Rules & Regulations
European Stage • Vienna, Austria
MUSIC OF IMMORTAL AND LIVING COMPOSERS
Piano Categories — Rules & Regulations
Categories
- Piano Solo
- Piano Duet (One Piano / Four Hands)
- Piano Trio (One Piano / Six Hands)
- Piano Solo with Orchestra
- Piano Duet (One Piano / Four Hands) with Orchestra
- Piano Trio (One Piano / Six Hands) with Orchestra
- Piano Concerto with Orchestra
General Information
- Round I and Round II are held online (video-based)
- Selected winners will be invited to perform live at the Final Gala Concerts in Vienna
- The participant's age must correspond to their age at the time of application for Round I
Competition Structure
Round I — Music of Immortal Composers (17th–21st Century)
Repertoire must consist of works by composers of the past. Works by living composers are not allowed, except for:
- Piano Trio (One Piano / Six Hands)
- Piano Solo / Duo / Trio with Orchestra
For Piano with Orchestra categories:
Participants may perform in Round I either a solo / duet / trio work by an immortal composer, or the same programme as prepared for Round II.Round II — Music of Living Composers
Repertoire must be selected from the list of Featured Living Composers. The programme may include original compositions and variations, fantasies, and paraphrases on themes from classical or contemporary repertoire — provided that these are independent artistic works, not arrangements or transcriptions.
Works outside the list may be approved by the Artistic Director via: info@icmceurope.com. Some works may need to be obtained directly from the composer or publisher.
Age Groups
(applicable to all piano categories)
AG 1: First Piano Steps
Ages 5–7
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 5 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 5 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 5 min
AG 2: Piano Debut
Ages 8–10
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 5 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 5 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 5 min
AG 3: Piano Junior
Ages 11–13
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 6 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 6 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 6 min
AG 4: Piano Intermediate
Ages 14–17
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 7 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 7 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 7 min
AG 5: Piano Advanced
Ages 18–22
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
AG 5+: Advanced Professionals
Ages 18–22
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
⚠ Important Participants in AG 5 must not be enrolled in a professional music institution (college or conservatory). Participants currently enrolled in higher education institutions must apply under AG 5+.
Repertoire Requirements
- Works within each round (if more than one) must be contrasting in style or character
- If a participant applies simultaneously in a solo / duo / trio category and in a category with orchestra: the same repertoire may be used in Round I, but repertoire must differ in Round II
Use of Sheet Music
- Piano Solo and Piano Solo with Orchestra categories must be performed from memory
- In Piano Duet, Piano Trio, Piano Duet with Orchestra, and Piano Trio with Orchestra categories, performance with sheet music is permitted, although memorized performance is encouraged
Video Requirements
- The performance must include the required repertoire and must not exceed the time limits
- The video must be recent (no older than 6 months at the time of submission)
- Each work must be recorded as a single continuous take — editing, cuts, or splicing within a piece are not permitted
- The video must not contain any reference to the participant's name (including subtitles or on-screen text)
- The video must clearly show the performer's face and hands
- The recording must be submitted via YouTube (unlisted/private link)
- No simplified arrangements are allowed
Application Fees
| Category | Round I | Round II |
|---|---|---|
| Piano Solo | €85 | €75 |
| Piano Duet (One Piano / Four Hands) | €65 / participant | €60 / participant |
| Piano Trio (One Piano / Six Hands) | €55 / participant | €50 / participant |
All payments are made online. Round II fees are non-refundable and apply only to admitted participants.
♫ Piano with Orchestra — Additional Fee Participants selected to perform at the Gala Concert must pay an additional non-refundable Orchestra Fee of €100Payable after the announcement of results. Applicable to: Piano Solo/Duet/Trio with Orchestra & Piano Concerto with Orchestra.
Application Deadlines
Round I
August 15 – November 1, 2026
Round II
November 20, 2026 – January 15, 2027
Final Gala in Vienna (Ehrbar Saal)
- Grand Prix winners are automatically invited to perform: April 10, 2027 (Piano Solo / Duet / Trio) and April 11, 2027 (Categories with Orchestra)
- Selected First Prize winners with the highest scores may also be invited
- The piece for the Gala Concert is selected by the jury
- First Prize winners not invited to perform will receive a medal and diploma
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Please first consult the FAQ section. If your question is not answered, contact: info@icmceurope.com
Strings Categories — Rules & Regulations
Categories
- Violin Solo / Viola Solo
- Cello Solo / Double Bass Solo
- Strings Duo
- Strings Trio
Accompaniment
- Piano accompaniment is allowed in all categories
- Performances may be presented with or without accompaniment
- For Duo and Trio categories, any combination of string instruments is allowed
- The accompanist is not evaluated as part of the competition
📌 Important Participants are responsible for arranging their own accompanist, including for the Final Gala Concert. The organizers may provide recommendations upon request.
General Information
- Round I and Round II are held online (video-based)
- The participant's age must correspond to their age at the time of application for Round I
Competition Structure
Round I — Music of Immortal Composers
Repertoire must consist of works by composers of the past. Works by living composers are not allowed.
Round II — Music of Living Composers
Repertoire must be selected from the list of Featured Living Composers. Selection of works outside the list is possible upon approval by the Artistic Director via: info@icmceurope.com. Some works may need to be obtained directly from the composer or publisher.
Age Groups & Time Limits
(applicable to all strings categories)
AG 1: Strings Debut
Up to 9 years old
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 5 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 5 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 5 min
AG 2: Strings Junior
Ages 10–13
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 6 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 6 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 6 min
AG 3: Strings Intermediate
Ages 14–17
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 7 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 7 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 7 min
AG 4: Strings Advanced
Ages 18–22
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
AG 4+: Advanced Professionals
Ages 18–22
Round I: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
Round II: 1–2 contrasting works, up to 8 min
⚠ Important Participants in AG 4 must not be enrolled in a professional music institution (college or conservatory). Participants currently enrolled in higher education institutions must apply under AG 4+.
Use of Sheet Music
- Strings Solo categories must be performed from memory
- In Strings Duo and Strings Trio categories, performance with sheet music is permitted, although memorized performance is encouraged
Video Requirements
- The performance must include the required repertoire and must not exceed the time limits
- The video must be recent (no older than 6 months at the time of submission)
- Each work must be recorded as a single continuous take — editing, cuts, or splicing within a piece are not permitted
- The video must not contain any reference to the participant's name (including subtitles or on-screen text)
- The video must clearly show the performer's face and hands
- The recording must be submitted via YouTube (unlisted/private link)
- No simplified arrangements are allowed
Application Fees
| Category | Round I | Round II |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | €85 | €75 |
| Duo | €65 / participant | €60 / participant |
| Trio | €55 / participant | €50 / participant |
All payments are made online.
Application Deadlines
Round I
August 15 – November 1, 2026
Round II
November 20, 2026 – January 15, 2027
Final Gala in Vienna (Ehrbar Saal)
- Grand Prix winners are automatically invited to perform at the Winners' Concert on April 10, 2027
- Selected First Prize winners with the highest scores may also be invited
- The piece to be performed at the Gala Concert is selected by the jury
- First Prize winners who are not invited to perform will be awarded a medal and diploma
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Please first consult the FAQ section. If your question is not answered, contact: info@icmceurope.com
Young Composer — Rules & Regulations
General Information
The competition consists of two rounds.
AG 1: Junior Composer
Up to 14 years old
AG 2: Young Composer
Ages 15–22
The participant's age must correspond to their age at the time of application for Round I.
Round I
Participants must submit 2 works with a total duration of up to 6 minutes, including:
- 1 work by a composer of the past
- 1 original composition by the participant
Round II
Participants must submit 1 original composition with a duration of up to 5 minutes.
Instrumentation and genre are free (solo / ensemble / with accompaniment).
Application Fees
| Round | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round I | €85 | Non-refundable, payable upon application |
| Round II | €75 | Non-refundable, payable only if admitted to Round II |
All payments are made online.
Final Gala in Vienna
- Grand Prix winners will be invited to have their Round II composition performed at the Gala Concert in Vienna
- The participant must perform the work themselves (if applicable) and arrange performers independently, if needed
Repertoire Requirements
Compositions may be of elementary, intermediate, or advanced level. Accepted styles include: Classical, Romantic, Contemporary, New Age, Jazz.
⚠ Important Only original compositions will be accepted. Arrangements and transcriptions are not allowed.
Video Requirements
- The performance must include the required repertoire and must not exceed the time limits
- Each work must be recorded as a single continuous take — editing, cuts, or splicing within a piece are not permitted
- The video must not contain any reference to the participant's name (including subtitles or on-screen text)
- The video must clearly show the performer's face and hands (if applicable)
- The recording must be submitted via YouTube (unlisted/private link)
Scores
- All original compositions must be submitted in PDF format
- Handwritten scores are not accepted — all scores must be professionally notated using music notation software
Copyright & Responsibility
© Copyright Notice Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. The participant bears full responsibility for the originality of the submitted work. All materials must be free from copyright infringement.
Application Deadlines
Round I
August 15 – November 1, 2026
Round II (by invitation)
November 20, 2026 – January 15, 2027
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Please first consult the FAQ section. If your question is not answered, contact: info@icmceurope.com
International Jury
All performances are evaluated anonymously by our distinguished international jury.
Adriana Paler
Romania / Austria
Winner of 27 international piano competition prizes, performer at Konzerthaus Vienna and Carnegie Hall; former Piano Senior Lecturer at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw); Director of two music schools in Lower Austria.
Anna Smekhova
Ukraine
Graduate of the Kyiv Tchaikovsky Conservatory; founder of the KYIV FORTE International Online Piano Festival; visiting professor at the Tchaikovsky International Academy of Music and Art at Hengshui University; Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine.
Coady Green
Australia
International concert pianist and faculty at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, described as "a virtuoso with sensitivity, intelligence and charm."
Dr. Diego Caetano
Brazil / USA
Laureate of over 50 international competitions, with performances at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and concert halls across five continents.
Dr. Liezl-Maret Livingstone
South Africa
Doctor of Music, former Head of Keyboard Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and internationally active competition adjudicator.
Jena Chun-Wah Pang
UK / Hong Kong
Chairman of the Music Adjudicators Council of the British and International Federation of Festivals, international competition adjudicator, whose students have won first prizes at multiple international piano and strings competitions.
Juliana Reinat
Colombia
Founder of Juliana Reinat Piano Studio, whose students have performed at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and the Laeiszhalle Hamburg.
Marina Obukovsky
USA
SAA Teacher Trainer and inductee into the Steinway & Sons Music Teachers Hall of Fame. She has served as a jury member for numerous competitions across the United States, with her students earning top prizes at national and international competitions.
Nasser Sahim
Qatar
Composer and Deputy Executive Director of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, whose works have been performed on international stages worldwide.
Natalia Delacroix
Canada
Violist and pedagogue, graduate of the Moscow State Conservatory, with over 30 years of international experience and jury member at competitions in Armenia, Spain, Canada, and Germany.
Oksana Ahapova
Ukraine / Germany
Violinist, founder of the string ensemble "SKRIPALI.ua," and former Vice-President of ESTA-Ukraine, with over 20 years of teaching experience and students winning prizes at national and international competitions.
Samir Mirzoev
Azerbaijan / Turkey
Concert pianist, PhD, Associate Professor at Baku Music Academy and Akdeniz University, and Chair of jury at international competitions in Austria, Kazakhstan, Italy, USA, and UAE.
Snezana Panovska
Malaysia
Founder of Persatuan Chopin Malaysia, Cultural Ambassador of Macedonia to Malaysia, and recipient of the "Chopin Passport" — awarded to only 100 individuals worldwide.
Urszula Gruszewski
Australia
Internationally acclaimed pianist, distinguished pedagogue, and esteemed adjudicator; recipient of the prestigious Sir Winston Churchill Fellowship and the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Scholarship.
Yuri Torchinsky
United Kingdom
Leader of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra since 1996 and the youngest-ever concertmaster of the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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, opening 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.
Rounds I and II are held online. Final Gala Concerts take place live in Vienna at Ehrbar Saal:
- April 10, 2027 — Piano & Strings Solo / Duo / Trio + Young Composers
- April 11, 2027 — Piano with Orchestra
Musicians worldwide aged 5–22. Age is determined at the time of Round I application.
Yes. For example:
- Piano Duo + Piano Duo with Orchestra
- Strings Solo + Strings Duo
- Violin Solo / Viola Solo
- Cello Solo / Double Bass Solo
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.
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.
The list of composers and works will be published on the competition website. At the moment, living composers can be explored on the official Facebook page.
Yes, after approval by the Artistic Director: info@icmceurope.com
- Piano Solo, Piano with Orchestra, and Strings Solo categories must be performed from memory
- Piano Duo, Piano Trio, Piano Duo/Trio with Orchestra, Strings Duo, and Strings Trio may be performed with sheet music (memorized performance is encouraged)
Videos must:
- Clearly show the participant's face and hands
- 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 YouTube Unlisted link
- 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)
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.
Yes. All participants receive electronic diplomas. Invitation letters are available for participants invited to the Final Gala Concerts.
Please first review the FAQ above. For further questions: info@icmceurope.com
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Featured Living Composers
Round II repertoire must be selected from works by these featured living composers.
North America
- Olga Alino (USA)
- Timothy Brown (USA)
- Dennis Alexander (USA)
- Alexander Peskanov (USA)
- Christopher Norton (Canada)
- Catherine Rollin (USA)
- Lera Auerbach (USA / Austria)
South America
- Jose Elizondo (Mexico)
Europe
- Damien Guille (France)
- Oleg Plotnikov (Netherlands)
- Oxana Krut (Germany)
- Irina Stepanova-Borovskaya (Ukraine)
- Dimitri Arnauts (Belgium)
- Dmitri Negrimovski (France)
- Arnold Nevolovitsch (Germany)
- Vitalij Neugasimov (Lithuania)
- Tetiana Afanasenko (Ukraine)
- Sérgio Azevedo (Portugal)
- Jakub Metelka (Czech Republic)
- Véronique Bracco (France)
- Alexander Rosenblatt (Russia)
- Velislava Franta (Bulgaria)
- Kakha Tsabadze (Georgia)
- Ulrich Lehensteiner (Austria)
- Marina Trembovleva (Ukraine)
- Larisa Voloshina (Ukraine)
- Oleksandr Gonobolin (Ukraine / France)
Asia
- Yuri Povolotsky (Israel)
- Rami Bar-Niv (Israel)
- Reina Yoshioka (Japan / Austria)
- Dr. Tazul Izan Tajuddin (Malaysia)
Australia
- Jackie Sharp (Australia)
- Rachel Hocking (Australia)
- Elena Kats-Chernin (Australia)
Africa
- Hendrik Hofmeyr (South Africa)
ⓘ Note More detailed information about composers and their works will be available on the full version of the official website. At the moment, featured living composers and repertoire updates can be explored on the official Facebook page.
For additional questions regarding repertoire and scores, please contact: info@icmceurope.com
For additional questions regarding repertoire and scores, please contact: info@icmceurope.com
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Prizes & Awards
Main Prize Categories
Awards are granted based on the total number of points received. The jury reserves the right not to award certain prizes.
Grand Prix
96 – 100
Trophy & Diploma
First Prize
86 – 95
Trophy & Diploma (Gala invitees)Medal & Diploma (others)
Second Prize
76 – 85
Diploma
Third Prize
66 – 75
Diploma
Honorable Mention
—
Participant Diploma (all non-prize participants, incl. those not admitted to Round II)
Gala Concerts in Vienna (Ehrbar Saal)
- April 10, 2027 — all Grand Prix winners in Solo / Duo / Trio categories
- April 11, 2027 — all Grand Prix winners in categories with orchestra
- First Prize winners with the highest scores may also be invited upon decision of the jury
Special Awards
- Special Prize from BMTG Intercontinental Music Competition (USA) — awarded to the absolute winner across all categories: invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall, New York
- Master Teacher Award — awarded to teachers of Grand Prix winners with the highest scores
- Teacher Excellence Award — for the highest number of prize-winning students
- Youngest Participant Award — awarded to the youngest participant
- Special prizes from competition partners
Artistic Awards (Repertoire)
- Best Interpretation Award — Baroque
- Best Interpretation Award — Classical
- Best Interpretation Award — Romantic
- Best Interpretation Award — 20th / 21st Century
Composer & Category Awards
- Young Composer Award — for the best original composition
- Composer Special Prize — individual awards from partner composers for the best interpretation of their works (list may be extended)
ⓘ Additional Provisions The Organizing Committee reserves the right to award additional special prizes and introduce additional forms of awards, including medals and commemorative gifts.
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