In 2002 the PRO ARTE Institute inaugurated an annual competition of Russian composers in St Petersburg called the Pythian Games. A unique artistic contest in which the winners are chosen by the audience, this project is without precedents in Russian musical practice.

The Pythian Games take the form of two concerts, each of which has a set theme. Five compositions by five guest composers are performed at each concert. All works are specially written for the Pythian Games and performed anonymously by eNsemble. At the end of each concert, the public votes for its own personal choice. The second prize is awarded by the members of eNsemble. After the winners are announced, the names of the composers are revealed.

The organisers of the Pythian Games invite composers who, in their opinion, will shape the future of Russian music. The Pythian composers include both famous musicians and recent conservatoire graduates. All contestants compete on equal terms. The only limitations on the interpretation of the theme are the number of instruments (a maximum of nine) and the length of the composition (no more than twenty minutes).
The themes are conceived to provoke the composers to compete not only for victory, but also for creating a fully-fledged work of art.