Questions
What is ICMC?
ICMC is an international competition for young musicians and composers, connecting classical repertoire and music by living composers. The project creates an international platform for artistic collaboration between young performers and living composers,ing new opportunities for contemporary music and its live stage performance. A special part of the project is the Final Gala Concerts in Vienna at Ehrbar Saal — a historic hall with outstanding acoustics.
Where does the competition take place?
Rounds I and II are held online. Final Gala Concerts take place live in Vienna at Ehrbar Saal:
- April 11, 2027 — Piano with Orchestra
- April 10, 2027 — Piano & Strings Solo / Duo / Trio + Young Composers
Who can participate?
Musicians worldwide aged 5–22. Age is determined at the time of Round I application.
Can participants apply in multiple categories?
Yes. For example:
Strings Solo + Strings Duo
Piano Duo + Piano Duo with orchestra
What is included in the Strings Solo category?
Cello Solo / Double Bass Solo
Violin Solo / Viola Solo
How is the competition structured?
Round I — Music of Immortal Composers: Works by composers of the past.
Round II — Music of Living Composers: Works by living composers from the competition Repertoire List. Participants selected by the jury after Round I receive an official written invitation via e-mail.
Where can I find the Repertoire List?
You can find the list on our Composers page
Can participants perform works outside the Repertoire List?
Yes, after approval by the Artistic Director: info@icmceurope.com
Is memorization required?
- Piano Solo, Piano with Orchestra, and Strings Solo categories must be performed from memory.
- Piano Duo, Piano Trio, Piano Duo with Orchestra, Piano Trio with Orchestra, Strings Duo, and Strings Trio may be performed with sheet music, although memorized performance is encouraged.
What are the video requirements?
Videos must:
Clearly show the participant's face and hands
One Video for all the compositions
Be a single continuous take per work (no editing cuts)
Fit the required time limit
Contain no reference to the participant's name
Be submitted as a one YouTube Unlisted link
All performances are judged anonymously.
Where should videos be uploaded?
Only YouTube Unlisted links are accepted.
How can participants advance to Round II?
After Round 1, participants will be able to view the status of their application in their personal account and will also receive a confirmation email.
What awards are offered?
Grand Prix — 96–100 points
First Prize — 86–95 points
Second Prize — 76–85 points
Third Prize — 66–75 points
Honorable Mention — all other participants
Special Prizes (Carnegie Hall invitation, Teacher Awards, Composer Prizes, and more)
Will all winners perform in Vienna?
The Vienna Gala Concerts invite all Grand Prix Winners and selected First Prize Winners. Winners of the Piano with Orchestra categories perform with the Ehrphilharmonie Wien.
Who performs with the orchestra?
Winners of the Piano with Orchestra categories perform with the: Ehrphilharmonie Wien
Will participants receive diplomas?
Yes. All participants receive electronic diplomas. Invitation letters are available for participants invited to the Final Gala Concerts.
How can organizers be contacted?
Please first review the FAQ above. For further questions: info@icmceurope.com
How to apply:
How does CP Cabinet work:
How to upload required documents: