The Mathieu Crickboom Competition is open to young violinists enrolled in Belgian public-subsidized arts education institutions, excluding higher education.

It is organized by the non-profit organization Prix Artistiques de la Ville de Verviers.

Conceived as an artistic and educational experience, the competition offers students the opportunity to become familiar with performing on stage, the rigorous preparation required for a public performance, and the unique context of a competition. Since opportunities to perform before an audience are relatively rare in a young musician’s career, each stage experience represents a crucial step towards progress, both technically, artistically, and personally.

The Mathieu Crickboom Competition therefore encourages candidates to approach this experience primarily as a time for learning and development, valuing the work accomplished, the commitment, and the journey undertaken. While prizes are awarded, they are part of this overall approach and not an end in themselves, even though they are naturally among the objectives of a competition.

In a decidedly friendly and supportive atmosphere, all the events take place with respect, open communication, and good humor. At a time when the concept of a competition can still be associated with comparison or ranking, the Mathieu Crickboom Competition champions a different approach, centered on the lived experience, individual progress, and the expression of each participant’s artistic personality.

The competition prioritizes attentive, positive, and constructive feedback on performances. Whenever possible, candidates have the opportunity to speak with jury members after their performances to receive feedback, advice, and avenues for reflection useful to their musical development. These exchanges are part of a mentoring and mentoring process, aimed at guiding and encouraging young artists in their growth.

Through this philosophy, the Mathieu Crickboom Competition affirms its desire to promote a more human, more educational and more open vision of the music competition, placing art, music and the young musician at the heart of the experience.