Master Competition

Please note: For further details, please refer to the competition rules.

a - Video preselection : 

Free program of minimum 13 minutes and maximum 15 minutes, including a Virtuoso Etude, to be submitted by May 1, 2025.

Video recording conditions  

• It's important to pay particular attention to the quality of the video recording. The video must be produced without cuts, in a fixed shot, with the candidate's face and hands clearly visible at all times, and without special effects such as zooms and the like. Preference should be given to sound quality.
• Any type of editing or manipulation of audio and video is prohibited and may result in disqualification.
• The two (2) works can be recorded at different times and then assembled into a single video, or it can be recorded entirely without a break between one piece and the other. It is also possible to submit parts of works individually, for example the 1st movement alone of a sonata.
• All videos must be recent (2023/2024/2025).
• The video is not necessarily intended to be recorded in a professional studio, but can also be recorded in a domestic environment.
• By submitting your entry, you automatically authorize the Contest organization to use this video for purposes related to the Contest: sending the videos to the jurors and publishing the videos on the site and on social networks.
• Entries must be sent to the competition email address: samsonfrancoiscompetition@gmail.com with a Youtube or Vimeo or other link, or using file transfer tools for example. In all cases, the name of the file or link must include the candidate's first and last name.

30 candidates will be selected for the semi-final on Wednesday July 2 and Thursday July 3, 2025 in Cagnes-sur-Mer.

b - Semi-final : 

Free program of minimum 25 minutes and maximum 30 minutes, including a piece or set of pieces by Chopin lasting at least 7 minutes. This semi-final will take place live in Cagnes-sur-Mer (France) according to the set schedule.

The program provided is subject to change until June 1, 2025. Requests for program changes should be sent by e-mail to samsonfrancoiscompetition@gmail.com . . No program changes will be accepted after this date.

c - Final : 

The final will take place on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Cagnes-sur-Mer. A maximum of five (5) candidates will be selected.

Recital program lasting a minimum of 50 minutes and a maximum of 55 minutes. Free program including a minimum of 10 minutes of pieces by Claude Debussy and/or Maurice Ravel and/or Gabriel Fauré. 

Nota : Works recorded for the pre-selection may be repeated for the semi-final or final. However, works played in the semi-final may not be repeated in the final. All works must be edited and played without score.