"Sun of Italy" - International Contest of Performing Art

This contest invites for the participation: 🎙 Vocal studios and choirs, 💃🕺 choreographic groups and individual dancers, 🎺 orchestras and instrumental groups, 🎭 theaters 👨‍🎨artists and designers☝️ as well as individual performers – soloists

Italy, Pesaro

2024

May 10 – 13
June 21 – 24
July 21 – 24
September 01 – 04

2025

April 25 – 28
July 03 – 06
September 04 – 07

2026

April 29 – May 02
July 05 – 08
September 04 – 07

International contest “SUN OF ITALY” is a festival of various genres, designed to help participants discover their true artistic selves while enjoying an unforgettable vacation in the sun-kissed country of Italy.

⚠️ We give our priority to learning and sharing experiences. At this contest a big attention is paid to the educational program. The event includes master classes, workshops. Teachers who have completed the master classes receive a certificate.

After days of rigorous training and rehearsals, artists finally get the chance to showcase their artistic prowess on the international stage. The contestants are evaluated by a professional international jury according to expert evaluation criteria.

The festival-contest “Sun of Italy” is not only a platform to exhibit one’s talent, but also an opportunity to forge new friendships, unwind from the daily hustle, and bask in an unforgettable celebratory ambiance. If you want to participate in the International contest but don’t have the means, then hurry to search for sponsors in your region. Such an opportunity may come once in a lifetime. Participating in this festival-contest promises to be an enriching experience, where artists can acquire invaluable skills and memories that will last a lifetime.

The charming city of Pesaro, located in the Marche region, boasts an idyllic geographic location. Even during the scorching summer months, a gentle, refreshing breeze envelops the city, enhancing its appeal. The scenic beauty of the coastline is magnified by the old embankment and the verdant hills surrounding the city.

Pesaro holds a special place in history as the birthplace of celebrated luminaries such as Lodovico Zacconi (1555-1627), a renowned musician and musical theorist; Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868), the famous composer of operas such as “The Barber of Seville,” “Cinderella,” “Italian in Algeria,” “William Tell,” and many others; and Renata Tebaldi (1922-2004), a gifted opera singer with a lyrical soprano voice, among many other notable figures.

The idea of combining a International contest with a festival provides an excellent opportunity for participants to showcase their talents, gain valuable experience from their peers, explore the host country, and participate in various collaborative activities such as master classes, joint performances, Flashmobs, quizzes, and discos exclusively organized for the contestants.

6 reasons why you need participate in International contest

All of our programs consist of two parts:

1. Participation in the competition and festival
2. Participation in the Festival without competing in the competition*.

* For those who don’t want to participate in the competitive program, but wish to participate in the festival. They will still participate in the other festival activities including: joint rehearsals, workshops and master classes, where they receive advice and an official certificate from the renowned international experts during a brief discussion in an open and friendly atmosphere. Non competing participants will also perform at international friendship concerts combining different kinds of art.
Communication with other participants, an open exchange of experience as well as a lot of master classes with internationally recognized experts, will certainly bring you to a whole new level of creativity!

CATEGORIES

GROUP (А) – choreographic groups and soloists:

I category: classic ballet;
II category: folk dance, folk stylized dance, ethnic dance;
III category: ballroom dance;
IV category: sport dance (hip hop, disco, techno, street, electric boogie, break dance, pop locking and other street styles);
V category: modern dance (jazz modern, neoclassic etc.);
VI category: variety dance;
VII category: social dance (Argentine Tango, balboa, bachata, boogie, waltz, West Coast swing, zouk, Irish set dancing, country music, kizomba, lindy hop, machine, merengue, reggaeton, rueda, salsa, samba de gafieira, Semba, forró, hustle, and others).

GROUP (B) – instrumental groups and soloists:

I category: percussion instruments’ ensembles;
II category: guitarists’ ensembles;
III category: jazz style ensembles;
IV category: chamber orchestras;
V category: symphony orchestras;
VI category: accordion and button accordion players’ orchestras;
VII category: folk orchestra ensembles;
VIII category: soloists and piano ensembles (programs for a one piano).

GROUP (С) – singing (choirs, musicals, ensembles, duets, trios, soloists):

I category: academic singing;
II category: jazz singing;
III category: rock and rap;
IV category: folk singing;
V category: pop singing;
VI category: musicals

GROUP (D) – artists and authors of the decorative and applied arts’ products, fashion theaters:

I category: fashion theaters;
II category: students of art schools and child art schools;
III category: students of art colleges, academies and institutes;
IV category: young professional artists;
V category: photo and video works (photo workshops, photo exhibitions, studios, authors).

GROUP (E) – Original genre*:

I category: circus, clownery, acrobatics, original gymnastics, juggling;
II category: illusion;
III category: pantomime, variety miniature, theatre miniature;
IV category: art of speaking word, readers.
*Air, fire and animal acts are prohibited.

AGE GROUPS OF THE PARTICIPANTS

I) younger than 9 years old
II ) 10-12 years
III) 13-15 years
IV) 16-19 years
V) 20-25 years
VI) from 26 years
VII) Mixed age category Mixta

ESTIMATION OF AGE
— For DUO/TRIO/QUARTET – the group age is calculated from the oldest participant’s age.
— For ensembles, groups of 5 or more people and choirs, the age is calculated based on the average age of the group.

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS IN NOMINATIONS FOR GROUPS A, B, C, E

Each contestant (solo/duet/trio/quartet/group) presents one number;
Solo 01:00 – 02:00 minutes (for Groups A), 01:00 – 05:00 minutes (for Groups B, C, E);
Duo/Trio/Quartet 02:00 – 03:00 minutes (for Groups A), 01:00 – 05:00 (for Groups B, C, E);
Group/Formation 03:00 – 04:00 minutes (for Groups A), 01:00 – 05:00 minutes (for Groups B, C, E);
Timing starts from the beginning of the number and ends with the end of the number. There is a time limit of 5 seconds for entering the stage, bowing and going backstage. If number exceeds the time limit, the score will be reduced by 10 points;
You may present more than one number. If you wish to submit more than one number, please write about it in the “Additional information” column in the entry form;
All songs must be recorded on a USB flash drive. Only the following audio formats will be accepted: MP3, WAV, AIFF;
In the application form, please specify whether you need a breakdown of numbers or whether the work will be performed in one block;
It is obligatory to specify in the application soloists, duets, and small forms of three to five people;
Both groups and soloists are prohibited to use plus phonograms during the competition performances.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS IN NOMINATION FOR GROUP D

Each participant must submit no more than 2 competitive works, format no more than A3;
The subjects and techniques of performances are various
Tablets (cameras for photographers).

JURY

The jury of the contest is formed of the most important choreographers and cultural workers of Spain, France, Canada and other countries of the Eastern Europe and Asia. International jury is formed by the contest’s providers. Participation in the gala concert isn’t guaranteed for everyone and is confirmed due to the results of the previous shows according to the consolidated legislative decision of the contest providers and the judges.

The jury has the right

not to award all the prizes;
to share prize among performers;
to award special prizes to teachers for outstanding achievements;
to make a decision about breaking a performance which exceeds the bounds of the regulations;
the jury evaluates the participants on one hundred-point system, the final result is made up of the average quantity of the received scores and the average value of the progress scores;
the jury’s decisions are final and are not subject to review.

Evaluation criteria

GROUP (А) – choreographic groups and soloists

– mastery – technique of movements’ execution;
– compositional creation of the performance;
– suitability for the theatre (flexibility, costume, properties, performing standards);
– choice and correspondence of the musical and choreographic materials;
– artistic skills, disclosure of an artistic image.

GROUP (B) – instrumental groups and soloists

– degree of the complexity of the repertoire;
– degree of virtuosity and technical capability;
– scenic culture, artistic skill, posture.

GROUP (С) – singing (choirs, ensembles, duets, trios, soloists)

– purity of the intonation and quality of sound;
– beauty of the timbre and the voice strength;
– scenic culture, artistic skill
– Mastery – technique of movements’ execution

GROUP (D) – artists and authors of the decorative and applied arts’ products, fashion theaters

– author’s creative personality and mastery;
– composition methods skill
– skills in the technique the work is done;
– uniqueness of the idea and execution;
– colour solution.

GROUP (E) – Original genre

– level of preparation and mastery;
– suitability for the theatre (flexibility, costume, properties, performing standards);
– artistic mounting of the program.

AWARDS

The jury evaluates the participants on 100-point scale.

Regarding the genres of performing and categories the awards are distributed due to seven age groups

participants who received up to 70 points become diploma holders;
participants who received from 70 to 79 points – laureates of the third degree;
participants who received from 80 to 89 points become laureates of the second degree;
participants who received from 90 to 99 points become laureates of the first degree;
participants who received 100 points become winners of the Grand prize of the contest “Sun of Italy”.
Grand Prix winners receive a big cup and diplomas (one for each group/quartet/trio/duo/solo), as well as medals (for each contestant);
First place winners receive a standard trophy and diplomas (one per group/quartet/trio/duo/solo) and medals (for each contestant);
Second and third place winners receive diplomas (one for each group/quartet/trio/duo/solo) and medals (for each contestant);
All contestants receive diplomas with their results (one for each composition/group/quartet/trio/duet/solo), as well as medals (for each contestant).

*Groups of 5 people or more, receive a special engraving from the city authorities.
*Each leader and sponsor of the group receives a letter of thanks on stamped paper of the Kingdom of Spain.
*Each contestant in the group can request a personal diploma for an additional fee (before the competition).

PROGRAM OF STAY

1st day:
– check in to a hotel (from 14:00);
– meeting with the organizers of the contest;
– registration of the participants, presentation of the excursion programs;
20:00 – dinner.

2rd day:
8:00 – breakfast;
10:00 – rehearsal;
14:00 – competition;
21:00 – dinner.

3th day:
8:00 – breakfast;
14:00 – rehearsal;
20:00 – dinner;
21:00 – gala concert and rewarding.

4th day:
8:00 – breakfast;
Check out from the hotel at 10:00.

✅ ATTENTION! Organizers have opportunity to modify the program.
✅ ATTENTION! We can provide you with a transfer from airports and train stations to the hotel and back. Ask our managers for the price: info@fiestalonia.net
✅ INCREASE the number of days of your stay and we will organize an excellent excursion program for you! The price of additional days is indicated in the “price” section. For detailed information on excursion programs, you can check with our managers by mail: info@fiestalonia.net
✅ BOOK an excursion program in advance, ask our managers for details about our excursion offer: info@fiestalonia.net

* If you miss the lunch due to excursions or performances you have to ask for dry rations at the reception of your hotel the day before.

PERIOD OF ACCEPTING THE APPLICATIONS

the last day of receiving of the applications is for 30 days before the beginning of the festival;
the last day of payment is for 21 days before the beginning of the festival;
terms and conditions of the agreement are to be requested from our managers.

We currently have on our website

For the contest:
In the nomination:

PRICE IN APRIL-MAY and WHAT IS INCLUDED INTO THE PRICE

Hotel 3***

accommodation in a triple room €258 /a person – extra day €49/a person
accommodation in a double room €294 /a person – extra day €56/a person
accommodation in a single room €390 /a person – extra day €92/a person

* All the rooms in these hotels are reserved as the applications for participation and payment are received. After these hotels are fully booked, you may be offered alternative options for hotels at higher prices. Don’t miss the opportunity and arrange the trip now!

✅ ATTENTION: Price does not include tourist tax. Tourist tax is paid directly by the client directly to the hotel at check in.

ADDITIONAL FEES:

Soloists pay 70 Euros extra.
Duets pay 60 euros per duo.
Small forms of 3-5 people pay 50 euros per group.
For each additional nomination for soloists, duets, small groups up to 12 people – surcharge 25 euros/person.
For participation in the additional nomination for groups of 13 persons and more – surcharge 275 euros per group

FREE PLACES:
Each 25th group’s participant gets a pack of our services for free!*

WHAT IS INCLUDED INTO THE PRICE:

4 days and 3 nights in a three-star hotel;
half board, buffet (breakfast and dinner) + water;
two concerts: competitive viewing; Gala Concert with award ceremony;
certificates and trophy cups from the contest providers;
thank-you letters for professors and sponsors;
festival fee;
Live streaming of the contest viewings and Gala concerts on YouTube.

Subscribe to watch the events in the stream: https://www.youtube.com/@fiestalonialive

10% DISCOUNT FOR ACCOMPANYING PARTICIPANTS:

ATTENTION: For accompany who do not perform and do not take part in workshops – a 10% discount is given on the package price.

PRICE IN JUNE and WHAT IS INCLUDED INTO THE PRICE

Hotel 3***

accommodation in a triple room €276 /a person – extra day €50/a person
accommodation in a double room €306 /a person – extra day €57/a person
accommodation in a single room €414 /a person – extra day €93/a person

✅ ATTENTION: Price does not include tourist tax. Tourist tax is paid directly by the client directly to the hotel at check in.

ADDITIONAL FEES:

Soloists pay 60 Euros extra.
Duets pay 50 euros per duo.
Small forms of 3-5 people pay 40 euros per group.
For each additional nomination for soloists, duets, small groups up to 12 people – surcharge 20 euros/person.
For participation in the additional nomination for groups of 13 persons and more – surcharge 250 euros per group

FREE PLACES:
Each 25th group’s participant gets a pack of our services for free!*

WHAT IS INCLUDED INTO THE PRICE:

4 days and 3 nights in a three-star hotel;
half board, buffet (breakfast and dinner) + water;
two concerts: competitive viewing; Gala Concert with award ceremony;
certificates and trophy cups from the contest providers;
thank-you letters for professors and sponsors;
festival fee;
Live streaming of the contest viewings and Gala concerts on YouTube.

Subscribe to watch the events in the stream: https://www.youtube.com/@fiestalonialive

10% DISCOUNT FOR ACCOMPANYING PARTICIPANTS:

ATTENTION: For accompany who do not perform and do not take part in workshops – a 10% discount is given on the package price.

PRICE IN JULY and WHAT IS INCLUDED INTO THE PRICE

Hotel 3***

accommodation in a triple room €348 /a person – extra day €51/a person
accommodation in a double room €378 /a person – extra day €58/a person
accommodation in a single room €480 /a person – extra day €75/a person

✅ ATTENTION: Price does not include tourist tax. Tourist tax is paid directly by the client directly to the hotel at check in.

ADDITIONAL FEES:

Soloists pay 60 Euros extra.
Duets pay 50 euros per duo.
Small forms of 3-5 people pay 40 euros per group.
For each additional nomination for soloists, duets, small groups up to 12 people – surcharge 20 euros/person.
For participation in the additional nomination for groups of 13 persons and more – surcharge 250 euros per group

FREE PLACES:
Each 25th group’s participant gets a pack of our services for free!*

WHAT IS INCLUDED INTO THE PRICE:

4 days and 3 nights in a three-star hotel;
half board, buffet (breakfast and dinner) + water;
two concerts: competitive viewing; Gala Concert with award ceremony;
certificates and trophy cups from the contest providers;
thank-you letters for professors and sponsors;
festival fee;
Live streaming of the contest viewings and Gala concerts on YouTube.

Subscribe to watch the events in the stream: https://www.youtube.com/@fiestalonialive

10% DISCOUNT FOR ACCOMPANYING PARTICIPANTS:

ATTENTION: For accompany who do not perform and do not take part in workshops – a 10% discount is given on the package price.

PRICE IN SEPTEMBER and WHAT IS INCLUDED INTO THE PRICE

Hotel 3***

accommodation in a triple room €276 /a person – extra day €50/a person
accommodation in a double room €306 /a person – extra day €57/a person
accommodation in a single room €414 /a person – extra day €93/a person

✅ ATTENTION: Price does not include tourist tax. Tourist tax is paid directly by the client directly to the hotel at check in.

ADDITIONAL FEES:

Soloists pay 60 Euros extra.
Duets pay 50 euros per duo.
Small forms of 3-5 people pay 40 euros per group.
For each additional nomination for soloists, duets, small groups up to 12 people – surcharge 20 euros/person.
For participation in the additional nomination for groups of 13 persons and more – surcharge 250 euros per group

FREE PLACES:
Each 25th group’s participant gets a pack of our services for free!*

WHAT IS INCLUDED INTO THE PRICE:

4 days and 3 nights in a three-star hotel;
half board, buffet (breakfast and dinner) + water;
two concerts: competitive viewing; Gala Concert with award ceremony;
certificates and trophy cups from the contest providers;
thank-you letters for professors and sponsors;
festival fee;
Live streaming of the contest viewings and Gala concerts on YouTube.

Subscribe to watch the events in the stream: https://www.youtube.com/@fiestalonialive

10% DISCOUNT FOR ACCOMPANYING PARTICIPANTS:

ATTENTION: For accompany who do not perform and do not take part in workshops – a 10% discount is given on the package price.

Download the contest program in PDF format

How our festivals are going? Look the video!

Unforgettable impressions

Positive emotions

New friends

Reports and results of the previous competitions

REVIEWS

7725 reviews

★★★★★

4.9

I would like to thank sincerely for the excellent organization of the festival “Dance Factory”. A storm of emotions. A bunch of positive emotions. Admire the level of preparedness of the participants, all the great stalwarts simply enjoyed when watching their performances. Just want to say more about the organizers of the competition, they are also great professional everything was top notch. I’d love to come yet, more to go there, and then all I could not see. Week positivity, joy, smiles and good humor. I look forward to further cooperation! Thanks again!

Shou Ishikawa

I am very happy to take part in such a large-scale competition Dali’s Mustache and receive a high appreciation of my work! I am proud to share the result and comments from the distinguished jury! I appreciate the opinion of each master from the jury and I’m ready to move on! Thank you very much!

Arina Khandamian

Thank you Fiestalonia for the wonderful experience of taking part at the Golden Voices of Montserrat. Our lives were enriched visiting the beautiful Catalonia and we are humbled by the opportunity to have sung in the Santa Maria. Thank you to the organizers and the judges. We will treasure this tour in our hearts always. From the Drierie Choir, South Africa

Alida Greyvenstein

Hi i was in Fiestalonia last week in Spain!! I am from Israel …i were there with dance school “Vizavi”. Thanks David for everything! We had amazing days and i felt unusual emotions! Its incredible festival Don’t think twice to get there Thank you ! Viktoria geri @viktoriageri inst.

VIKTORIA GERI

Thank you so much for the wonderful time we had in Lloret de Mar. We had a wonderful reception. Well organised trips and a wonderful hotel and excellent food. The choristers enjoyed themselves tremendously. They just loved winning the Grand Prize and cannot stop talking about the gala evening.

Ida Strydom

Hi everyone I am Ramneet singh Director of Bhangra desire international folk art club,India,we participated in the fiestalonia Georgia last week , it was a great festival for us the all team members of fiestalonia Milenio was good to us , the hospitality by vector travel was very good , I would like to thank all team member of fiestalonia Milenio and Dato Mr David . Thanks again

Ramneet Singh

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