Young Composers’ Competition in the Project “International Percussion Music Festival

PERCUSSION UKMERGĖ 2026″

I. COMPETITION ORGANIZERS

The competition is organized by the Public Institution “Jazz Academy“, the competition coordinators are the festival’s artistic director Arnas Mikalkėnas and the director of the Public Institution “Jazz Academy“ Daiva Masaitytė.

Competition partners – “International Percussion Music Festival PERCUSSION UKMERGĖ 2026“, Lithuanian Composers’ Union, Lithuanian Council for Culture, Ukmerge District Municipality, Ukmerge Cultural Center.

II. GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

1. To encourage the creation of young composers for percussion instruments.

2. To create conditions for young composers for creative self-expression and stage experience. To inspire creative dialogue between music performers, composers, and institutions, to promote long-term international cooperation to expand the repertoire for percussion instruments.

III. PLACE AND TIME

The final stage of the competition will be held on March 8, 2026, at the Ukmergė Art Gallery (Kauno st. 8, Ukmerge).

IV. Preliminary course of the competition:

1. International call for submission of sketches and ideas for works – from 2026 01 15 to 2026 02 15;

2. Selection of works from 2026 02 15 to 2026 02 18;

3. Preparation of works for presentation from 2026 02 18 to 2026 03 07;

4. Final stage of the competition, awards to the laureates, and concert 2026 03 08.

V. CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

Participants must be under 35 years of age

The composition must be from 10 min. to 15 min. Duration

Composers must follow the list of instruments listed in point VIII.

Works must be intended for percussion instruments only. Electronic means may not be used.

Upon receipt of applications and ideas for works, the organizers undertake to send the selection results to the participants by February 18, 2026, using the contacts specified in the electronic application.

VI. EVALUATION AND AWARDS

A competent committee of composers and educators will assess the selection of works. The assessment will take into account the originality of the idea, the choice of composition techniques, knowledge of percussion instruments, the ability to communicate in the language of music, persuasiveness, and the image.

The participants in the competition will be awarded diplomas and prizes: first place (500 euros), second place (350 euros), and third place (200 euros), as well as gifts from sponsors. The committee may also decide to award special prizes.

The decisions of the evaluation committee are final and undisputed.

VII. FINAL PROVISIONS

By applying, participants agree to the use of their personal data for the purposes of organizing, implementing and publicizing the competition.

The participants of the competition are responsible for their own travel and food expenses. The organizers reserve the right to change the competition regulations and undertake to inform the participants of the changes by February 15, 2026.

Information about the competition is provided by e-mail: arnasmika@gmail.com tel.: +370 67598076

VIII. LIST OF INSTRUMENTS

Marimba

Vibraphone

Solo drum

Snare drum (bass drum)

Toms

Small percussion