PEARL FEST GROUP INC
PRESENTS
THE ANNUAL 8
th INTERNATIONAL
FESTIVAL OF ARTS
“PEARL OF MIAMI 2026”
MARCH 26-31, 2026
MIAMI, FL, USA
Organized By: PEARL FEST GROUP
Venue: Vocal Contest, Choreography Contest, Instrumental Contest, Fashion Show, Art
Exhibition and Gala Concert at Alan and Diane Lieberman Performing Arts Theater
Address: Michael-Ann Russell JCC – 18900 NE 25th Ave, Miami, FL 33180
Contact Person: Sally Siamashvili – General Manager Tel: +1 (917) 359-6555 (English)
Tamar Ghoghoberidze – President Tel: +1 (917) 530-3402 (Russian, Georgian)
Website: www.pearl-fest.com
E-mail: info@pearl-fest.com
infopearlfest@gmail.com
THE AIM OF THE FESTIVAL
The annual international competition, hosted in Miami, Florida, USA, is envisioned as a
permanent event dedicated to the celebration and promotion of children’s and youth artistry. Its
primary mission is to foster the global appreciation of young talent, strengthen international
friendships, and nurture creative connections among youth from diverse nations.
The festival provides a platform for participants to showcase their unique skills and
cultural heritage in a global setting. Representing over 15 countries—including the USA, Latvia,
Lithuania, Ukraine, Georgia, Poland, Turkey, Israel, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Armenia, Russia,
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, India, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Kosovo, and more—the event celebrates
the rich tapestry of international traditions and artistry.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
- Promotion and stimulation of children’s and youth art;
- Expansion and deepening of international relations in the field of cultural exchange;
- Support for composers and poets who write songs for children and youth;
- Stimulate and promote the performing arts creative groups and soloists.
- Encourage unity among different national cultures while supporting their preservation
and development. - Strengthen international relations and cooperation through culture, music, and creativity.
- Provide opportunities for participants and audiences to discover and appreciate the art
and traditions of different countries. - Identify and actively promote new talents, giving young performers a platform for
recognition and growth. - Create conditions for cultural exchange and sharing experiences among creative groups,
teachers, and leaders. - Attract the attention of governmental, international, commercial, and public
organizations, ensuring wide media coverage and support for children’s and youth
creativity. - Uphold the international character of the competition, making it a true festival of cultures
and talents.
I. REGULATION OF THE FESTIVAL
GENERAL PROVISIONS
▪ Vocal groups and soloists (vocal) represent one song in any language with a total duration of
no more than 3 minutes.
▪ All phonograms of the vocal performers on CD-disks or on flash drives (it is desirable to have
a phonogram on 2 types of media).
▪ In order to popularize national cultures, it is desirable to include in the festival program
numbers that convey folklore or national traditions (songs, etc.), as well as the presence of
national symbols (flags, costumes, etc.) at the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival.
▪ In addition to the numbers and compositions of the competition programs, all groups and
performers need to have additional numbers for presentation in the Ceremony of the grand
opening and the Gala concert of the festival.
▪ Choreography Contest submit to the jury one performance in one nomination which last no
longer than 5 minutes.
▪ The performance of vocalists under the phonogram is not taken into account!
▪ The preparation and conduct of the festival are carried out by the Organizing Committee.
▪ The Organizing Committee approves the jury composition.
▪ The Organizing Committee reserves the right to change the program schedule by day.
II. APPLICATION RULES
▪ To participate in the Festival it is necessary to send to the Organizing Committee an
Application of the established type signed by the responsible persons:
▪ the first stage of submission – August 20, 2025
▪ Obligatory confirmation of the Application for participation is payment of the organizational
fee of 100%:
▪ at the stage of submitting application – for each participant and accompanying person $
300 (non-refundable) registration fee should be received; after receiving visas the balance
of the amount is paid (regardless contestant or accompanying person); After that, the
Organizing Committee and the Admissions Committee will start working with you.
▪ 100% payment in the presence of entry visas to the United States.
▪ The Commission meets every two weeks. The commission listens to the contest work
submitted by you and gives recommendations on the preparation for the competition and on
the repertoire.
▪ If you are a happy owner of a Certificate – an invitation to participate in the Final and you have
already been listened to, then you still need to fill out a form, send in a scan of the Certificate
and make payment of registration fee $ 500 (non-refundable).
▪ We kindly ask you to name the file and the E-mail subject to the festival’s regulation. Please
name the e-mail in the following way: participant’s NAME, LASTNAME, NAME OF THE
SONG, NOMINATION, AGE.
For example: John White, September, WH, 16.
For nomination abbreviations please follow the following:
WH – World Hit
AV – Academic Vocal
F – Folklore and National Song
BMS – Broadway Musical Show Song
C – Choral and Ensemble Music
▪ The Organizing Committee of the festival sends official invitations as the Applications are
received.
▪ The Organizing Committee also provides consulting assistance to the festival participants in
processing the documents required for obtaining US entry visas.
In the case of a visa denial by the embassy for participants, the Organizing Committee bears no
financial responsibility. In the case of cancellation of the application by the participants (for any
reasons), the paid fees are non-refundable and the following fees apply:
• Non-refundable registration fee: 500 $ (paid by both participants and accompanying
persons).
• Cancellation penalties:
• 120 days before the event: 60% of the total paid amount.
• 90 days before the event: 75% of the total paid amount.
• 75 days before the event: 90% of the total paid amount.
• 60 days or less before the event: 100% of the total paid amount.
Liability:
The organizers are not responsible for any damage caused by participants during the FestivalCompetition.
Documents:
The organizers prepare texts for printing diplomas, certificates, and letters of gratitude in
advance and send them to participants for approval. If participants do not confirm or confirm
with errors, the organizers do not revise the materials and are not responsible for incorrectly
provided information.
Changes to documents:
• 10$ per document for amendments.
Payment system:
An individual payment system can be negotiated with the organizing committee.
Competition Program:
Participants must prepare a program that corresponds to the declared nomination.
Transfers from/to the Airport:
Requests for transfers must be submitted no later than 60 days before arrival. The approximate
cost of transfers depends on the number of participants.
Cancellation of booked transfers:
• For cancellations made 30 days or less before the scheduled transfer, penalties apply.
Cancellation Penalties for Transfers:
• Cancellation 120 days or less before the scheduled transfer: 60% penalty of the cost.
• Cancellation within 60 days: 100% penalty of the cost.
Application Deadlines and Festival Dates:
• The final application deadline is 120 days before the start of the festival.
• For participants with biometric passports, valid U.S. visas, or the ability to obtain one
quickly, application dates can be negotiated individually.
III. NOMINATIONS
Vocal - World Hit (solo, duets, ensembles) – pop, jazz, modern genres;
- Academic Vocal (solo, duets, ensembles)
- Folklore and National Song (solo, duet, trio, ensembles);
- Broadway Musical Show Song
- Original Song (authored song)
- Choral and Ensemble Music
Vocal Contest requirements
Participants provide one diverse work. Total duration not more than 3 min.
Evaluation criteria: - Vocal;
- Matching repertoire with age possibilities and age group of performers;
- Mastery of performance (clarity of intonation and sound quality);
- Theatrical effectiveness (plastic, performance culture, props);
- Musicality, artistic interpretation of musical composition;
- Disclosure of the artistic image.
CHOREOGRAPHY COMPETITION - MODERN DANCE
I. Jazz-modern, free plastic, contemporary, demi-classic, neoclassic, contact
improvisation.
II. One act in a discipline is performed in the first age category competition. In all other
categories, 2 acts are performed in one discipline. Each act must not exceed 3 minutes. - ESTRADE DANCE
I. Show dance, variety, cabaret, step, acrobatic Rock n’ Roll, sports aerobic.
II. One act in a discipline is performed in the first age category competition. In all other
categories, 2 acts are performed in one discipline. Each act must not exceed 3 minutes. - STREET DANCE
I. Hip-hop, disco, techno, electric buggy, break-dance, ….
II. One act in a discipline is performed in the first age category competition. In all other
categories, 2 acts are performed in one discipline. Each act must not exceed 3 minutes. - FOLKLORE-SCENE DANCE
I. Dances in canonical variants of different countries of the world may be used, concrete
style and manner of performance of each nation undeniably related with the music.
II. Two parts are to be performed in one discipline and in one adult category. Each of the
performances must not last more than 3 minutes.
Choreography Contest requirements
Participants submit to the jury one performance in one nomination which last no longer than
3 minutes.
Evaluation criteria: - Technique and mastery of performance;
- Originality of performance, composition;
- Artistry, image transfer and scene behavior, performance culture;
- Selection and conformity of musical accompaniment
- Selection and originality of costumes.
- Appropriateness of the repertoire for the performers’ age;
- Stage presence (movement, costumes, props, performance culture);
- Compatibility of the music and choreography;
- Artistry and artistic image development.
Age Categories can change depending on received applications.
Full age of lead singer contestants is determined at the time of participation in the contest. Age
groups for ensembles are declared depending on the average age of participants (mismatch to
the age group can make up not more than 30%).
In case of exceeding a certain time, jury is entitled to stop phonogram.
Soloists, duets, trios, and quartets present one piece with a total duration of up to 3 minutes.
Small groups (5-9 participants) and ensembles present two contrasting pieces with a total
duration of up to 5 minutes.
INSTRUMENTAL - Pop Music
- Jazz
- Classic
- Folk
Participants will be competing with one song. The duration of the songs must not exceed more
than 3 minutes.
Evaluation Criteria:
• Performance mastery (instrument proficiency, sound, technique, rhythm, and dynamics);
• Repertoire complexity;
• Stage presence (costume, performance culture);
• Coordination and orchestral sound (for orchestras and ensembles).
IV. AGE CATEGORIES
I Age category: Up to 7 years old
II Age category: from 8 to 11 years old
III Age category: from 12 to 14 years old
IV Age category: from 15 to 17 years old
V Age category: from 18 to 25 years old
VI Age category: Above 26 years old
V. EVALUATION AND JURY PROCESS
The performances of all groups and soloists will be assessed by a panel of esteemed
professionals, including renowned cultural figures, celebrated artists, accomplished musicians,
and producers from the participating countries of the festival. The jury comprises highly
qualified experts in children’s and youth artistry, festival organizers, competition producers, and
prominent hosts of music-focused TV and radio programs.
Evaluations will be conducted using a 100-point scale, based on the following criteria: - Purity of intonation and sound quality
- Performance skills
- Alignment of the repertoire with the performer’s abilities and age category
- Stage presence and cultural expression
The jury’s decisions regarding prize distribution and the Grand Prix will be officially
documented in protocols, reflecting the points awarded to each contestant. If no contestant meets
the required score threshold, the jury reserves the right to withhold the Grand Prix.
The decisions of the jury are final, not open to discussion, and cannot be appealed.
VI. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Each contestant performs one work in one nomination and is obliged to send a phonogram
minus no later than January 15, 2026. A backup version in MP3 format must be carried with you
on a memory card. Soloists are allowed to have recorded backing vocals in the phonogram, as
well as it is allowed to have a main voice in refrains, but only if the soloist improvises. The
phonogram recorded with the main vocal part in the couplets is to be removed from the
competition, and the contestant will be disqualified.
Participants provide one diverse work. Total duration not more than 3 min. - Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to disqualification of the participant!
The backing tracks (minus) must be sent no later than 30 days before the start of the competition
by email to info@pearl-fest.com in a lossless compression format, such as FLAC, WAV, or MP3.
The name of each file should only contain Latin letters. The information to be provided includes
the name of the group or the performer’s Last name and First name, as well as the title of the
piece.
Attention! A backup copy of the backing track must be brought on a flash drive (USB stick).
Performing with a backing track + or duplicating the melody in the accompaniment (doubletrack) is not allowed.
It is permissible to use backing tracks with recorded backing vocal parts (except for backing
vocals duplicating the main melody!).
VII. PHONOGRAMS
The phonogram is submitted at the same time as the questionnaire, the vocals should not
exceed 3 minutes and the limit specified for other categories. Exceeding the specified limit will
not be accepted. Please note that in order to avoid force majeure, the phonogram must be in the
contest, flashed, without any other recordings, and the file must be named
NAME_LASTNAME_ SONG_CATEGORY. Please be responsible for recording phonograms
for performances, check the quality.
Example: John_White_September_WH.mp3
File name abbreviations used:
WH – World Hit
AV – Academic Vocal
F – Folklore and National Song
BMS – Broadway Musical Show Song
C – Choral and Ensemble Music
The technical requirements for the performance (number of microphones, stands, props)
must be agreed with the organizers when submitted the application.
VIII. THE PRIZES
The Grand Prix competition is held during the Gala Concert, where contestants vying for
the title are evaluated by an independent jury. The jury selects the winners for each category as
well as the overall Festival Winner. Only the category winners and participants chosen by the
jury will proceed to perform in the final charity gala concert. - Grand Prix – prize, diploma, memorable presents
- I place – a medal, a diploma, memorable presents
- II place – a medal, a diploma, memorable presents
- III place – a medal, a diploma, memorable presents
- For the jury – the diplomas, certificates and memorable presents
- Participants – certificates, diplomas and memorable presents
- Special Jury Prize
- Prize by organizers – Scholarship named after Kakutsa Kldiashvili, the founder of the
festival. - Sponsors’ prize
- Prize for the winner in each category
- Diploma for the best costume;
IX. CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
▪ The current Regulations are placed on the official website of the festival http://www.pearlfest.com. The organizers pay attention to the need for participants to familiarize themselves
with the current Regulations.
▪ Participants agree with the right of the Organizers to use audio, video and photo materials
received from applications, concerts, etc. Sources – for marketing and advertising purposes.
▪ It is allowed to film only with mobile phones without flashlights. Filming with other
technology is allowed only with accreditation, otherwise fine – $ 200.
▪ Participants come to the festival accompanied by their parents or guardians, who are fully
responsible for their participant’s behavior and bear full responsibility for him/her.
▪ The composition of the delegation, including accompanying persons and managers, must be
previously agreed with the organizing committee and specified in the Application. Any
changes in the composition of the delegation are allowed only upon agreement with the
organizing committee.
▪ The head of the delegation is required to provide the organizing committee with the following
information in advance for each member of the delegation:
▪ Full name;
▪ Series, number and validity of the passport;
▪ Citizenship;
▪ Availability of a valid entry visa to the United States;
▪ Air tickets (in both directions) with the indication of flight numbers, arrival / departure
time.
▪ The Organizing Committee is not responsible for the problems associated with the incomplete
provision of these data or their change without agreement with the organizing committee.
▪ Additional Registration Fee: $ 500.00 for each participant and accompanying person (Nonrefundable) must be paid by submission of the application.
▪ Included in the price:
▪ advice on issues related to obtaining an entry visa to the United States;
▪ accommodation in hotel (2 person in room);
▪ organizational festival fee;
▪ rent of a concert hall, rent of light and sound equipment;
▪ professional video recording of the performance;
▪ advice and assistance in booking accommodation;
▪ Reservation of accommodation and / or meals on additional days (before or after the festival)
is possible subject to preliminary agreement with the organizing committee.
▪ Soloists taking part in additional nominations in the composition of duets or collectives, pay
an additional fee of $ 100USD for each additional nomination.
▪ Collectives participating in the festival in several nominations make an additional payment in
the amount of 50USD per participant for each additional nomination.
▪ Production of calculations is confirmed by the relevant financial documents
X. FINANCIAL CONDITIONS:
The cost per person for vocalists (regardless contestant or accompanying person) – $
2500.
The cost per person for dancers (regardless contestant or accompanying person) – $
2500.
The cost per person for dancing groups (regardless contestant or accompanying
person) – $ 2000.
The cost per person for instrumental (regardless contestant or accompanying
person) – $ 2500.
The cost per person for models (regardless contestant or accompanying person) – $
2000.
The fee includes:
- Accommodation Hotel within the time frame of the festival March 26-31, 2026
- Participation fee
The fee for the participation in each category:
Participation in the festival will be guaranteed in case of obligatory advance payment of
100% of the total amount before January 15, 2026.
After transferring the sum, the participant should send us an email with a scanned copy of
the bank document in which the participant’s name and the name of the festival “Pearl of
Miami 2026” should be mentioned.
Registration fee in amount of $ 500 (non-refundable) for participants and
accompanying person must be paid simultaneously with the filling the
participation questionnaire. Otherwise, you will not be registered in the
database of applicants for participation.
You need to specify in the reason of payment: NAME and LASTNAME of the participant, (age),
for participation in the festival PEARL OF MIAMI 2026.
For example: John White (16) for participation in Pearl of Miami 2026.
PLEASE NOTE ANY CHANGE IN THE APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION AFTER
January 15, 2026 – $ 80. (changes are not possible after February 10, 2026).
Please note that the payment term is January 15, 2026.
If payment for participation is made later than January 15, 2026, then participation in the
competition will cost an extra $ 80! In addition, all other changes after January 15, 2026 will
be made at an additional cost of $ 80. Therefore, be careful and correct!!!
Attention: Each person must notify organizers at least 61 days before if they are not coming
to the festival, otherwise 100 % of payments are non-refundable.
Organizers may postpone festival dates depending on the epidemiological situation.
If the Festival is canceled – the payment in this case will be refunded, minus the organizational
expenses.
If a participant does not participate in the competition for his own reason, the deposit will not be
refunded.
If the participant does not participate in the competition, the deposit will not be refunded.
You need to specify in the reason of payment: NAME and LASTNAME of the participant, (age),
for participation in the festival PEARL OF MIAMI 2026.
For example: John White (16) for participation in Pearl of Miami 2026.
If the participant does not participate in the competition for his own reason, the payment
will not be refunded.
The organizers can cancel or postpone the dates of the festival depending on the epidemiological
situation. Payment in this case will be refunded minus organizational costs.
• Group Offer: For groups of 11 or more, a special offer provides 10+1 free spot for a group
leader.
The festival’s organizing committee reserves the right to make changes to the competition
program by days.
Responsibility for the life and health of children during the festival is borne by the leaders of the
collectives, and for individual participants – by their parents.
Attention!
In the event of participants canceling excursions included in the program, no refunds will be
issued.
If there is a delay of more than 15 minutes, transportation booked through the organizers will be
canceled without a refund.
XI. VISA APPLICATION
To issue an invitation for a visa, you must send data in Latin letters:
Name, Lastname – exactly as in passport
Date of birth
Place of birth (city, country) Citizenship
Residence registration (in the registration, in addition to the address itself, specify the country
and city)
Copy of the Passport
After registration of the invitation, the Organizing Committee will send you the invitation for
visa.
For accompanying parents, it is necessary to send a scanned birth certificate of the child.
XII. ACCOMODATION
• All participants and their accompanying persons must reside in the hotel selected by the
Organizing Committee.
• The choice of hotel is mandatory and not subject to discussion or change.
• This requirement ensures unified coordination, safety, and comfort for all delegations.
• Accommodation costs are the responsibility of participants and their delegations, unless
otherwise specified by the Organizing Committee.
XIII. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
Only those participants who have accepted the terms of participation and paid for the
program of the international festival competition Pearl of Miami 2026 can take part in the
festival.
- The Organizing Committee reserves the right to amend the Regulations in full, without
changing the general principles. - All changes and additions to the Regulations will be published on the social networks
immediately. - The organizers do not accept any responsibility for theft or damage incurred by the
participants. - The organizers would not bear any responsibility if the events were to be suspended by order
of the authorities, natural disasters, strikes, for reasons of any force majeure. - This agreement is governed by the laws of the United States (State of Florida). Disputes
unresolved by negotiation shall be subject to arbitration in Miami, Florida. - In case of disqualification or non-participation in the competition, the participant will not be
eligible for a refund of the registration fee. - The organizers of the festival are not responsible for the life and health of the participants in
the competition. This responsibility rests with team leaders, parents, and individual participants. - All responsibility for non-compliance with the conditions stipulated in these Regulations rests
with the participants. - A participant who registers in the competition unconditionally accepts each item contained in
these Rules. - The organizers disclaim all responsibility for damage to persons or property during the entire
event. - Important! All participants and guests of the festival must comply with the rules established
by the Miami, Florida, USA government regarding COVID-19.
XIV. ORGANIZATION OF THE FESTIVAL COMPETITION: - Rehearsals and performances are held strictly according to the schedule provided by the
organizers of the festival competition. Repertoire changes are not accepted. Substitution of
instrumental track “-1” on the day of the competition may not be carried out. - The recording of the instrumental track “-1” must be made on a flash drive in MP3 format
with ideal sound quality. Please, have copies of phonograms with you! - The copyright of the songs belongs entirely to the songwriters and composers of the songs
themselves. - It is not allowed to be late for rehearsals and competitive performances.
- The list of participants for the “Gala concert” is drawn up by the director and signed by the
president of the festival and is not subject to discussion. - The organizing committee has the right to:
- take photos and carry out video filming of the competition program;
- use, replicate and distribute photo (video) materials of the competition for information,
advertising, and methodological purposes; - change the place and time of the competition, while the dates of the festival remain unchanged.
The participant agrees:
- To accept completely and unconditionally the rules of participation and holding of
the competition, contained in the Regulations; - Send the following:
Vocal and Choreography: instrumental track “-1”/ phonogram of the competitive
performance that meets all the requirements of the Organizing Committee in the
Regulations.
Be sure to have copies of phonograms with you! - Fill out an application for participation and send it to Organizing Committee;
- Send a copy of the payment;
- A copy of the identity document of the participant and accompanying person;
- And 1 photo of the participant/group.
Important! All files must be signed and sent to the Organizing Committee of the
competition by email info@pearl-fest.com
The deadline for submitting applications for the competition is January 15, 2026.
- The organizers reserve the right to make changes in the program in time and days of the
contest under circumstances beyond their control.