Ferdo Livadić competition ^23rd

The Ferdo Livadić international competition of young musicians is a key component of the Samobor Festival program, which consists of 6 concerts of competitive nature. The competition is intended for young musicians of all music disciplines, aged 28 or younger, turned in the year of the competition.
The participants perform in front of an audience and judges in an all-evening concert performance.

The application consists of: full name and surname of the candidate, postal address, e-mail address, and phone number. The application MUST include biography, high-resolution photo and program which the candidate will perform at the competition and a video recording with at least two compositions of varying character up to 15 minutes in duration (video not older than 12 months, recorded in one frame without additional editing, with high quality of sound). Compromised formats and generally poor audio and video recordings will not be accepted. In the case of an inadequate recording, the application will not be accepted. The recording does not need to include the compositions which candidates will apply for the competition. The organizer will not return the recordings.

All applications are to be sent via e-mail: sgj@samobor.hr until 25th of June, 2026.

Following the admission of all the applications, the judges will select up to six (6) participants. All candidates will be notified of the results within 15 days of the application closing date.

Participants will propose programmes of their own choice, but at least one composition by a Croatian composer is obligatory. The jury evaluates: artistic personality in programme selection and performance, choice of the composition of Croatian author, stage performance, communication with the audience, and overall realization of the recital.

The duration of the recital is up to 45 minutes.

All participants of the competition and artistic associates agree to participate, without payment, in live or recorded radio or TV broadcasts.

The ‘Ferdo Livadić’ Award for the best concert performance:

• 2.000 € gross
• 5 concert performances: Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Samobor Festival, Music evenings at St Donatus, Osor Music Festival and concert with Zagreb Soloists in 2027/28
• a new composition by Sanda Majurec (commissioned by SMF) for the winner of the Competition, which the winner will premiere at the Samobor Music Festival 2027

The Croatian Composers’ Society Award for the best performance of a piece written by a Croatian composer

• 1.000 € gross
• concert on Samobor Music Festival 2027

The Jury consists of six (6) members.

The jury consists of distinguished experts from various musical departments.

The Jury will elect a chairman amongst themselves. After the judging is complete, the chairman will write an explanation of the commission’s decision.