Overview

The Miami International Arts & Music Youth Festival (MIAMY Festival) invites youth ensembles worldwide to participate in a vibrant celebration of music and culture. Participants can choose between:

Competition
Ensembles perform before an international jury, aiming for recognition and awards.

MIAMY Showcase
Non-competitive performances focusing on cultural exchange and artistic expression.

Both categories offer opportunities to perform in renowned Miami venues, engage in workshops, and immerse in the city's rich cultural tapestry.

Eligibility

Age Limit
Participants should be under 26 years of age. Up to 10% of ensemble members may be between 26 and 30. Conductors and accompanists are exempt from age restrictions.

Ensemble Size
A minimum of 20 performers, including the conductor, is required for competition entries.

Repertoire Requirements

Competition

• Prepare a program lasting 15–20 minutes.

• Include at least one piece representing your country's or region's musical heritage.

• Additional pieces can be selected freely, showcasing the ensemble's strengths.

• Chose a Compulsory Piece by category.

MIAMY Showcase

• Prepare a 15–20 minute program highlighting cultural diversity and artistic expression.

• Inclusion of traditional or contemporary works from the ensemble's home country is encouraged.
  
  

Workshops and Cultural Exchange

All participating ensembles will engage in interactive workshops led by esteemed musicians and educators. These sessions aim to foster musical growth and cultural understanding.

Performance Venues

Selected performances will take place in prominent Miami venues, including the Koubek Center, serving as the hub for cultural exchange concerts and community engagement activities.

Awards and Recognition

Competition

• Ensembles will receive evaluations from the jury, with distinctions awarded based on performance excellence.

• Special awards may be granted for outstanding interpretations, programming, or cultural representation.

• Prepare a program lasting 15–20 minutes.

• Choose one compulsory piece by category. 

• Include at least one piece representing your country's or region's musical heritage.

• Additional pieces can be selected freely, showcasing the ensemble's strengths.

  
  Compulsory Pieces:
  
  STRING ORCHESTRA
  Divertimento in D by W. Amadeus Mozart View
  or
  Adagio for Strings Barber View
  
  SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
  Mambo from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein View (Pages 102 to 125)
  or
  Dvorak Symphony No.9 New World. (Any movement) View
  
  CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
  Any piece from the strings or symphony orchestra repertoire.
  
  MIXED CHOIR
  O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen. View
  
  BAND
  The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa. View
  or
  Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Coplan View
  
  
  

All Participants

• Receive certificates acknowledging their contribution to the MIAMY Festival.

• Opportunities for featured performances in gala concerts and community events.

  
  

Application Process

Submission Deadline: The deadline for complete applications is November 30th, 2025.

Required Materials

• Completed application form.

• Audio or video recordings of at least three recent performances.

• Brief biographies of the ensemble and conductor.

• High-resolution photographs of the ensemble.

  
  

Fees

Registration Fee: $250 per ensemble.

Participation Package: Includes accommodation, meals, local transportation, workshop access, and scheduled performances. Detailed pricing and options will be provided upon application.