I did receive feedback from them on my second trial. They told me that the reason for not putting me on the finals is that my music didn't connect with the character.
That is more confusing, so it was this reason, or becuase you were a previous winner? That doesnt make sense (not you saying it, them messing you about).
What seems it has happened to you (as with 2 other past winners), is that they just send you a random reply "didnt connect with the character". They copy paste replies, we have confirmed that by examing the text/font.
That is why I wrote above that I don't care about weird judges' feedback.
It's worth mentioning again that only last week after asking them, they let me know about the impossibility of past winners being considered in the competition. I was treated very unfairly!
So they told you one thing before (it didnt connect with the character) and two weeks ago they told you about the impossibility of past winners. That contradiction speaks volumes.
I think everyone now starts to see what is happening here. And keep in mind, we have other people stating the same problem, in one case being even more weird than your case.
But yes, you were really treated unfairly because it seems you have submited 2 or 3 times before you found out it was in vain.
I don't know what makes you believe I am a well-established composer. I decided to participate in those competitions because I didn't have any paid work at that time, and it was a chance to develop my career further.
Leo, we didnt use the word established in this message (but you are very well established anyway), but having students and making tutorials, plus a honestly good work submited to them, and anything the production has listend from your work, you are not an amature, not an intermediate composer, but rather on a pro level.
And to make this more clear, this is your message from the post "Composing for live performance with minimal instantaneous feedback from VI's":
"Not at all. I've been "composing for musicians while working solely with samples" for many years before I first had a chance to listen to my orchestration with a real orchestra.
I've been criticized for having this approach but it paid off. I've never had to change a note while recording with orchestras."
So, based on your own words (and we have no doubt about it) you are an established composer. And having worked with composers, I know you did not get from your award to that level in 2 years, you had to have experience in the first place.
You didn't need them or the fake award, which you admit, did nothing to you, as you don't pay attention to such awards. They needed you.
All those money-grabing schemes, use some good composers to make the first award and then go on auto.
Evidence flow in rapidly, everyone stay tuned.