2026 GUIDE TO TOP COMPETITIONS
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The Gerda Lissner Foundation IVC in Association with the Liederkranz Foundation
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Gerda Lissner Foundation conducts two annual competitions: the Art Song Competition and the International Vocal Competition.
The Art Song Competition highlights the important role art song plays in a singer’s development. The competition focuses on the exploration and interpretation of text and styles, as well as effective physical presence and excellent vocal technique. Applicants are encouraged to submit art songs which offer a range of tempi, languages, and emotion. The Foundation's International Vocal Competition provides young opera singers with the financial support and performance opportunities needed to pursue and excel in their craft and excel. The Foundation awards cash prizes and presents its winners on stage at Carnegie Hall, in recital at WQXR’s The Greene Space and on-air via WQXR’s Young Artists’ Showcase. MAIN OFFICE
15 East 65th Street, 3rd floor
New York NY 10065 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Participants must be 21 to 32 years old. Auditioners must be available for: in-person on assigned audition dates; both preliminaries and finals, 10:15 am to 5 pm; Winners Concert to receive the award, April 29, 2026, 6:30 pm at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York, NY.
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) | Midge Woolsey, Arlene Shrut Co-Artistic Directors/The Gerda Lissner Foundation |
| Additional jurors | Laura Alley, Ken Benson, F.Paul Driscoll, Susan Quittmeyer, Midge Woolsey |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application deadline | December 29, 2025 |
| Application notes | The competitions are annual; deadline for the 2026 application has passed. The specific applications date for the 2027 competitions will be at the end of December 2026 or start of January 2027, specific date to be announced; applications need to be submitted via the online portal. Submission of the application does not guarantee an audition or grant. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
March 9-12, 2026, The Kosciuszko Foundation, New York, NY: Preliminaries |
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FINALS (live rounds)
March 13, 2026, The Kosciuszko Foundation, New York, NY: Finals |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
✖ Not open to the public
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
See here for past winners
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Franz Liszt Center International Online Piano Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Since 2020, the competition has offered great professional possibilities, including recitals, concerts with orchestra, scholarships, and master classes. The competition is a talent-friendly event seeking to motivate young and professional pianists with five age categories and free repertory.
MAIN OFFICE
Plaza de Almassera 1
La Nucia, Spain SPAIN
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to all pianists from all over the world.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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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 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | István I. Székely |
| Additional jurors | Giuliano Adorno, Dragomir Bratic |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application deadline | February 22, 2026 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
One round |
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FINALS (live rounds)
March 23 - April 5, 2026, online |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✖ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
Simon Haje, Jan Schulmeister, Tomasz Zajac, Mihaela Manea
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SOCIAL LINKS
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Liszt Utrecht
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Liszt Utrecht actively presents, develops, and promotes piano talents from around the world. The competition will take place in 2029 with submissions in the preceding years. The January 2026 competition showcased the works of Carl Maria von Weber and Franz Liszt.
MAIN OFFICE
Ganzenmarkt 14
3512 GD Utrecht THE NETHERLANDS
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to pianists between 20 and 30 years old
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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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 | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Cynthia Wilson | |
| Additional jurors | Nino Gvetadze Leslie Howard Igor Roma Muza Rubackyte Enrico Pace Suzana Bartal Mariam Batsashvili Andrea Bonatta Severin von Eckardstein Janina Fialkowski Saskia Giorgini Alexander Gravylyuk Yingdi Sun |
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| Jury size | 11 or more | |
| Application notes | The next deadline for the triennial competition will be in early 2027, specific date to be announced. |
COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2022 Yukine Kuroki2017 Alexander Ullman
2014 Mariam Batsashvili 2008 Nino Gvetadze 2005 Yingdi Sun 1999 Yundi Li 1996 Igor Roma 1989 Enrico Pace |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Lyon International Chamber Music Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Lyon International Chamber Music Competition allows young ensembles—among the brightest world-wide hopes—to perform in public and in front of peers and artistic programmers. The competition offers prizes, awards, concerts, professional opportunities, and recommendations. Since 2004, more than 1,400 young artists from 35 different nationalities took part in the event, seeking to boost their career and reveal their talent. The competition highlights the city of Lyon and the richness of the cultural activity in the regional area to the world of music.
MAIN OFFICE
11 place Tobie Robatel
69001 Lyon FRANCE
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The 21st Lyon International Chamber Music Competition is dedicated to woodwind quintet; open
to artists of all nationalities born after April 14, 1993.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Composition • Piano • Strings •
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 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Additional jurors | Carlo Colombo, Lyon, bassoon Philippa Davies, London, flute Pascal Moraguès, Paris, Lausanne, clarinet Alexei Ogrintchouk, Amsterdam, Geneva, oboe Milena Viotti, Münich, Geneva, horn |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application deadline | December 31, 2025 |
| Application notes | The application deadline for the 2026 competition has passed. The deadline for the the 2027 competition will be at the end of 2026, specific date to be announced. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
April 14-18, 2026, Lyon, Université Lumière Main Hall, Lyon, France: Woodwind quintet |
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FINALS (live rounds)
April 18, 2026, Lyon, Université Lumière Main Hall, Lyon, France: Harp |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Vert Duo: Jeeyoung Lim, bass-baritone; Cole Knutson, piano
2024 Arete Quartet, Seoul, South Korea 2023 Trio Pantoum, Paris, France 2022 Domonkos Peter Hartmann; Domonkos Csabay, violin, Budapest, Hungary 2021 Manon Galy, violin; Jorge Gonzalez, piano, Paris, France 2019 Duo Moine ou Voyou, Vienna, Austria 2018 Trio Messiaen, Paris, France 2017 Ensemble Ouranos, woodwind quintet, Paris, France 2016 Marius Urba, cello; Vita Kahn, piano, Leipzig, Germany 2015 Castalian Quartet, London, United Kingdom 2014 Piano duo: Diana Tishchenko, violin; Joachim Carr, piano, Berlin, Germany 2013 Cyril Dubois, tenor; Tristan Raës, piano, Paris, France 2012 Eburon Brass Quintett, Brussels, Belgium 2011 Van Baerle Trio, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2009 Hermès Quartet, Lyon, France 2008 Quintette K, woodwind quintet, Lyon, France 2007 Eugen Tischindeleanu, violin; Nozomi Matsumoto, piano, Paris, France 2006 Yumiko Tanimura, soprano; Jonas Vitaud, piano, Paris, France 2005 Or Notes Brass Quintet, Paris, France 2004 Trio di Parma, Italy |
SOCIAL LINKS
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The Mahler Competition 2026
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Mahler Competition is one of the most important events of its kind anywhere in the world. It has attracted entries from more than 2,000 young conductors of all nationalities. It takes place where 1,000 years of history, world cultural heritage, enjoyment, and nature form an ideal combination.
MAIN OFFICE
Stiftung Bamberger Symphoniker - Bayerische Staatsphilharmonie
Mussstrasse 1 96047 Bamberg GERMANY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Young conductors up to 35 years old on October 31, 2025
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) | Jakub Hrůša, chief conductor, Bamberg Symphony | |
| Additional jurors | Marina Mahler Thomas Ades John Carewe Sian Edwards Pablo Heras-Casado John Storgårds Deborah Borda Mauro Bucarelli Martin Campbell-White Ara Guzelimian Marcus Rudolf Axt Bamberg Symphony Orchestra members |
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| Jury size | 11 or more | |
| Application deadline | October 31, 2025 | |
| Application notes | The application deadline for the triennial competition in 2026 has passed. The deadline for the the 2029 competition will be late fall 2028, specific date to be announced. | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
June 30, 2026, Concert Hall Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany: Conducting |
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FINALS (live rounds)
July 1-3, 2026, Concert Hall Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany: Conducting |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2023 Giuseppe Mengoli
2016 Kachun Wong 2013 Lahav Shani 2010 Ainārs Rubiķis 2004 Gustavo Dudamel |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Malko Competition for Young Conductors 2028
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Malko Competition is the Danish National Symphony Orchestra's international competition for conductors. It has been held every three years since 1965. The goal is to identify and bring out those great young musical talents who will one day grace the podia of leading orchestras all over the world.
MAIN OFFICE
DR-Byen
Emil Holms Kanal 20 5-3 DK -0999 Copenhagen DENMARK
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open for young conductors of all nationalities between 18 and 35 years of age
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Conducting
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Triennial |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | €5,000 to €10,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Fabio Luisi, chair & principal conductor, The Danish National Symphony Orchestra |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | November 1, 2027 |
| Application notes | The above application deadline is for the 2028 competition; the website will be updated with additional details as they are confirmed. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
2028: Dates and location to be announced |
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FINALS (live rounds)
2028: Dates and location 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
Samuel Lee
Dmitri Matvienko Ryan Bancroft Tung-Chieh Chuang Rafael Payare Joshua Weilerstein |
SOCIAL LINKS
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7th Éva Marton International Singing Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Éva Marton International Singing Competition is an unmissable opportunity and door onto the international opera scene. Members of the jury are looking for artists who seem to be capable of realizing what Éva Marton achieved, whose career is founded on an incredible level of hard work and much learning.
MAIN OFFICE
Secretariat of the International Éva Marton Singing Competition
Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music 8 Liszt Ferenc Square Budapest 1061 HUNGARY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The contest is open to singers from all nationalities, minimum 18 years old on opening day of the competition and no older than 32 for female and 35 for male candidates.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No | |
| Frequency | Biennial | |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | $5,000 to $10,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Éva Marton | |
| Additional jurors | Anatoli Goussev Vittorio Terranova Deniz Uzun Peter Mario Katona Miguel Lerín Andrea Meláth Szilveszter Ókovács Dmitry Vdovin |
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| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application deadline | April 27, 2026 | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
August 30 - September 6, 2026, Liszt Academy Budapest, Hungary |
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FINALS (live rounds)
September 5, 2026, Liszt Academy Budapest, Hungary September 6, 2026, Hungarian State Opera House: Gala Concert |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2024 Park Jihoon, tenor
2022 Andrei Danilov, tenor 2021 Sonja Saric, soprano 2018 Galeano Salas, tenor 2016 Alexander Roslavets, bass 2014 Szilvia Vörös, mezzo-soprano/alto |
SOCIAL LINKS
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MOSTARTS FESTIVAL YOUNG PIANIST COMPETITION
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Expanded information for
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MTNA COMPETITIONS
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Expanded information for
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National Association of Teachers of Singing Competitions
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MAIN OFFICE
9957 Moorings Drive, Suite 401
Jacksonville, FL 32257 UNITED STATES
904-992-9101
WEBSITE
NATS ART SONG COMPOSITION AWARD
The NATS Art Song Composition Award program’s purpose is to stimulate the creation of quality vocal literature through the cooperation of singer and composer. The performance of the first-place winning composition will be premiered at a national NATS event.
ELIGIBILITY
Competition is open to any composer. Submissions must be: a song cycle, group of songs, or extended single song approximately 20 minutes; for solo voice and piano; setting a text in English for which the composer has secured copyright clearance; composed within the last two years.
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| Frequency | Annual |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Application deadline | December 1, 2026 |
NATIONAL MUSICAL THEATRE COMPETITION
As the premier solo singing competition for musical theatre’s singing actors, winners are finding success on Broadway, national tours, and theaters across the country.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants: must be 21 to 35 years old as of September 8, 2027; must be a current NATS member (Professional) for at least one year; or applicant must have studied for at least one year prior to deadline with a teacher who is a current NATS member (Professional).
| Frequency | Biennial |
| Cash prizes | $14,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances, management |
| Application deadline | September 15, 2027 |
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SEMIFINALS and FINALS
January 2028, New York, NY (final date and place to be determined)
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NATS ARTIST AWARDS (NATSAA)
The biennial NATS Artist Awards Competition is designed to assist singers prepared to launch a professional career.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicant must: be 21 to 35 years old as of September 8, 2025; be a current NATS member (Professional) for at least one year; OR applicant must have studied for at least one year prior to deadline with a teacher who is a current NATS member (Professional).
| Frequency | Biennial |
| Cash prizes | More than $50,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances, management |
| Application deadline | September 8, 2025 |
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SEMIFINALS and FINALS
January 2026, New York, NY (final date and place to be determined)
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NATS NATIONAL STUDENT AUDITIONS
The exciting experience of NATS Student Auditions continues in 2026 with a national round for classical, musical theatre, commercial music, and spiritual categories.
ELIGIBILITY
Student singers advance through one of 15 NATS Region Auditions, which take place at varying times throughout the year.
| Frequency | Annual |
| Cash prizes | More than $35,000 |
| Application deadline | April 10, 2026 |
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SEMIFINALS and FINALS
July 3-5, 2026, San Antonio, TX
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SOCIAL LINKS FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF SINGING
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National Chopin Piano Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The next National Chopin Piano Competition will be held in January 2030. Open to U.S. citizens who perform at a professional level, the National Competition follows the rules of the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. The top two U.S. winners are automatically accepted to Warsaw.
MAIN OFFICE
1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117
Miami, FL 33141 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The 2030 National Chopin Piano Competition is open to pianists holding U.S. citizenship (native born or naturalized) born 2000 to 2014.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Quinquennial |
| First prize | More than $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Kevin Kenner, United States |
| Additional jurors | Ning An, U.S., winner, 2000 National Chopin Piano Competition Robert McDonald U.S., professor, The Juilliard School & Curtis Institute of Music Rachel Naomi Kudo, U.S. , prize winner, National Chopin Piano Competition U.S. Garrick Ohlsson U.S., winner, 1970 International Chopin Piano Competition Jon Nakamatsu, U.S., winner, Van Cliburn International, National Chopin Competitions U.S. Ewa Poblocka, Poland, prize winner, International Chopin Piano Competition Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń, Poland, acclaimed piano pedagogue Dina Yoffe, Latvia, prize winner, International Chopin Piano Competition |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | $125 |
| Application deadline | October 15, 2029 |
| Application notes | This competition is held every five years. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
January 2030 (dates to be announced), University of Miami, Frost School of Music, Coral Gables, FL: Live preliminaries through semifinals |
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FINALS (live rounds)
January 2030 (dates to be announced), University of Miami, Frost School of Music, Coral Gables, FL: Finals with orchestra |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 William Yang
2020 Avery Gagliano 2015 Eric Lu 2010 Claire Huangci 2005 Mei-Ting Sun |
SOCIAL LINKS
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NATIONAL FEDERATION OF MUSIC CLUBS
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Expanded information for
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THE WALTER W. NAUMBURG FOUNDATION
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Expanded information for
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Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize in Music Composition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Established in 2003 by the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, the Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize in Music Composition honors composers of outstanding achievement. The winner receives $150,000 and is expected to participate in two nonconsecutive weeks of residency at the Bienen School.
MAIN OFFICE
Bienen School of Music
Northwestern University Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts 70 Arts Circle Drive Evanston, IL 60208 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to living classical composers without regard to citizenship. Submit nominations by email to nemmersmusic@northwestern.edu. The recipient is expected to participate in two nonconsecutive residencies at the Bienen School.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Composition
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | More than $50,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application deadline | January 14, 2026 |
| Application notes | See here for full application guidelines |
COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
✖ Not open to the public
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2023 Tania León
2021 William Bolcom 2018 Jennifer Higdon 2016 Steve Reich 2014 Esa-Pekka Salonen |
SOCIAL LINKS
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NEP Call for Scores
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Since 1985, the New England Philharmonic has been one of few orchestras of its size in the country with a composer-in-residence program that holds an annual Call for Scores competition, receiving submissions from around the world. Winning scores are performed on one of our season's programs.
MAIN OFFICE
PO Box 231168
Boston, MA 02123 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Submissions are welcome from all composers based in the U.S. and internationally. The submitted score must be no longer than 15 minutes. Application fee of $40 per score must accompany each submission. Composers may submit as many scores as desired. Submissions must follow instrumentation guidelines.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Composition
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Carlos Carrillo, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign |
| Additional jurors | Jury comprised of members of the New England Philharmonic: Tianhui Ng, music director Jason Coleman, principal cello Jason Huffman, principal trumpet Tammy Gibson, principal clarinet Danielle Maddon, concertmaster |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | $40 |
| Application deadline | September 15, 2026 |
FINALS (live rounds)
Winner will be announced by December 5, 2026. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
✖ Not open to the public
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Loren Loiacono
2024 Bobby Ge 2023 Oswald Huỳnh 2022 Elijah Daniel Smith 2021 Igor Santos |
SOCIAL LINKS
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NEUE STIMMEN International Singing Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
NEUE STIMMEN is a unique platform designed to promote the careers of young opera singers. Aside from discovering talents, we offer long-term advice and provide personalized support. Singers are offered to participate in concerts, master classes, workshops and career coaching seminars. Former participants benefit from the international partner network.
MAIN OFFICE
Liz Mohn Stiftung
Carl-Bertelsmann-Str. 256 33311 Gütersloh GERMANY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Singers of any nationality; women up to 30 years old, born on or after October 11, 1995; men up to 30 years old, born on or after October 11, 1995
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
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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 | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Alexander Neef, general director, Opéra National de Paris | |
| Additional jurors | Sophie de Lint, director, Dutch National Opera Samuel Gelber, director of artistic planning & operations, Washington National Opera Boris Ignatov, casting director, Opera Stuttgart Bernd Loebe, general director, Opera Frankfurt Elisabeth Sobotka, general director, Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin Evamaria Wieser, artistic director, Salzburg Festival, and European casting consultant, Lyric Opera Chicago Christoph Seuferle, artistic director, Deutsche Oper Berlin Michael Volle, baritone |
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| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application fee | No application fee | |
| Application deadline | February 8, 2026 | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
April-June, 2026, cities worldwide such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Cape Town, Frankfurt, London, Milan, Munich, New York, Paris, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Warsaw, Zurich: Preliminary rounds |
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FINALS (live rounds)
October 3-10, 2026, Gütersloh, Germany |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2019 Elsa Dreisig, Soprano
2015, Long Long, tenor 2013 Nadine Sierra and Nicole Car, soprano 2007 Marina Rebeka, soprano 2003 Franco Fagioli, countertenor 1991 Michael Volle, baritone |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The triennial Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition, a flagship program of the Elevar Foundation, provides young violinists, with management, communications, community engagement, and concert opportunities in addition to a monetary prize. These tools, coupled with a strong emphasis on connecting with underserved communities, are vital for building an impactful career.
MAIN OFFICE
3601 North Military Trail
Boca Raton FL 33431 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Violinists must be 18 years at the time of submission and may not be more than 30 years of age by the conclusion of the competition.
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 | $5,000 to $10,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Andrés Cárdenes | |
| Additional jurors | To be announced | |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application fee | $135 | |
| Application deadline | 2028; deadline to be announced | |
| Application notes | The application deadline for the 2026 competition has passed; the application for the 2029 competition will be available in 2028 on the EOIVC website. Applicants must submit the necessary forms, the $135 entry fee, a copy of their valid passport, and the required repertoire via YouTube link by the submission deadline. | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
2026, Lynn Conservatory of Music; Boca Raton, FL: January 8-10, in-person preliminary round; January 14-15, semifinal round; in-person finals, January 18 |
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FINALS (live rounds)
January 18, 2026, Elaine and Keith C. Johnson World Performing Arts Center, Lynn Conservatory of Music, Boca Raton, FL |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2023 Hina Khuong-Huu
2020 Julian Rhee 2017 Sirena Huang |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Operalia
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Operalia's goal is to discover and help launch the careers of the most promising young opera singers of today, of all voice types and from all over the world.
MAIN OFFICE
425 East 58th Street, Suite 20E
New York, NY 10022 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
All voice types between the ages 20 and 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 | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application deadline | May 10, 2026 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
To be announced |
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FINALS (live rounds)
To be announced |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PARKHOUSE AWARD
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Expanded information for
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Plowman Chamber Music Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Since 2006, The Plowman Chamber Music Competition has provided an opportunity for aspiring chamber musicians to perform live for an audience and a panel of judges, with cash awards totaling over $12,000, including $5000 Grand Prize and a concert at the Odyssey Chamber Music Series in 2028.
MAIN OFFICE
Plowman Chamber Music Competition
c/o Odyssey Chamber Music Series 1112 East Broadway Columbia, MO 65201-4910 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to instrumental ensembles of three to six players. Members must be interested in or already pursuing a career in music. Ensembles with management as of April 2027 are not eligible. The ensemble may not have more than one piano. See here for details.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings • Woodwinds • Brass • Percussion
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | Less than $10,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | To be announced. |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | $50 per person ($60 after Feb 8) |
| Application deadline | February 8, 2027 |
| Application notes | Regular deadline: February 8, 2027; deadline with late fee: February 15, 2027 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
April 3, 2027, First Baptist Church, Columbia, MO |
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FINALS (live rounds)
April 4, 2027, Missouri Theatre, Columbia, MO |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Vinola Trio
2023 Trio Menil 2013 Project Fusion 2011 Akropolis Reed Quintet and Aeolus String Quartet (co-grand winners) 2008 Jasper String Quartet |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Princess Astrid International Music Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Established in 1953, this biennial competition hosted by the Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera rotates between violin and conducting. 2026 features conductors younger than 35 years. A world-wide scope of candidates are invited to be assessed by an internationally distinguished jury. The 2028 competition will focus on voilin. Princess Astrid of Norway is the royal patron of the competition.
MAIN OFFICE
Kjøpmannsgata 46
7010 Trondheim NORWAY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Conductors below age 35 at the time of the competition. The candidate must provide information such as name, date of birth, nationality, address, and email, as well as upload a CV, biography, artist picture, and two application videos.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Conducting •
Strings
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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) | Oksana Lyniv, conductor |
| Additional jurors | Martyn Brabbins, conductor Margareth Brouwer, composer Simon Rössler, CEO, Karajan Academy Julia Neher, principal viola, TSO Håvard Gimse, concert pianist Mei-Ann Chen, conductor |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | April 10, 2026 |
| Application notes | Applications will open January 2026 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
August 24-27, 2026, Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera, Olavshallen, Trondheim, Norway: Three rounds with orchestra |
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FINALS (live rounds)
August 24-27, 2026, Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera, Olavshallen, Trondheim, Norway: Public concert |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2024 Sara Dragan, violin; Sara Dragan, runners-up Jiayi Chen and Sunming Cho
2022 Alvin Ho, conducting; Alvin Ho, runners-up Toby Thatcher and Junping Qian 2021 Yukari Ohno, violin; runners-up Karen Su and Marie Helling 2018 Yuwon Kim, conducting; runners-up Simon Proust and Nils Erik Måseidvåg 2016 Mayumi Kanagawa, violin; runner-up Ludvig Gudim 2014 Elena Schwarz, conducting; runners-up Giancarlo Rizzi and Marcio da Silva 2012 Miriam Helms Ålien, violin; runners-up Mari Poll and Viktor Stenhjem 2010 Jie Zhang, piano; runners-up Joachim Carr and John Chen |
SOCIAL LINKS
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