The Dr. Luis Sigall International Musical Performance Competition is one of Chile’s most prestigious classical music contests, held in Viña del Mar. The 49th edition, dedicated to the cello, will take place from October 4 to 10, 2025. Open to talented cellists from around the world, the competition includes online and live rounds, culminating in a final performance with the Symphony Orchestra of the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso. Winners will receive significant cash prizes and performance opportunities.
Awards:
First Prize “Izidor Handler” – USD $10,000, a trophy, and concert engagements, including a performance at the Semanas Musicales de Frutillar with the National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Chile.
Second Prize “Ilustre Municipalidad de Viña del Mar” – USD $4,000 and a trophy.
Third Prize “Corporación Cultural de Viña del Mar” – USD $2,000 and a trophy.
Additional concert and masterclass opportunities are awarded to the top winners.
Repertoire:
Participants must prepare a varied repertoire across three rounds.
First Stage (Online): Works by J.S. Bach (selected suites), a caprice by Alfredo Piatti, an étude by David Popper, and a virtuosic piece by composers like Tchaikovsky, Chopin, or Paganini.
Second Stage (Semifinal): A major sonata by Beethoven, Brahms, Britten, Shostakovich, or Prokofiev, plus a compulsory Chilean composition.
Final Stage: One concerto for cello and orchestra, chosen from composers like Dvořák, Haydn, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, or Shostakovich, to be performed with the Symphony Orchestra of the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso.
More details: https://www.culturaviva.cl/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bases_SIGALL2025_compressed.pdf