Just playing an instrument is fun, but sometimes you want to test your skills...
So this time we will be introducing the mandolin competitions currently being held in Japan!
We will post links to each sponsoring organization, so please take a look!
〇Solo/ensemble
"Japan Mandolin Solo Competition"
Sponsored by: Japan Mandolin Federation
Participation qualifications: no restrictions
The most famous competition with a long history and tradition, held since 1968. Past winners include the names of professional mandolinists, making it a true gateway to becoming a professional.
Although it is a long-established competition, there are no restrictions on eligibility such as age, and anyone from any age can take part.
It is held every other year, and although it was postponed in 2020, the 27th second qualifying round and final round are scheduled to be held on November 28, 2021.
*The 27th 1st round recording screening has ended.
Link:
General incorporated association - japanmandolinunion page!
"Tohoku Mandolin Solo Competition & Ensemble Competition"
Sponsored by: Japan Mandolin Federation Tohoku Branch
Eligibility: No restrictions (Solo A category)
There is a solo A section for the general public, a solo B section for university sophomores living in Tohoku and below, and an ensemble competition for Tohoku-based groups, and the most recent one was held in July 2021.
The event will be held in Tohoku, but in Category A, even those who do not live in Tohoku can participate.
*There may be exceptions if there are a large number of participants.
Link:
"Kyushu Branch Solo Competition"
Sponsored by: Japan Mandolin Federation Kyushu Branch
Participation qualifications: no restrictions
This is a historic competition that will be held for the 37th time in 2020, and you don't have to live in Kyushu to participate. In addition to mandolin , you can also participate with mandola, mandoroncello, and mandolute ( lute moderno), and only one free piece will be judged.
Link:
Japan Mandolin Federation Kyushu Branch
Although it has not been held in recent years, many overseas mandolinists participated and won prizes at the ``ARTE International Mandolin Festival & Competition'' sponsored by the NPO Arte Mandolinistica.
Link:
International Competition | ARTE MANDOLINISTICA Official Website
〇Ensemble
"National High School Guitar and Mandolin Music Competition"
Sponsor: All Japan Guitar and Mandolin Music Promotion Association
Participation qualifications: High school club activities (5 or more people)
*Must be recommended by a local competition or pass a recording screening.
A national tournament for high school guitar and mandolin clubs is held in Osaka every year.
Until 2012, it was called the "National High School Guitar Mandolin Festival," but it changed to its current format in 2013.
Regional tournaments are also held as preliminary rounds, and there are six tournaments: Hiroshima, Hyogo, Keihan, Tokai, Gunma, and Nagano.
It is the largest mandolin competition in terms of size and number of participants, and is attracting a lot of attention, and is also known as the ``Koshien of Mandolin .''
Link:
All Japan High School Guitar and Mandolin Music Promotion Association
Also, although this competition has not been held in recent years, the ``National Mandolin Ensemble Contest'' sponsored by the NPO Arte Mandolinistica has a student division and a general division, so you can participate even if you are not a student.
Link:
ARTE MANDOLINISTICA official website
*Tournament regulations are subject to change.
Please check the linked page for details.
This time we introduced the major mandolin competitions!
The great thing about mandolin competitions is that most of them have no entry restrictions, so anyone can take part at any time.
If you are interested, please take the first step!
Author: Ken Natori
