2026 GUIDE TO TOP COMPETITIONS
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Cork International Choral Festival - Fleischmann International Trophy Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Each year some of the finest amateur international choirs are selected to compete for the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy.
One of Europe's premier international choral festivals, Cork is noted for its high standards, eclectic and wide-ranging programme, and the friendliness of its welcome. MAIN OFFICE
Cork International Choral Festival
Civic Trust House 50 Pope's Quay, Cork IRELAND
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to any amateur choir of international standing; minimum 20/maximum 60 voices; minimum age of 16 years on the day of competition.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Application notes | Closing date for receipt of completed applications for each annual competition is October 31 of the preceding year. |
FINALS (live rounds)
Cork, Ireland: April 29 - May 3, 2026; April 28 - May 2, 2027 |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✖ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Chamber Choir of the Collegium Musicum Berlin, Germany
2024 Brigham Young University Singers, United States 2023 Mixed Choir HUIK!, Estonia 2022 Vaskivuori Upper Secondary School Chamber Choir, Finland 2019 Chamber Choir KGBL, Slovenia |
SOCIAL LINKS
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GEORGE ENESCU INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
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Expanded information for
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FISCHOFF NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION
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Expanded information for
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Global Music Awards
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Global Music Awards is a highly rated, well-known international music competition which celebrates independent musicians. Global Music Awards is widely recognized by industry insiders as giving legitimacy to highly talented artists and as music's golden seal of approval. It is a competition strictly on merit.
MAIN OFFICE
7752 Fay Avenue, Suite B
La Jolla, CA 92037 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to all artists and composers. Submissions may be of any genre, any length. The competition looks for artists and composers with outstanding emotional communication, the ability to transcend, to make the listener experience something that is new and compelling.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Conducting • Composition • Piano • Strings • Voice • Band • Chamber Music • Classical Crossover • Experimental • Jazz • Indie Country & Pop • Operatic Music • Original Score/Sound Track Movie & TV • R&B & Soul • Sound Editing/Sound Mixing • Symphonic Music • Vocal Group • World Music & Beats
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Quadrennial |
| Jury chair(s) | Thomas Baker, Ph.D., Founder, Global Music Awards |
| Additional jurors | Each a Global Music Awards gold medal winner: Charles Denler, composer, Emmy winner Darlene Koldenhoven, soprano, humanitarian Ricky Kej, composer, conservationist, Grammy winner Elisabet Franch, classical flute John Daversa, composer, jazz band Amanda Abizaid, vocalist Melissa B, composer, humanitarian Malek Jandali, composer, humanitarian Berta Moreno, jazz instrumentalist Tri Nguyen, zither master, fusion Dorothy Hindman, composer Dorothy Hindman, composer |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | $60 |
| Application deadline | April 3, 2026 |
| Application notes | See here for quaterly entry deadlines |
FINALS (live rounds)
No live rounds |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
✖ Not open to the public
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
Farangis Nurulla-Khoja, composer/contemporary music, Incandescence, Canada/Tajikistan
Eric Funk, composer, Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Op 72, United States Asako Hirabayashi, composer/album, The Harpsichord in the New Millennium, United States/Japan Charles Denler, composer/album, Wild Mustang Suite, United States The Grasslands Ensemble & Daniel Ho, world music, Between the Sky & Prairie, Inner Mongolia/China/United States |
SOCIAL LINKS
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The International Edvard Grieg Piano Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The competition will take place at Troldhaugen, Edvard Grieg's picturesque home in Bergen, Norway, dates to be announced. Competitors who do not advance to the second round or semifinal will perform at a paid concert in the Bergen area.
MAIN OFFICE
The International Edvard Grieg Piano Competition
c/o Kode Vestre Strømkaien 7 5008 Bergen NORWAY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility information to be announced
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Quadrennial |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | To be announced |
| Additional jurors | To be announced |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | April 1, 2026 |
| Application notes | Dates of competition and application deadline to be announced. The above date is only a suggestion. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
August/September 2026 (dates to be announced), Kode, Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen, Bergen, Norway: First and second rounds, and semifinals |
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FINALS (live rounds)
September 2026 (date to be announced, Grieg Hall, Bergen, Norway: Final, piano soloist with The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2022 Fuko Ishii, piano
2018 Ryoma Takagi, piano 2016 Ah Ruem Ahn, piano 2014 Joachim Carr, piano 2012 Sasha Grynyuk, piano |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Michael Hill International Violin Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The competition hosts the world's most exciting violin talent in the world's most unique location.
MAIN OFFICE
157 Crummer Road
Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021 NEW ZEALAND
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Violinists ages 18 to 26
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Triennial |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Hon Christopher Finlayson |
| Additional jurors | James Ehnes Edward Dusinberre Josef Spâcêk Geneva Lewis Prof Vera Tse Weiling Natsuko Yoshimoto Andrew Beer |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | $150 |
| Application deadline | November 20, 2025 |
| Application notes | The application deadline for the 2026 competition has passed. The deadline for the 2029 competition will be in late 2028, the specific date to be announced. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
May 29 - June 1, 2026, Queenstown Memorial Centre, Queenstown, New Zealand: Rounds I and II, solo and piano accompanied work performed by 16 quarterfinalists June 3-4, 2026: Round III, Auckland Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand: Mozart string quintets and show pieces performed by top six semifinalists |
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FINALS (live rounds)
June 6, 2026, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand: Concertos performed by top three finalists |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2023 Jenny Jin
2019 Anna Im 2017 Ioana Cristina Goicea 2015 Suyeon Kang 2013 Nikki Chooi 2011 Sergey Malov 2009 Josef Spacek 2007 Bella Hristova 2005 Ning Feng 2003 Natalia Lomeiko 2001 Joseph Lin |
SOCIAL LINKS
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HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
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Expanded information for
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Honens International Piano Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Canada's Honens International Piano Competition is one of the world's most prestigious piano competitions, dedicating itself to identifying the next generation of complete artists—pianists with exceptional skill, innovative vision, and ability to connect with audiences, and understanding of their role in today's cultural and social landscape.
MAIN OFFICE
1175-105 12 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2G 1A1 CANADA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Pianists at least 20 years old on the first day of semifinals and no older than 30 years of age on the last day of finals. Previous Honens Laureates and professionally managed pianists are not eligible.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Triennial | |
| First prize | More than $50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Jon Kimura Parker, artistic director | |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application fee | CAD $185 | |
| Application deadline | June 30, 2027 | |
| Application notes | The date will be announced when applications for the 2028 Honens International Piano Competition are open. | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
2028, Calgary, Canada (dates and place to be announced) |
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FINALS (live rounds)
2028, Calgary, Canada (dates and place to be announced) |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Élisabeth Pion, piano
2022 Illia Ovcharenko 2018 Nicolas Namoradze 2015 Luca Buratto 2012 Pavel Kolesnikov 2009 Georgy Tchaidze |
SOCIAL LINKS
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ELIZABETH HUANG INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION AT UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
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InterContinental Music Awards
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
InterContinental Music Awards is the most cultural and inclusive Los Angeles-based music competition. ICMA evaluates entries from a global and ethnical perspective by a panel of judges who are industry professionals and music industry executives. ICMA has been recognized by the City of Los Angeles and the California Senate.
MAIN OFFICE
6455 Reseda Blvd
#220 Reseda CA 91335 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
See here for eligibility and submission requirements.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Composition • Piano • Strings • Voice • Songwriting • Production • Audio Engineering • Vocal Performance • Instrument Performance
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Shahed Mohseni, founder/director of ICMA |
| Additional jurors | Fred Nowshad, orchestra conductor, composer & music mentor Neivi Martinez, international soprano, CEO Amadeus Artists agency Mari Nobre, artist & ethnomusicologist, vocalist on Latin GRAMMY®-winning album Omar Akram, GRAMMY® winning pianist & composer Juliet Lyons, singer/songwriter, film/TV composer Sophia Agranovich, concert pianist, educator, mentor, steinway artist S.J. Jananiy, composer & global music icon Shahed Mohseni, world music producer, industry mentor Sonny King, Emmy®-winning composer, music producer & industry mentor Lucy Monciel, world music producer, singer/songwriter Flaviyake (Duck the Bass), artist, songwriter, producer Nitanee Paris, songwriter, director of A&R, Artist Max Rachel Mason, songwriter, international vocal judge Robin Sandoval, singer/songwriter Sotiris Chrysanthou, music composer & visual performing artist Tim Janssens, composer & producer Vahagn Stepanyan, music producer, songwriter, composer |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application fee | $69 |
| Application deadline | April 15, 2026 |
FINALS (live rounds)
To be determined |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| TBD | Semifinals | TBD | Semifinals streamed |
| TBD | Finals | TBD | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Jennifer Thomas, original composition; Inal Bilsel, best composition
2024, Robin Spielberg and Sangeeta Kaur, original production 2023, Charu Suri, original composition |
SOCIAL LINKS
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International Art Song Competition Stuttgart
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The International Art Song Competition Stuttgart is intended for lied duos. The competition, which will be live-streamed in its entirety, offers young singers and pianists an international platform where they can immerse themselves in art song and present it to a large audience.
MAIN OFFICE
Internationale Hugo-Wolf-Akademie
für Gesang, Dichtung, Liedkunst e.V. Stuttgart Jägerstraße 40 70174 Stuttgart GERMANY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The International Art Song Competition Stuttgart 2026 is open to singers and pianists of all nations born after December 31, 1992.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Lied Duo (Voice and Piano)
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than €5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Brigitte Fassbaender, Germany, voice |
| Additional jurors | Juliane Banse, Germany, voice; Christoph Berner, Austria, piano; Hans Eijsackers, The Netherlands, piano; Werner Güra, Germany, voice; Susan Manoff, United States/France, piano; Roman Trekel, Germany, voice |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | July 6, 2026 |
| Application notes | See here for more information |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
October 1, 2026, Concert Hall, State University of Music and Performing Arts, Stuttgart, Germany |
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FINALS (live rounds)
October 3, 2026, Concert Hall, State University of Music and Performing Arts, Stuttgart, Germany |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2024 Giacomo Schmidt, baritone; Jong Sun Woo, piano
2022 Theodore Platt, baritone; Keval Shah, piano 2020 Konstantin Ingenpass, baritone; Hyun-hwa Park, piano 2018 Mikhail Timoshenko, baritone; Elitsa Desseva, piano 2016 Ilker Arcayürek, tenor; Fiona Pollak, piano |
SOCIAL LINKS
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INTERNATIONAL HANS GABOR BELVEDERE SINGING COMPETITION
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Expanded information for
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International Conducting Competition Rotterdam
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
ICCR presents a completely new format in which young conductors get a chance to work with numerous orchestras. The competition consists of five rounds, each with a different specialty. The first edition took place in 2022 with Bertie Baigent as winner.
MAIN OFFICE
Postbus 972
3000 AZ Rotterdam THE NETHERLANDS
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
ICCR is open to professional conductors of all nationalities who are at least 23 years and maximum 30 years of age at the start of the Competition.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Conducting
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Triennial | |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | $5,000 to $10,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Deborah Borda, president emertia, New York Philharmonic | |
| Additional jurors | Roberta Alexander, soprano Marieke Blankestijn, concertmaster, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra Han-Na Chang, artistic leader & chief conductor, Trondheim Symfoniorkester Brett Dean, composer Sian Edwards, conductor Gaetan Le Divelec, VP of artistic planning, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Wolfgang Fink, intendant, Bremer Philharmoniker Iván Fischer, conductor Dame Jane Glover, conductor Ara Guzelimian, artistic director, Ojai Music Festival Antony Hermus, conductor Tisa Ho, former director, Hong Kong Arts Festival Vimbayi Kaziboni, conductor Sophie De Lint, director, Dutch National Opera Stephan Macleod, bass & conductor Johan De Meij, composer & conductor Cathy Milliken, composer Ulrike Niehoff, strategic & artistic consultant Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor Christina Pluhar, director, L'Arpeggiata ensemble Pamela Rosenberg, Former managing director, Berlin Philharmonic Kwamé Ryan, conductor Ed Spanjaard, conductor Elmar Weingarten, Former intendant, Berliner Philharmoniker George Wiegel, director, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra Eric Whitacre, composer & conductor Bas Wiegers, conductor Mark Williams, CEO, Toronto Symphony Orchestra Yip Wing-Sie, conductor |
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| Jury size | 11 or more | |
| Application deadline | December 1, 2026 | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
July 1-4, 2027: 24 contestants conduct |
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FINALS (live rounds)
August 21 - September 3, 2028: Six contestants conduct different orchestras in five different rounds |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Luis Castillo-Briceño and Miguel Sepúlveda, conductor
2022 Bertie Baigent, conductor |
SOCIAL LINKS
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International Long-Thibaud Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The LTC competition is open to young musicians from all over the world. For 80 years, it has represented a highlight of the parisian, French, and international season.
MAIN OFFICE
32 avenue Matignon
75008 Paris FRANCE
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The 2026 violin competition is open to all nationalities from 16 to 33 years old; pre-selection by video only before November 1, 2026. 18 candidates from the pre-selection will qualify to take part in the eliminatory round.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano •
Strings
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | €10,000 to €50,000 |
| Smallest prize | €11,000 to €50,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Gerard Bekerman, chairman of the foundation |
| Additional jurors | Gerard Poulet, Pavel Vernikov, Vera Weiling Tsy, Gidon Kremer, Mihaela Martin, Corina Belcea, Silvia Marcovici, Maxim Venguerov |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | $80 |
| Application deadline | July 1, 2026 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
November 12, 2026, Paris: Each semifinalist must perform one recital piece of their own choice plus plus one of the following four works: Chausson's Poème, Schubert Rondo brillant in B minor, D.895, Schumann/Kreisler Fantasy in C major for violin and piano, or Poulenc Sonata for violin and piano. The total performance time must not exceed 40 minutes; four musicians will qualify for the finals |
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FINALS (live rounds)
November 14, 2026, Théâtre des Champs Elysées, Paris, France: Finalists will perform one concerto accompanied by Orchestra of the Republican Guard |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Saehyun Kim, piano |
SOCIAL LINKS
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International Chamber Music Competition Franz Schubert and Modern Music
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
In addition to special features such as a top-class jury giving comprehensive feedback, which is extended during the finals with concert presenters, the competition offers a highlight in the category Lied with its commissioned work—to be performed after 36 hours of study time. The competition will involve: duo for voice and piano (Lied); trio for piano, violin, and violoncello; piano duo; and composition piano trio.
MAIN OFFICE
University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG)
Leonhardstraße 15 A-8010 Graz AUSTRIA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Performing musicians up to 35 years old
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Composition • Piano • Strings •
Voice
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No | |
| Frequency | Triennial | |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Joseph Breinl, lied duo; Chia Chou, piano trio; Sivan Silver-Garburg & Gil Garburg, piano duo | |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application deadline | September 28, 2027 | |
| Application notes | Competition will take place in February 2028 | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Date to be announced, KUG (Kunstuniversität Graz) Campus, Leonhardstraße 15, Graz, Austria |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Date to be announced, KUG (Kunstuniversität Graz), MUMUTH (House for Music and Music Theatre), Leonhardstraße 15, Graz, Austria |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | TBD | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Gugg Piano Duo; Trio Bronte, piano trio
2025 Katrīna Paula Felsberga, soprano; Justine Eckhaut, piano (lied duo) 2022 Trio Orelon, piano trio 2018 Simply Quartet, string quartet 2018 Mikhail Timoshenko, bass-baritone; Elitsa Desseva, piano (lied duo) 2006 Trio Atos, piano trio 1997 Jerusalem Quartet, string quartet |
SOCIAL LINKS
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INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION OF INDIANAPOLIS
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Expanded information for
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Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Jensen Foundation auditions America's most promising young opera singers to perform in its finals competition. Singers compete this year for more than $50,000 in awards, including $15,000 for first place.
MAIN OFFICE
220 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Singers: Must not be a previous first-, second-, or third-place award winner of the Competition; must have been a permanent legal resident of the United States for at least one year on the first day of the competition, May 18, 2026; must be at least 25 years old by the first day of the competition (May 18, 2026) and no older than 35 years at the competition’s end (May 23, 2026); must not be a past or current recipient of a contract for a principal role with an OPERA America Budget Level I company or its international equivalent. Cover, chorus, and comprimario roles with Level 1 companies are acceptable. See additional eligibility information here.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Oliver Worthington, Jensen Foundation Board chair, Butler University |
| Additional jurors | R. Benjamin Leaptrott, Jr., Jensen Foundation vice chair, Brenau University Kirsten Chambers, soprano |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | $25 |
| Application deadline | March 15, 2026 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
May 18-21, 2026, New York City: Preliminary judging |
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FINALS (live rounds)
May 23, 2026: New York, NY |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✖ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Sadie Cheslak, mezzo-soprano
2024 Magdalena Kuźma, soprano 2023 Lawrence Basara Kiharangwa, tenor 2010 Andrew Garland, baritone 2009 Anthony Roth Costanzo, countertenor |
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Joseph Joachim Violin Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
We are seeking inquisitive minds who demonstrate an impeccable command of their instrument while remaining humble servants of great composers and their scores, young artists who bravely strive for individuality, making bold musical statements with the violin; musicians whose voice inspires deep emotions and show an exceptional degree of versatility.
MAIN OFFICE
Stiftung Niedersachsen
Joseph Joachim Violinwettbewerb Sophienstr. 2 30159 Hannover GERMANY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Ages 18 to 32
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Triennial |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | February 28, 2027 |
| Application notes | The next competition will take place September 20 - October 2, 2027. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
September 24-29, 2027, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Hanover, Germany |
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FINALS (live rounds)
October 2, 2027, NDR Konzerthaus, Hanover, Germany |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2024 Angela Chan and Jacques Forestier, violin
2021 Maria Ioudenitch, violin 2018 Timothy Chooi, violin 2015 Sergey Dogadin, violin 2012 Alexandra Conunova, violin |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Johansen International Competition for Young String Players (Ages 13-17)
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Total of up to $68,000 in prizes, with equal prizes for each instrument, the JIC is funded by a charitable trust established by Anna Storch Johansen, who wanted to encourage young musicians with significant prize awards at a time when they need it most.
MAIN OFFICE
755 8th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Students of violin, viola, or cello, ages 13 through 17 years. Contestants may not be younger than 13 or older than 17 on the final day of the competition. Proof of age is required. Applicants must not be under professional management.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Triennial |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | $130 |
| Application deadline | December 1, 2027 |
| Application notes | The dates listed here for the 2028 JIC are approximate. Detailed information will be available closer to the year of the competition. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
March 2028, First Congregational UCC, Washington, DC: Violin, viola, and cello
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FINALS (live rounds)
March 2028, First Congregational UCC, Washington, DC: Violin, viola, and cello |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✖ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2015 Zlatomir Fung, cello
2012 Brannon Cho, cello 2009 Matthew Lipman, viola 2006 Ben Beilman and Tessa Lark, violin |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Olga Kern International Piano Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Fifth Olga Kern International Piano Competition will take place fall of 2028. The final round will feature the Competition's finalists in performances with the New Mexico Philharmonic. In addition to a cash prize, the winner will be awarded concert engagements throughout the U.S. and Europe and a professional recording.
MAIN OFFICE
PO Box 14314
Albuquerque, NM 87191 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Pianists of all nationalities between the ages of 18 and 32 at the time of the competition in 2028.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Triennial |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Olga Kern, artistic director & jury president |
| Additional jurors | To be determined |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | $250 |
| Application deadline | June 1, 2028 |
| Application notes | Incomplete applications will not be accepted; submitted materials will not be returned. The screening jury will admit 18-20 contestants to compete in the first round, which will be held during fall 2028 in Albuquerque, NM. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Fall 2028 (dates to be announced), National Hispanic Cultural Center and Popejoy Hall, Albuquerque, NM: In-person rounds |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Fall 2028 (dates to be announced), National Hispanic Cultural Center and Popejoy Hall, Albuquerque, NM: In-person rounds usually consisting of contestant's choice from list (to be determined) of one concerto for piano and orchestra |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Daria Podorozhnova and Monica Zhang (2nd prize)
2022 Jonathan Mamora 2019 Tetiana Shafran 2016 Antonio Chen Guang |
SOCIAL LINKS
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La Maestra International Competition for Women Conductors
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
La Maestra is an international competition and academy for women conductors co-directed by the Paris Mozart Orchestra and the Philharmonie de Paris. In 2026, La Maestra will provide a high-profile platform for 16 outstanding women conductors who will compete in front of an international jury.
MAIN OFFICE
28 place Saint-Georges
75009 Paris FRANCE
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Competition is open to professional women conductors of all nationalities without age limit.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Conducting
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Oksana Lyniv, music director, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, and principal guest conductor, Kyiv Symphony Orchestra |
| Additional jurors | Claire Gibault, artistic & musical director, Paris Mozart Orchestra, and co-founder/co-director, La Maestra Wayne Marshall, conductor, organist & pianist Vineta Sareika, violinist, former concertmaster, Berlin Philharmonic Matias Tarnopolsky, president & CEO, New York Philharmonic Fabienne Voisin, executive director, Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal Philipp von Steinaecker, conductor |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | July 8, 2025 |
| Application notes | The deadline for the 2026 competition has passed. The application deadline for the 2028 competition will be posted in mid-2027; for details. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Studio - Philharmonie de ParisParis, France: February 23-24, 2026, quarterfinals; February 26, 2026, semifinals |
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FINALS (live rounds)
February 27-28, 2026: Grande Salle Pierre Boulez, Philharmonie de Paris, Paris, France |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2024
Bar Avni, 1st prize, ECHO prize, orchestra prize Liubov Nosova, 2nd prize Katharina Morin, 3rd prize 2022 Anna Sułkowska-Migoń, 1st prize Joanna Natalia Ślusarczyk, 2nd prize Beatriz Fernández Aucejo, 3rd prize Ustina Dubitsky, orchestra prize 2020 Rebecca Tong, 1st prize Stephanie Childress, 2nd prize Lina Gonzalez-Granados, 3rd prize Glass Marcano, orchestra prize |
SOCIAL LINKS
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The Lotte Lenya Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
A singing competition unlike any other, in which acting counts as much as vocal talent. The Lotte Lenya Competition welcomes talented singer/actors of all nationalities, ages 19 to 32, to show they can "do it all" by presenting four contrasting theatrical songs and arias. Top prize is $25,000.
MAIN OFFICE
The Kurt Weill Foundation for Music
7 East 20th Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to singer/actors of all nationalities, ages 19 to 32.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | No fee |
| Application deadline | February 4, 2026 |
| Application notes | The above deadline is to submit an online application with video audition for the preliminary round; apply here. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
March 26-27, 2026, New York, NY |
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FINALS (live rounds)
May 9, 2026, Rochester, NY |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
Singer/actor:
2024 Christian Mark Gibbs 2021 Andrew Polec 2018 John Brancy 2015 Lauren Michelle 2009 Lauren Worsham |
SOCIAL LINKS
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