2026 GUIDE TO TOP COMPETITIONS
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PRISMA Festival & Academy: Concerto Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
PRISMA's annual Concerto Competition provides young, talented instrumentalists with an opportunity to showcase their musical prowess and win prizes. There are two categories: strings and others (woodwinds, brass, percussion). The competition consists of two rounds, preselection and competition. One winner in each category will perform with the PRISMA Festival Orchestra.
MAIN OFFICE
4313 Alberta Avenue, Suite 9
Powell River, BC V8A 5G7 CANADA
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Students accepted to attend the 2026 PRISMA Festival & Academy; previous first prize winners are excluded from the competition.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings • Winds • Brass • Percussion • All Instruments of the Orchestra
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application fee | $60-85 |
| Application deadline | April 15, 2026 |
| Application notes | Submit an unedited video via YouTube; send the video link to admissions@prismafestival.com before April 15, 2026. See here here for full competition rules and detail. |
FINALS (live rounds)
Evergreen Theatre, Powell River, BC, Canada—June 17, 2026, 7:30 pm, piano Showcase performances: June 26, 2026, 7:30 pm, Evergreen Theatre, Powell River, BC, Canada; June 27, 21026, 6 pm, Willingdon Beach Park, Powell River, BC, Canada: reprise performance |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Athzel Pino, clarinet; Abigail Greenland, cello
2024 Jackson Howard, trombone; Rachel McClellan, violin 2023 Maya Kilburn, violin 2022 YeIn Son, viola 2019 Julie Lin, violin 2018 Taylor Fleshman, harp 2017 Noemi Sallai, clarinet 2016 Trevor Barroero, percussion 2025 Shannon Fitzhenry, violin 2024 Nicholas Bentz, violin 2023 Stefani Feldman, clarinet |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Queen Elisabeth Competition - Belgium
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Since 1937, The Queen Elisabeth Competition is one of the most demanding and one of the most widely publicized international competitions, having established itself as a springboard for young violinists, pianists, singers, and cellists on the threshold of an international career. In 2027, the Queen Elisabeth Competition will be dedicated to the voice; the best young singers from the four corners of the world will compete in Brussels, Belgium, May 9 - June 2, 2027.
MAIN OFFICE
Rue aux Laines 20
1000 Brussels BELGIUM
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
See Voice 2027 for details
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • Strings •
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 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Gilles Ledure, winner, cello 2026; Bernard Foccroulle, voice 2027 |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application deadline | November 25, 2026 |
| Application notes | The deadline above is for Voice 2027 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Flagey, Brussels, Belgium—May 4-16, 2026, cello; May 12-13, 2027: voice |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels, Belgium—May 25-30, 2026, cello; May 22, 2027: voice |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Thomas Meeuwsen, piano
2024 Dmitry Udovychenko, violin 2023 Taehan Kim, voice (baritone) 2022 Hayoung Choi, cello |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Queen Sonja Singing Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Queen Sonja Singing Competition is one of the world's leading singing competitions that transforms the careers of all participants. The Competition brings together 40 of the best young singers from around the world to compete for its main prizes and to receive coaching, master classes, career development sessions, and international exposure.
MAIN OFFICE
Haakon VIIs Gate 2
0161 Oslo NORWAY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Singers born in 1995 or later may apply to take part in the 2027 competition.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Voice
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Biennial |
| First prize | More than $50,000 |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | To be announced |
| Additional jurors | To be determined |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | April 1, 2027 |
| Application notes | Applications open February 2026 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
June 2027: Preliminary rounds will be held online and live in June; all participants in the preliminary round must provide their own pianist, a suitable room and the technical equipment needed for their performance. August 28-29, 2027, Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo, Norway: Participants will perform one to two arias and two to three Lieder, accompanied by piano; piano accompanists will be provided by the competition for the semifinal. Candidates are free to bring their own accompanists if they prefer. |
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FINALS (live rounds)
September 2, 2027, Oslo Konserthus, Oslo, Norway: Six finalists will perform with Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra; repertoire chosen by the jury from the contestant's list of arias. The final concert will be held at Oslo Konserthus and will be live-streamed and distributed via OperaVision. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Kathleen O'Mara, United States, soprano
2023 Jasmin White, United States, contralto 2021 Maria Motolygina, Russia, soprano 2019 Sergey Kaydalov, Russia, baritone 2015 Lise Davidsen, Norway, soprano |
SOCIAL LINKS
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REDLANDS BOWL PERFORMING ARTS YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION
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Expanded information for
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The 18th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Named after one of the 20th century’s greatest pianists, the Competition is a wonderful tradition going back over 50 years and it is considered one of the leading and most influential piano competitions in the world. The 2026 Competition will take place April 28 - May 15, 2026, with more than $120,000 cash prizes, free hotel accommodation, partial coverage of flight expenses, and a practice piano in each hotel room.
The Competition's renowned winners include Emanuel Ax, Gerhard Oppitz, Angela Cheng, Alexander Korsantia, Kirill Gerstein, Alexander Gavrylyuk, Igor Levit, Khatia Buniatishvili, Boris Giltburg, Daniil Trifonov, Juan Pérez Floristán, and the most recent winner, Kevin Chen. The Competition jury comprises some of the best-performing pianists and leading musicians, who come from all over the world. The competition is a celebration for lovers of music in general and piano in particular. For three weeks, Tel Aviv rejoices with the audience who come from all around the country and from abroad. MAIN OFFICE
9 Bilu Street
Tel Aviv 6522214 ISRAEL
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Competition is open to pianists 18 to 32 years of age
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 |
| Jury chair(s) | Arie Vardi, Pianist, conductor & piano pedagogue |
| Additional jurors | Martha Argerich Daniel Barenboim Yefim Bronfman Akiko Ebi Taiseer Elias Ian Fountain Pavel Gililov Yoheved Kaplinsky Ella Milch-Sheriff Piotr Paleczny Soo Jung Shin |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application fee | $190 |
| Application deadline | August 15, 2025 |
| Application notes | The Competition is held every three years; the deadline for the 2026 event has passed. The application deadline date for the 2029 competition will be in 2028, date to be announced. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Tel Aviv, Israel—April 28 - May 15, 2026: Stage I recitals; May 5-7, 2026: Stage II recitals |
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FINALS (live rounds)
May 8-9, 2026, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Tel Aviv, Israel: Chamber music Charles Bronfman Auditorium, Tel Aviv, Israel—May 10-11, 2026, Classical concerto; May 13-14, 2026, Grand concerto; May 15: Awards ceremony and winners concert |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2021 Kevin Chen, Juan Perez Floristan
2017 Szymon Nehring 20111 Daniil Trifonov 2011 Boris Giltburg 2008 Khatia Buniatishvili 2005 Igor Levitt 2001 Kirill Gerstein 1974 Emanuel Ax |
SOCIAL LINKS
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SCHADT NATIONAL STRING COMPETITION
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Expanded information for
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SCHMIDT VOCAL COMPETITION
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Expanded information for
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Schoenfeld International String Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Schoenfeld International String Competition was founded in 2013 in honor of the violinist Alice Schoenfeld and the cellist Eleonore Schoenfeld, both legendary performers and pedagogues. As a member of WFIMC, the Schoenfeld aims to build a multifaceted platform for gifted violinists, cellists, and chamber music performers all over the world.
MAIN OFFICE
Los Angeles, CA
UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Open to competitors from all nations who are not older than 32 years old; previous first prize winners are not eligible
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano •
Strings
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Biennial | |
| First prize | $10,000 to $50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | Less than $5,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | To be announced | |
| Additional jurors | To be announced | |
| Jury size | 11 or more | |
| Application fee | To be determined | |
| Application deadline | January 1, 2027 | |
| Application notes | The application guidelines and details will be announced in the fall of 2026 | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
July 2027 (dates are to be announced), Harbin, China: violin, cello |
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FINALS (live rounds)
July 2027 (dates are to be announced), Harbin, China: violin, cello |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Meng Zou, Jeri Lee, Trio Archai
2023 Jungmin Choi, Jérémy Garbarg, Trio Concept - Ex Trio Chagall 2018 Lorenz Chen, Zlatomir Fung, Ulysses Quartet 2016 Andi Zhang and Yun Tang (co-winners, violin), Christoph Croise, Notos Quartet 2014 Ji-won Song, Ja-Kyoung Huh, Goldmund Quartet 2013 Jinjoo Cho, Julian Schwarz, Gloucester Quartet |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition 2026
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Celebrating the innovative and longstanding partnership between The Hallé and Siemens, the winner will work become Assistant Conductor of the Hallé, working alongside Kahchun Wong for a minimum two-year period in a role which represents an invaluable chance to build a career and establish themselves on the world stage.
MAIN OFFICE
Hallé Concerts Society
The Bridgewater Hall Lower Mosley Street Manchester M1 5HA UNITED KINGDOM
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The winner of the competition will be an emerging talented conductor with relevant postgraduate study qualifications and experience of conducting professional orchestras. Applicants from any country were welcome to apply. Applications for the 2026 competition are now closed.
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 | Less than €5,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Kahchun Wong; principal conductor & artistic advisor, The Hallé |
| Additional jurors | Stephan Frucht, artistic director of Siemens' Arts Program, Siemens AG; David Butcher, chief executive, The Hallé Anna Hirst, head of Artistic Planning, The Hallé |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application notes | Applications for the 2029 competition will be available 2028, details to be announced |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Hallé St. Peters, Manchester, United Kingdom: March 2026, Youth Orchestra Round; March 30, Chamber Ensemble Round
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FINALS (live rounds)
March 31, 2026, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, United Kingdom |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✖ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2023 Euan Shields
2020 Delyana Lazarova |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Sphinx Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Sphinx Competition offers young Black and Latino classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of a renowned panel of judges. Its primary goals are to encourage develop and recognize classical music talent in the Black and Latino communities.
MAIN OFFICE
2200 Hunt Street, Suite 461
Detroit MI 48207 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Junior Division participants must not have reached their 18th birthday by February 1, 2027. Participants in the Senior Division must be at least 18 years old but not have reached their 31st birthday by February 1, 2027. Participants must be a U.S. resident or have a valid U.S. visa.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
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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 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Not provided | |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 | |
| Application deadline | October 20, 2026 | |
| Application notes | See here here for the applications and details | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
January 22, 2027, Detroit, MI |
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FINALS (live rounds)
January 23-24, 2027, Detroit, MI |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Violin: Gabriela Lara, senior division; Jacqueline Rodenbeck, junior division
2024 Violin: Nathan Amaral, senior division; Ana Isabella España, junior division 2023 Violin: Njioma Chinyere Grevious, senior division; cello: Brandon Leonard, junior division 2022 Bass: Kebra-Seyoun Charles, senior division; violin: Jonathan Okseniuk, junior division 2021 Violin: Samuel Vargas, senior division; Amaryn Olmeda, junior division |
SOCIAL LINKS
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11th International Louis Spohr Competition | Young violinists
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Louis Spohr Competition is an instrument for promoting highly gifted musicians. Focusing on musicians up to the age of 21, it offers the opportunity to attract the attention of an international jury. Divided into three age categories and three rounds, the competition promises prizes totaling €16,000 and special prizes.
MAIN OFFICE
Hochschule für Musik FRANZ LISZT Weimar
Competition Office Platz der Demokratie 2/3 D-99423 Weimar GERMANY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
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) | Friedemann Eichhorn, Weimar, Germany |
| Additional jurors | To be announced |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application fee | €100 |
| Application deadline | June 15, 2026 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
November 2-4 2026, University of Musik FRANZ LISZT Weimar, Festsaal Fürstenhaus, Weimar, Germany |
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FINALS (live rounds)
November 5-6, 2026, Musikgymnasium Schloss Belvedere, Saal, Weimar, Germany |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2022 Lilja Haatainen, Category 1; Anton Carus, Category II; Alexandra Weissbecker, Category III
2019 Maya Wichert, Category I; Haewon Lim, Category II; Phoenix Avalon, Category III 2016 Shihan Wang, Category I; Anne Luisa Kramb, Category II; Sin Ying Chan, Category III |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Stulberg International String Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Stulberg Competition was founded in 1975 in memory of Julius Stulberg, beloved teacher and conductor of the Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestras. The Stulberg provides performance and educational opportunities for young musicians as they prepare for their college studies and launch their performance careers.
MAIN OFFICE
359 South Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 14
Kalamazoo, MI 49007 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
The Stulberg Competition is open to students of violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Applicants must be age 19 or younger as of January 1. Proof of date of birth will be required if selected as a semifinalist. Current students of the judges are not eligible to apply.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
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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 | Suli Xue, violin James Dunham, viola Anne Francis-Bayless, cello |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | $150 |
| Application deadline | February 1, 2026 |
| Application notes | Applications are open annually October 15 - February 1 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
2026, Kalamazoo, MI—May 14, semifinal rehearsals; May 15, semifinal performances. Twelve semifinalists perform the piece/movement(s) submitted in their application; no substitutions allowed. Total time for semifinals concerto performances must be no more than 20 minutes and be from memory; collaborative pianists will be provided. Six finalists will be chosen. |
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FINALS (live rounds)
May 16, 2026, Kalamazoo, MI: Finalists perform additional repertoire Finals Concert to determine medalists. Performances limited to 15 minutes and can consist of single or multiple movements of a single work. |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2021 Keila Wakao, violin
2014 Zlatomir Fung, cello 1994 & 1995 Soovin Kim, violin 1990 Rachel Barton Pine, violin 1980 & 1981 Joshua Bell, violin |
SOCIAL LINKS
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3rd Stuttgart International Violin Competion
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Taking place February 21-28, 2027, in cooperation with the University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart, the Guadagnini Foundation will host the 3rd. Stuttgart International Violin Competition.
MAIN OFFICE
Guadagnini Stiftung
Postfach 150502 70077 Stuttgart GERMANY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Violinists of all nationalities no older than 28 years of age at the date of the registration deadline are entitled to participate. The decisive date for this is the date of birth specified in the terms and conditions for the respective Competition.
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) | Prof. Christoph Poppen |
| Additional jurors | Prof. Nora Chastain Dr. Harald Eggebrecht Prof. Ning Feng Prof. Ida Kavafian Prof. Friederike Starkloff Prof. Ulf Wallin Prof. Tianwa Yang |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | July 31, 2027 |
| Application notes | here for details |
FINALS (live rounds)
Concert Hall UMPA; Beethoven Hall, Stuttgart, Germany—February 25, 2027: Rehearsals with orchestra for finals February 27, 2028, Beethoven Hall, Liederhalle, Stuttgart, Germany: First prize winner gala concert with the orchestra |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2024 Anna Im
2021 Eva Rabchevska |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Toru Takemitsu Composition Award 2027
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
A cash prize of ¥3 million is awarded each year. The judge may withhold the prize. The composers whose works are selected to be performed will be invited to attend.
MAIN OFFICE
3-20-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 163-1403 JAPAN
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Any person, regardless of nationality, who is not over 35 years old at the end of the year the application is submitted.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Composition
HEALTH & SAFETY
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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) | Sean Shepherd, United States |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | Free |
| Application deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Application notes | Please submit two copies of the bound score, together with a completed entry form. Mailed entries must be received by 6 pm Japan Standard Time on the application deadline date. |
FINALS (live rounds)
May 30, 2027, Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, Tokyo, Japan |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✖ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✖ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025
1st Prize: Suguru Wagatsuma, Japan, "MATSURU for orchestra"; Nozomu Kaneda, Japan, "The Play for Skin and Fabric for 2 orchestras" 2nd Prize: Not awarded 3rd Prize: Jiaying Zhou, China, "Tidal Lock for orchestra"; Francesco Mariotti, Italy, "Diptych for orchestra" |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Telekom Beethoven Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Competition focuses on works by Beethoven from every phase of his creative life, along with compositions by his predecessors, contemporaries and successors. Candidates may add works of their choice to the compulsory program. Next competition will take place December 2027.
MAIN OFFICE
c/o Beethovenfest Bonn
Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 3, 53113 Bonn GERMANY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Pianists from all nations, as well as stateless persons, who are between 18 and 32 years old at the time of the competition are eligible.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes | |
| Frequency | Biennial | |
| First prize | More than €50,000 | |
| Smallest prize | €5,000 to €10,000 | |
| Additional prizes | Performances | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Prof. Pavel Gililov, artistic director, jury chair | |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application deadline | May 2027; specific date to be announced | |
| Application notes | The application, including all required documents, must be submitted via website. Application forms will open approximately December 2026. | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
December 2027, Telekom Zentrale, Bonn, Germany: Preliminary and semifinal rounds; all rounds open to the public |
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FINALS (live rounds)
December 2027, Telekom Zentrale, Bonn, Germany; the orchestra final will take place at the Telekom Forum, Landgrabenwe, Bonn, Germany; all rounds open to the public |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Seth Schultheis
2023 Caleb Borick 2021 Hans Suh 2019 Cunmo Yin 2017 Alberto Ferro 2015 Filippo Gorini |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Gian Battista Viotti International Music Competition | Vercelli
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Viotti International Music Competition, established in Vercelli in 1950 by Joseph Robbone, is one of the most prestigious Italian music competitions and its prize-winners have often reached the top of artistic career. It is renowned for its high standards, awards and prestigious jury.
MAIN OFFICE
Via Monte di Pietà 39
13100 Vercelli ITALY
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Pianists of all nationalities no older than 30 years old
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano • 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 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Pietro Borgonovo, artistic director, Viotti Music Competition |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | December 7, 2026 |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
October 9-14, 2026, City Theatre of Vercelli, Vercelli, Italy: Piano, first round through semifinals |
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FINALS (live rounds)
October 17, 2026, City Theatre of Vercelli, Vercelli, Italy: Piano |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | TBD | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Jiazhou Wang, opera singing
2024 Mariam Abouzahra, violin 2023 Dominic Chamot, piano 2022 Jihoon Son, opera singing 2017 Konstantin Emelianov, piano 2014 Kristina Mkhitaryan, opera singing |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Washington International Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The WIC for piano, voice, strings, and composition occurs annually each spring in three-year rotation: the 2026 event will be for voice and the 2027 competition will be for piano. Semifinalists receive feedback from distinguished jurors. Winners receive substantial cash awards and the opportunity to perform in recital or as soloist with orchestras in prestigious Washington venues.
MAIN OFFICE
755 8th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Singers, ages 18 to 32 as of May 23, 2026. Applicants must not be under professional management. Previous first-prize winners of the competition and current students of the judges may not apply. See here for full eligibility details. 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 | Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano Nicholas Phan, tenor Karen Slack, soprano |
| Jury size | 1 to 5 |
| Application fee | No application fee |
| Application deadline | February 15, 2026 |
| Application notes | In the preliminary round, the preliminary jury will review submissions and select approximately 16 semifinalists, who will be invited to perform live before a distinguished panel of internationally renowned jurors in the semifinal round. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
May 23, 2026, The George Washington University, Washington, DC: Voice |
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FINALS (live rounds)
May 24, 2026, The Terrace Theater of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC: Voice |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✖ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✖ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Coco Mi, violin; Yizilin Liang, viola; Saebom Lee, cello; Bernard Walasavage, composition
2024 Dominic Doutney, piano 2023 Matthew Hill, tenor 2022 Jaewon Wee, violin; SoHui Yun, viola; Sydney Lee, cello |
SOCIAL LINKS
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17th International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Competition started in 1935 and is the world's oldest violin competition. Among the prize-winners: Ginette Neveu, Ida Haendel, David Oistrakh, Igor Oistrakh, Wanda Wilkomirska. It is conducted every five years. Contestants perform with piano and chamber orchestra and with symphony orchestra (two concertos, including one by H. Wieniawski).
MAIN OFFICE
Swietoslawska str. 7
61-840 Poznan POLAND
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Violin players of all nationalities born between 1996 and 2008.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | Yes |
| Frequency | Quinquennial |
| First prize | More than €50,000 |
| Smallest prize | €5,000 to €10,000 |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | Bartłomiej Nizioł, violonist, 1991 Wieniawski Competition winner |
| Jury size | 11 or more |
| Application deadline | January 9, 2026 |
| Application notes | The deadline for the 2026 competition has passed. The deadline for 2031 competition will be in January 2031; the specfic date will be announced. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
October 17-18, 2026, Stage 3, Adam Mickiewicz University Auditorium, Poznan, H. Wieniawski str. 1, Poland |
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FINALS (live rounds)
October 20-22, 2026, Stage 4, Adam Mickiewicz University Auditorium, Poznan, H. Wieniawski str. 1, Poland |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2022 Hina Maeda
2016 Veriko Tchumburidze 2011 Soyoung Yoon 2006 Agata Szymczewska 2001 Alena Baeva 1996 Reiko Otani 1991 Bartłomiej Nizioł, Piotr Pławner |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Wigmore Hall International Song Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Competition celebrates the art of the song recital and honors the Lied's place at the heart of the genre. The Competition has grown in status and prestige since its foundation in 1997 and continues to attract international singers and pianists keen to embark on significant recital careers.
MAIN OFFICE
Wigmore Hall
36 Wigmore Street London W1U 2BP UNITED KINGDOM
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
All singers and accompanying pianists must be under 33 at the start date of the Competition for which they are applying.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Piano •
Voice
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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 |
| Jury chair(s) | John Gilhooly CBE, director, Wigmore Hall |
| Additional jurors | To be announced |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | To be announced |
| Application notes | The dates of the next Competition and the associated application deadline will be announced. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Date to be announced, Wigmore Hall, London, United Kingdom |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Date to be announced, Wigmore Hall, London, United Kingdom |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2024 Anja Mittermüller, mezzo-soprano
2022 Laurence Kilsby, tenor 2019 Mikhail Timoshenko, bass-baritone 2017 Julien Van Mellaerts, baritone 2015 Milan Siljanov, bass |
SOCIAL LINKS
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Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
The Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition is one of the most prestigious quartet competitions in the world. The Competition is held under the auspices of Wigmore Hall, the leading venue for chamber music. It attracts the best young quartets and offers excellent career development opportunities to prizewinners.
MAIN OFFICE
Wigmore Hall
36 Wigmore Street London W1U 2BP UNITED KINGDOM
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
All members of quartets wishing to apply must be under 35 at the start date of the next Competition.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Strings
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DETAILS |
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| Travel Covered? | No |
| Frequency | Triennial |
| Additional prizes | Performances |
| Jury chair(s) | John Gilhooly CBE, director, Wigmore Hall |
| Additional jurors | To be announced |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 |
| Application deadline | October 15, 2027 |
| Application notes | This application deadline is subject to change; the dates of the next competition are not confirmed and will be in 2028 or 2029. |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
Date to be announced, Wigmore Hall, London, United Kingdom |
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FINALS (live rounds)
Date to be announced, Wigmore Hall, London, United Kingdom |
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COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
| ✔ | Semifinals | ✔ | Semifinals streamed |
| ✔ | Finals | ✔ | Finals streamed |
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PAST COMPETITION WINNERS
2025 Opus13
2022 Leonkoro Quartet 2018 Esme Quartet 2015 Quatuor Van Kuijk 2012 Arcadia Quartet |
SOCIAL LINKS
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YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions
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ABOUT THIS COMPETITION
Young Concert Artists Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and developing the careers of extraordinary classical musicians. The sole criteria are exceptional musicianship, virtuosity, and individuality. The musicians compete against a standard of excellence, not each other. There is no set number of winners.
MAIN OFFICE
1776 Broadway, Suite 1500
New York, NY 10019 UNITED STATES
WEBSITE
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants at the beginning of a musical career, who offer repertoire within the categories listed, provide two appropriate letters of recommendation, and are not under U.S. management.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE(S)
Composition • Piano • Strings • Voice • Brass • Woodwinds • Chamber Ensembles
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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 | |
| Management | ||
| Jury chair(s) | Daniel Kellogg, President | |
| Additional jurors | To be announced | |
| Jury size | 6 to 10 | |
| Application fee | $95 | |
| Application deadline | August 3, 2026 | |
SEMIFINALS (live rounds)
November 4-6, 2026, New York, NY |
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FINALS (live rounds)
November 8, 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
2018 Aristo Sham, piano
2012 Julia Bullock, soprano 2011 Paul Huang, violin 1997 Jeremy Denk, pianist 1984 Dawn Upshaw, soprano 1982, Carter Brey, cellist 1973 Emanuel Ax, pianist |
SOCIAL LINKS
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