Category: Bands
This category includes the large variety of bands, including Symphonic Bands, Concert Bands and Big Bands.
The compulsory piece in this category may be performed in its original version or as an arrangement adapted to the ensemble's instrumentation. Arrangements need to be presented to the Artistic Office of the Festival pro to the application of the band.
Bands may choose to take part in the SCL Competition or in the SCL Celebration.
SCL Competition
- The opening ceremony (Konzerthaus)
- 2 workshops at the University of Music and one additional lecture
- 2 additional concerts in and around Vienna
- 1 performance before the jury in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein
- If chosen by the jury: concert in the evening Gala Winners’ Concert in the Konzerthaus
- Closing ceremony in Vienna’s Town Hall
Within a maximum time period of 20 to 25 minutes the participants are required to present the following pieces to the jury:
- the compulsory piece (see below);
- one piece by a composer of the ensemble's home country;
- additional piece(s) required in order to reach the minimum playing time, to be freely chosen.
The SCL Jury evaluates the ensembles upon a transparent catalogue of criteria. The following criteria are observed and rated:
- Technical criteria = intonation, rhythm, dynamics, ensemble playing. (A maximum of 14 points can be reached)
- Musical-artistic criteria = phrasing, expressivity, spontaneity (Max 14 points)
- Overall artistic impression (Max 6 points)
- Program selection (Max 6 points)
Depending on the rating of the Jury the ensemble and its participants will be awarded with a certificate which lists the result: Outstanding, Excellent, Good or Participated.
| Outstanding: | 30 - 40 Points |
| Excellent: | 20 - 29 Points |
| Good: | 10 - 19 Points |
| Participated: | 0 - 9 Points |
The ensembles will be provided with a summarized feedback from the whole jury, the result of the competition (Outstanding, Excellent, Good or Participated) and the rank in their category. However, the points and the individual points of the respective criteria or the individual jury member will not be revealed.
SCL Celebration
- The opening ceremony (Konzerthaus)
- 2 workshops at the University of Music and one additional lecture
- 2 additional concerts in and around Vienna
- 1 performance in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein
- Closing ceremony in Vienna’s Town Hall
Within a maximum time period of 20 minutes the participants may present their freely chosen program on stage.
Your program for the additional concerts should be around 25-55 minutes. The program can be freely chosen, it can also include all or parts of your competition / celebration program and/or your workshop pieces.
Compulsory Pieces for the competition:
Compulsory Pieces for the SCL Festival 2024
Compulsory Pieces for the SCL Festival 2025
Workshop Pieces 2024:
All Bands taking part in the Competition shall prepare the compulsory piece for the first workshop. For the second workshop, you may choose a piece from your additional program. This piece needs to be confirmed by the Artistic Director.
All Bands taking part in the Celebration may choose one piece from their Musikverein program and one piece from their additional concert program. These pieces need to be confirmed by the Artistic Director.
