celebratory gala concert marking the 5th anniversary of the Competition-Laboratory, Republic of Abkhazia, Sukhum, on the stage of the S. Chanba Abkhaz State Drama Theatre, accompanied by the Abkhaz State Chamber Orchestra. Accommodation and travel expenses to Abkhazia shall be covered by the host organisation.
Stage 3 (November 2026–June 2027) – organisation and staging of winners’ concerts and masterclasses in Abkhazia and across the regions of Russia.
Stage 3 (November 2025 - June 2026) – arrange and hold concerts in Abkhazia and the regions across Russia.
7.2. The competition rounds of the Competition-laboratory will take place in three categories: ‘Solo Opera Singing’, ‘Chamber Vocal Performance’ and ‘The Art of Accompaniment’.
7.2.1. Category ‘Solo Opera Singing’, age group: 18 to 45 , inclusive.
7.2.2. Category: ‘Chamber Vocal Performance’, age group: 18 to 45 years inclusive.
7.2.3. Category: ‘The Art of Accompaniment’ (accompanists), age category: 18 to 45 years inclusive.
7.3. Auditions will be held at all stages. The format of the auditions and their rounds are set out in the Laboratory Regulations.
8.1. Video materials for the first stage of the competition-laboratory must be submitted electronically by 30 September 2026 by completing the form, together with a link to the folder containing: the application form (Appendix No. 1A, No. 1B), the consent form for the processing of personal data (Appendix No. 2) and the full set of documents (Appendix No. 3).
8.2. At this stage, the participants for the second stage of the event are selected.
8.3. The results of the application selection stage and the lists of those who have progressed to the second stage of the competition-laboratory shall be published online on the official page of the competition-laboratory on VKontakte and on other digital platforms no later than 5 October 2026.
8.4. Upon prior request, a participant in the Competition-laboratory may be provided with an on-duty accompanist/vocalist-illustrator. In this case, the sheet music must be sent by 30 September 2025 in electronic form to the Competition-laboratory’s email address: gitsba-competition@mail.ru .
8.5. An organisational fee is payable to take part in the Competition-laboratory:
8.6. Participants will be admitted to the competition rounds upon payment of the organisational fee and presentation of a screenshot of the payment (to be sent by email together with the application pack). Participants who have not paid the organisational fee will not be admitted to the auditions.
8.7. Participation in masterclasses (active) costs 3,500 roubles (three thousand five hundred roubles) with the participant’s own accompanist. If necessary, by personal arrangement with the competition’s on-duty accompanist, an additional fee of 1,000 roubles (one thousand) applies. No fee is charged for passive participation.
8.8. Services of the on-duty accompanist (for the ‘Opera Singing’ category) are subject to agreement with the participant (2,000 roubles). The fee includes one rehearsal and a performance at the competition audition. Should an additional rehearsal be required, this is subject to agreement with the accompanist.
8.2. At this stage, the participants for the second stage of the event are selected.
8.3. The results of the application selection stage and the lists of those who have progressed to the second stage of the competition-laboratory shall be published online on the official page of the competition-laboratory on VKontakte and on other digital platforms no later than 5 October 2026.
8.4. Upon prior request, a participant in the Competition-laboratory may be provided with an on-duty accompanist/vocalist-illustrator. In this case, the sheet music must be sent by 30 September 2025 in electronic form to the Competition-laboratory’s email address: gitsba-competition@mail.ru .
8.5. An organisational fee is payable to take part in the Competition-laboratory:
- participation in Round I: 3,000 roubles per category;
- participation in the final: 5,000 roubles per category.
8.6. Participants will be admitted to the competition rounds upon payment of the organisational fee and presentation of a screenshot of the payment (to be sent by email together with the application pack). Participants who have not paid the organisational fee will not be admitted to the auditions.
8.7. Participation in masterclasses (active) costs 3,500 roubles (three thousand five hundred roubles) with the participant’s own accompanist. If necessary, by personal arrangement with the competition’s on-duty accompanist, an additional fee of 1,000 roubles (one thousand) applies. No fee is charged for passive participation.
8.8. Services of the on-duty accompanist (for the ‘Opera Singing’ category) are subject to agreement with the participant (2,000 roubles). The fee includes one rehearsal and a performance at the competition audition. Should an additional rehearsal be required, this is subject to agreement with the accompanist.
9.1. Based on the results of the auditions, prizes, awards and special prizes will be presented;
9.2. The Grand Prix is a single, indivisible prize awarded to a single participant;
9.3. All other prizes are awarded separately in each category, at the discretion of the jury.
9.4. Prizes may be shared amongst participants. A certificate of participation is awarded to all contestants who took part in both the second and third rounds.
9.5. Special prizes for participants in the competition-laboratory are also provided for, at the discretion of the jury.
9.6. Winners of the Competition-laboratory undertake to take part in the competition’s Gala Concert free of charge. Furthermore, laureates and diploma holders of the Competition-laboratory in all categories are required to perform at two or three concerts during the 2026–2027 concert season in various regions of Russia (those unable to participate for a valid reason may be rescheduled to alternative dates). Refusal to take part in the concerts without a valid reason may result in sanctions, including the forfeiture of the prize money and the title of Competition-Laboratory laureate.
A special programme has been organised for the competition finalists as an incentive: masterclasses led by distinguished cultural figures, lectures by performing artists, special rewards and invitations to exclusive events. The competition-laboratory’s special programme provides specific recommendations on performance style, principles and key aspects of lyrics and music. This will constitute the main objective of passing on traditional knowledge to our performers from renowned musicians who have represented Russian art on various international stages..
9.2. The Grand Prix is a single, indivisible prize awarded to a single participant;
9.3. All other prizes are awarded separately in each category, at the discretion of the jury.
9.4. Prizes may be shared amongst participants. A certificate of participation is awarded to all contestants who took part in both the second and third rounds.
9.5. Special prizes for participants in the competition-laboratory are also provided for, at the discretion of the jury.
9.6. Winners of the Competition-laboratory undertake to take part in the competition’s Gala Concert free of charge. Furthermore, laureates and diploma holders of the Competition-laboratory in all categories are required to perform at two or three concerts during the 2026–2027 concert season in various regions of Russia (those unable to participate for a valid reason may be rescheduled to alternative dates). Refusal to take part in the concerts without a valid reason may result in sanctions, including the forfeiture of the prize money and the title of Competition-Laboratory laureate.
A special programme has been organised for the competition finalists as an incentive: masterclasses led by distinguished cultural figures, lectures by performing artists, special rewards and invitations to exclusive events. The competition-laboratory’s special programme provides specific recommendations on performance style, principles and key aspects of lyrics and music. This will constitute the main objective of passing on traditional knowledge to our performers from renowned musicians who have represented Russian art on various international stages..
The Competition-laboratory is funded through raised funds and subsidies intended for other purposes. Expenditure on the organisation and running of the Programme is allocated in accordance with the approved budget.
Yulia Gerasimova +7 (999) 524-17-39
Raf Gadzhiev +7 (919) 924-52-97
The Organising Committee publishes all information on the official website and the competition-lab’s social media pages: the schedule, time, venue, results of auditions, etc.
Raf Gadzhiev +7 (919) 924-52-97
The Organising Committee publishes all information on the official website and the competition-lab’s social media pages: the schedule, time, venue, results of auditions, etc.
Application Form for Participation in the 2026 Competition-Lab
Applications are accepted until September 30, 2026 (inclusive).
Please review the list of required documents (Appendix No. 3) and consolidate all materials into a single folder on your digital drive.
For participation in multiple categories, the form must be submitted again (the link to the materials should be duplicated).
Please review the list of required documents (Appendix No. 3) and consolidate all materials into a single folder on your digital drive.
For participation in multiple categories, the form must be submitted again (the link to the materials should be duplicated).
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