Organized By: PEARL FEST GROUPVenue: Vocal Contest, Choreography Contest, Instrumental Contest, Fashion Show, Art

Exhibition and Gala Concert at Clermont Performing Arts Center’s Black Box Theater

Address: Clermont Performing Arts Center – 3700 US – 27, Clermont, FL 34711

Contact Person: Sally Siamashvili – General Manager Tel: +1 (917) 733-2425 (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 Orlando, 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.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPETITION

• 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.

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 – December 23, 2024

▪ 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 thebalance 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 $ 300 (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: 300$ (paid by both participants and accompanying

persons).

• Cancellation penalties:

• 60 days before the event: 60% of the total paid amount.

• 50 days before the event: 75% of the total paid amount.

• 40 days before the event: 90% of the total paid amount.

• 30 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

Festival-Competition.

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 in Italy:

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 60 days or less before the scheduled transfer: 10% penalty of the

cost.

• Cancellation within 30 days: 100% penalty of the cost.

Application Deadlines and Festival Dates:

• The final application deadline is 60 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 (duet, trio, ensembles);

Broadway Musical Show 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 DANCEI. 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 tothe 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 oldII 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 February 10, 2025. 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. Thephonogram 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 (double-

track) 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 VocalF – 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.

• Prize to the youngest performer

• 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.pearl-fest.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: $ 300.00 for each participant and accompanying person

(Non-refundable) 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) – $

2200.

The cost per person for dancers (regardless contestant or accompanying person) – $

2000.

The cost per person for instrumental (regardless contestant or accompanying

person) – $ 2200.

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, 2025

• 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 25, 2025.

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

Orlando” should be mentioned.

Registration fee in amount of $ 300 (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 ORLANDO 2025.

For example: John White (16) for participation in Pearl of ORLANDO 2025.

PLEASE NOTE ANY CHANGE IN THE APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION AFTER

February 10, 2025 – $ 80. (changes are not possible after February 20, 2025).

Please note that the payment term is January 25, 2025.

If payment for participation is made later than January 25, 2025, then participation in the

competition will cost an extra $ 80! In addition, all other changes after January 25, 2025 will

be made at an additional cost of $ 80. Therefore, be careful and correct.

Attention: Each person must notify organizers at least 40 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 ORLANDO 2025.

For example: John White (16) for participation in Pearl of Orlando 2025.

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)

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. PARTICIPATION BY CORRESPONDENCE

▪ To participate in the festival are allowed in absentia appearing on the YouTube service.

▪ For correspondence participation in the festival, it is necessary to send to the Organizing

Committee, an Application of the established type signed by the responsible persons (for the

team – the leader, for the soloists – parents).

▪ A mandatory confirmation of the application for participation is a prepayment of 100%.

▪ Production of calculations is confirmed by the relevant financial documents.

Heads of performers and collectives are given Gratitude letters and certificates for participation

of pupils in the VII International Festival “PEARL OF ORLANDO 2025”, as well as Nominee

Diplomas of Honor for the creative achievements of collectives and performers.

* The organizers reserve the right to make changes in the program in time and days of the

contest under circumstances beyond their control.