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FAQ Cesti

Homepage • Cesti Competition • FAQ Cesti
Application
What repertoire should the video/audio recording for the preselection contain?

Only arias / solo scenes from operas, oratorios and secular cantatas are allowed. The selected arias / solo scenes must be by composers who were active between 1600 and 1750. Arias by composers who were predominantly active during this period are also allowed, even if they were composed outside of this time frame. You can find some examples of possible composers in the Competition Rules (Article 14).

Can a recording for the preliminary round be submitted without the recitative?

Please note that for the recording for the preliminary round — as well as in the live rounds — in arias with a preceding solo recitative, the recitative must be included.

Can the video/audio recording for the preselection be changed?

A change of the recording for the preselection is possible until the application deadline (31.05.2025) on the application platform.

Does the recording for the preselection have to be sung on 415 or 440 hz and with harpsichord, as in the competition?

No, it can be sung in any instrumentation and pitch.

What should be considered when selecting arias for the 1st and 2nd round?

Only arias / solo scenes from operas, oratorios and secular cantatas are allowed. The selected arias / solo scenes must be by composers who were active between 1600 and 1750. Arias by composers who were predominantly active during this period are also allowed, even if they were composed outside of this time frame. You can find some examples of possible composers in the Competition Rules (Article 14).

Are arias from oratorios allowed?

Yes, arias from oratorios may also be sung.

Can arias from madrigals also be sung?

No, arias from madrigals are not permitted.

Are there specific guidelines regarding the duration of the arias?

The arias are to be selected in such a way that the performance time does not exceed five minutes in the 1st round and ten minutes in the 2nd round.

Can an aria from the repertoire list for the final also be sung in one of the other rounds?

Yes, a final aria may also be sung in one of the other rounds,  but it may not be sung again in the final. 

Can an aria be performed twice?

In the live rounds (1st round, 2nd round, and final), each aria may only be performed once. Only the aria submitted in the preliminary round may be repeated in one of the live rounds.

May the order of the arias be chosen freely?

Please indicate on the registration form whether an aria is to be presented in the 1st or 2nd round. An exception is the aria from the 17th century, which must be sung in the 2nd round. Changes are possible until 31.07.2025. Please change the order by the registration deadline (31.05.2025) directly on the registration platform and afterwards by mail (cesti@altemusik.at). Later changes can not be considered. The order of the final arias will be decided by the musical director of the orchestra and the head of the jury.

Is it allowed to prepare two arias composed by Georg Friedrich Handel for the final?

No, for the final one aria by Handel and one aria by another composer must be selected from the compulsory arias.

Is it allowed to sing arias from a voice category other than the one specified in the application?

It is allowed to sing an aria from a different voice category.

Is it allowed to transpose arias?

The pieces have to be sung in their original language, from memory, and in their original key.

Where can I find the scores of the compulsory arias?

The scores of the compulsory arias can be downloaded on the registration platform after registration.

Here is a short guide on how to find the sheet music on muvac:

  • Log in with your muvac profile
  • Klick at the three lines in the right upper corner 
  • Select Applications
  • Select the Cesti Competition
  • Select Details
  • Scroll all the way down to Documents
  • The scores of all compulsory arias are here available for download.
Can the arias specified in the application be changed again?

Yes, changes of the arias as well as their order in the second round are possible until 31.07.2025. Please change them until the registration deadline (31.05.2025) directly on the registration platform and afterwards by mail (cesti@altemusik.at). Changes after 31.07.2025 can no longer be considered.

When will the results of the preliminary round be published?

The participants admitted to the live rounds receive written confirmation of participation by email by 21.06.2025 at the latest.

Competition procedure
When is the competition office open and how can it be reached?

The competition office is open on competition days from 08:30 – 19:00 and can be reached via e-mail (cesti@altemusik.at) or telephone (+43 512 57103215).

What is the schedule of the competition?

- 26.08. Registration (10:00 – 15:00) and welcome with drawing of the order of performance (16:00)

-  27.08. – 28.08. 1st round: in the evening of 24.08. the participants of the 2nd round and their performance time will be announced

-  29.08. 2nd round: announcement of the finalists in the evening

-  30.08. Preparation day for the final

-  31.08. Dress rehearsal and final

Is it necessary to introduce myself before singing my chosen aria?

The performance begins with entering the stage, and participants are expected to introduce themselves with their name and the title of the aria before singing. This is also considered a part of the presentation.

Do parts of recitatives sung by more than one person have to be performed at the competition?

No, only solo recitatives that precede the arias must be sung.

Can the prelude to the arias be shortened in the 1st and 2nd rounds?

Yes, the prelude to the arias may be shortened, but not the aria itself.

Will there be a break between the two arias in the 2nd round?

No, the arias of the 2nd round must be sung by the participants directly one after the other.

Is there any accompaniment for the live rounds?

The Innsbruck Festival will provide a répétiteur for the participants during the 1st and 2nd round. Participants may also get accompanied by their own repetiteur.

The final arias will be performed with orchestral accompaniment. The day before the final serves as a rehearsal day for orchestra and finalists.

Is there a possibility to rehearse with the répétiteurs before the performance?

Participants have 10 minutes of rehearsal time with a répétiteur before the 1st round and 20 minutes of rehearsal time before the 2nd round. The répétiteur who accompanies them in the rehearsal will also be the répétiteur with whom they perform. Participants may be assigned a different répétiteur in the 2nd round than in the first round.

Is it necessary to bring sheet music for the répétiteurs?

Yes, participants must bring the sheet music for the répétiteurs and hand it in at their registration on 26.08.2025 at Haus der Musik.

Are the rounds open to the public?

The live rounds are open to the public. Admission for the 1st and 2nd round is free, tickets for the final are available on our website. 

Is there a special dress code for the rounds?

Participants are free in their choice of clothes. The choice of stage attire should reflect one's own personality as best as possible and, if possible, also the role.

Are there rooms that can be used for warming up and practicing?

In the Haus der Musik there are rooms with pianos available, which participants can use after their registration on 26.08.2025.

Is it possible to rehearse in the competition hall?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to rehearse in the competition hall. In the Haus der Musik there are practice rooms available on the 4th floor.

When can the practice rooms be used?

The practice rooms can be used on competition days from 08:30 – 19:00.

What hotels are available in Innsbruck?

Information about hotels in Innsbruck can be found on the website of Innsbruck Tourismus (Hotels, rooms & accommodation in the Innsbruck region) as well as on various booking platforms (e.g. Booking.com, Airbnb, ...).

Can luggage be deposited?

Luggage can be deposited at the competition office during the day. The Festwochen does not take any liability for lost items.

Can WiFi be used?

Free WiFi is available at Haus der Musik.

Innsbrucker Festwochen der alten Musik
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Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik
Universitätsstraße 1
6020 Innsbruck

T +43 512 571032
F +43 512 563142
festwochen@altemusik.at

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+43 512 52074-504

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