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Franz Schubert International Composition Competition 2026

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With the esteemed support of the Franz Schubert Academy of Music, we are delighted to invite talented composers from across the world to take part in this distinguished musical event. The competition is open to composers of all nationalities, with no upper age limit.

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Competition Categories​​​​

  • Instrumental Works

    • Submissions may include solo pieces, ensembles, chamber music, or orchestral works.

    • Maximum duration 30 minutes.

  • Vocal Works​

    • Entries may feature solo voice, vocal ensembles, or choral compositions.

    • Maximum duration 30 minutes.

  • Electronic and Computer Music

    • This category welcomes electroacoustic, computer-generated, and experimental electronic works.

    • Maximum duration 20 minutes.

  • Pop, Jazz, and Folk Music

    • Original compositions in pop, jazz, or folk styles are encouraged.

    • Maximum duration 10 minutes.

  • Film Music

    • Scores composed for cinematic or multimedia purposes are eligible.

    • Maximum duration 20 minutes.

 

Age Groups

To ensure fairness and inclusivity, participants will be grouped as follows:

  • Group I: 12 years and under

  • Group II: 13 to 17 years

  • Group III: 18 to 26 years

  • Group IV: 27 years and over

 

Registration Details

An application fee of £60 per entry is required. This fee contributes to the administration and organisation of the competition, helping to ensure a high-quality experience for all participants.

 

Awards and Recognition

Outstanding works will be recognised with the following awards

  • First Prize: awarded to compositions scoring 90–100 points

  • Second Prize: awarded to those scoring 80–89.99 points

  • Third Prize: awarded to those scoring 70–79.99 points

All participants, including those scoring below 70 points, will receive a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their contribution to this global musical celebration.

 

Important Dates

  • Announcement of Results: Winners will be announced on 3 March 2026 and published on the official competition website.

  • Certificate Distribution: All participants will receive their certificates via email by 3 April 2026.

 

This competition is more than a contest—it is a celebration of music as a universal language. Whether you are an emerging composer or an established artist, we invite you to share your unique voice with the world. Join us on this inspiring journey and become part of a vibrant community of musicians dedicated to expanding the boundaries of creativity.

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We look forward to receiving your compositions and showcasing the exceptional talent that this competition is sure to unveil.

Jury
The organising committee reserves the right to make changes to the judging panel.

Prof. Dario Cebic

Prof.  Dario Cebic (Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts) was born in Zagreb and studied piano and violin from an early age before focusing on double bass, piano, musicology, music theory, and composition.

He earned a PhD in musicology from the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (2012) and completed postgraduate studies in composition at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (2013), studying with Georg Friedrich Haas, Michael Obst, and attending classes with Karlheinz Stockhausen and other eminent composers.

In 2013, he was awarded by the Croatian Ministry of Culture for his “Symphony for Large Orchestra”; in 2020, honored by the Croatian President for art, pedagogy, and composition. In 2025, he held two concerts with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra as composer and soloist.

His compositions have been performed at prestigious festivals and venues, including Expo Beijing 2019 (China), Porto/Povoa de Varzim 2023 (Portugal), Roma International Music Festival 2025, Sanremo 2024, and others, winning 1st prizes in international competitions in Paris, Berlin, New York, London, Vienna, and more.

Prof. Ulkemin Akbas

Prof. Ulkemin Akbas recieved his  undergraduate degree in composition from Bilkent University – Music and Performing Arts faculty. Earned his masters degree from the University of music and performing arts Graz. During his studies in Graz he worked with Beat Furrer and Klaus Lang. Following his graduate studies, Akbaş completed his postgradute studies at the University of music and performing arts Wien under the supervision of Michael Jarrell.  He has attended masterclasses such as Darmstadt International Summer Courses for new music and Acathes. His pieces have been performed by reowned musicians in festivals such as 6th New Music Week of Shanghai, 2014 International New Music Week Bucharest . He has gained commisions from ensembles and soloists such as ensemble XX. Jahrhundert, Karşıyaka string orchestra and Neo tonarte orchestra ( spain ) . He currently is an instructor at the faculty of Music and Performing Art Bilkent.

Prof. Marco Reghezza

Prof. Marco Reghezza graduated with diplomas in Piano and Composition from the State Conservatory “Ghedini” in Cuneo and holds a degree in Modern Literature from the University of Genoa.

His music has been performed in Europe, the USA, Asia, and Australia, and broadcast by numerous international stations (e.g., RadioRai3, ORF, Radio Vaticana).

As a composer, he has won approximately 60 international awards, including multiple first prizes (e.g., 2007 Girona, 2018 Sydney, 2023 World Grand Prix Absolute First Prize, 2024 Platinum and London Absolute First Prize, 2025 Palermo First Prize).

His works have featured in historical commemorations and been included in Berlin's “Compendium” flute anthology; recent recordings released by various labels, with publications in Italy, Germany, France, and Switzerland.

Since 2013, co-composed (with Giovanni Scapecchi) the opera Magallanes. No hay rosa sin espinas (commemorating the 500th anniversary of Magellan's circumnavigation), supported by Spanish and Portuguese governments, with world premiere on March 28, 2025, at the Real Alcázar in Seville.

Author of De bello pucciniano (exploring psychological conflicts in Puccini's operas), praised by leading musicologists; second edition released and presented widely.

Honored by the municipalities of Sanremo and Taggia, and awarded for contributions to art and culture dissemination.

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