Applications Open for The Netherlands' 2023 International Goodmesh Competition

Combining music and other art forms, applications to the competition will close on September 17, 2023

Created in 2020, the annual international Goodmesh Concours is a multidisciplinary competition that encourages musicians to work with artists such as painters, dancers, puppeteers, and more.

The theme for the 2023 edition of the competition is “Full Moon.” Participants are asked to create a six- to 10-minute-long interdisciplinary and artistically driven exploration of performance art based on this theme.

First prize will include €5,000; second prize will receive €3,000; and €1,000 will go to the Audience Award winner. Prize winners will also receive professional video recording, photoshoots, plus live performance opportunities and international press exposure. 

On November 27, 2023, five finalists of the competition will perform before an international jury in the finale, held at the Het Concertgebouw Amsterdam.

The 2023 jury comprises Anna Sitnikova, Jacques Goddijn, Farnoosh Farnia, Ine Poppe, and Yoram Ish-Hurwitz.

“The full moon is a powerful symbol, covered in mystery and legend,” reads the event’s website. “[Its] compelling energy also inspires individuals to tap into their intuition and experience emotional release and self-discovery, allowing for emotional healing and growth…what kind of performance would you create based on this theme?”

To apply, click here. Applications will close on September 17, 2023. 

The competition is open to all musicians from all genres, soloists, or chamber groups of up to 6 members. Those under the age of 18 may apply with legal guardian representation.

“The mission of the Goodmesh Concours is to challenge the status quo of the music competitions today which seem to not ask ‘more’ of the musicians than to play the best way they can,” a representative of the competition told The Violin Channel in 2021. “In such competitions, musicians are usually compared to others playing the same or similar repertoire.

“Our hope is that this competition will spark a movement among musicians and artists to make meaningful collaborations and performances we otherwise wouldn't be able to experience,” they added. “We also want concert halls around the globe to reconsider what it means to ‘go to a concert’ and to challenge why an audience isn't given the opportunity to experience and enjoy more art forms simultaneously.”