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The Igor Stravinsky International Music Competition 2026 celebrates the artistic legacy of Igor Stravinsky, one of the most influential composers of the twentieth century.​ The competition is open to musicians and composers of all nationalities and levels. Participants are encouraged to demonstrate their musical ability, creativity and artistic individuality through a freely chosen programme.​ Participants are free to perform works by any composer. Performing a work by Igor Stravinsky is welcomed but not required.

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Age Groups

Category A: 7 years and under

Category B: 8–9 years

Category C: 10–11 years

Category D: 12–13 years

Category E: 14–15 years

Category F: 16–17 years

Category G: 18–20 years

Category H: 21–25 years

Category I: 26 years and above

 

Age is determined as of the closing date for entries.

For ensembles, the age category is determined by the age of the oldest member.

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Competition Disciplines

Keyboard

Strings

Woodwinds

Brass

Percussion

Vocal Performance

Piano Four Hands

Piano Accompaniment

Chamber Music and Ensembles

Conducting

Composition

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Participants may submit more than one application if they wish to enter different disciplines or submit different programmes. A separate entry fee is required for each application.

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Repertoire Requirements

​Instrumental, Vocal and Ensemble Performance

Participants may perform one or more works or movements of their choice.

Works from any musical period or style are accepted. Arrangements and transcriptions are also permitted.

The total duration of the submitted performance should normally not exceed 15 minutes.

 

Conducting

Participants may submit one video demonstrating their conducting ability. Recordings from a concert, rehearsal or conducting session are accepted.

 

Composition

Participants may submit one original composition in any style and for any instrumentation.

A PDF score and an audio recording should be submitted where applicable. Live recordings, studio recordings and computer-generated audio realisations are accepted.

There is no fixed duration requirement for submitted compositions.

 

Piano Accompaniment

Participants may submit one performance demonstrating collaborative ability and musical partnership with a soloist or ensemble.

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Recording Requirements

1. Recordings made within the last 18 months are accepted.

2. Recordings from concerts, recitals, rehearsals, studios or home settings are permitted.

3. The participant must be clearly visible throughout the performance.

4. The recording must have clear and synchronised audio and video.

5. A minimum video quality of 720p is recommended.

6. Each work should be presented as one continuous performance.

7. Trimming before or after the performance is permitted.

8. Editing that alters or reconstructs the musical performance is not permitted.

9. Artificial intelligence may not be used to generate or reconstruct any part of the participant’s performance.

10. Video links from YouTube, Google Drive, Vimeo or similar platforms are accepted. Links must remain accessible until the results have been announced.

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Eligibility

1. The competition is open to participants of all nationalities and musical backgrounds.

2. There is no minimum qualification or professional-status requirement.

3. Parents, teachers or representatives may submit an application on behalf of a participant.

4. Participants under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

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Judging

All entries will be assessed according to the participant’s age, discipline and artistic level.

The jury’s decisions are final.

 

Performance

Performance entries will be evaluated according to:

• Technical ability

• Musical interpretation

• Artistic individuality

• Overall presentation

 

Conducting

Conducting entries will be evaluated according to:

• Conducting technique

• Musical understanding and interpretation

• Communication and leadership

• Overall artistic presentation

 

Composition

Composition entries will be evaluated according to:

• Creativity and originality

• Musical structure

• Artistic expression

• Effective use of the chosen instrumentation or medium

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Awards

Platinum Prize

Gold Prize

Silver Prize

Bronze Prize

Honourable Mention

Multiple prizes may be awarded within each age group and discipline.

All participants will receive a digital certificate of achievement.

Teachers of prize-winning participants may request a digital Teacher Award certificate.

 

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How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

• a completed online application form;

• a valid video link;

• a PDF score and audio recording for Composition entries; and

• the entry fee.

 

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Entry Fee

A non-refundable entry fee of £30 per application is required.

Any transaction fees or currency-conversion charges are the responsibility of the participant.

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Copyright and Publicity

1. Copyright in all submitted performances and compositions remains with the participant or the relevant copyright holder.

2. By entering the competition, participants grant the World Classical Masters Association permission to use their name, photograph, biography and excerpts from their submitted materials for competition administration, results announcements and non-commercial promotional purposes.

 

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General Regulations

1. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

2. Entries involving plagiarism, false information or misrepresentation may be disqualified.

3. The Organising Committee may make reasonable amendments to the regulations where necessary.

4. Any significant changes will be published on the official competition website.

5. Matters not covered by these regulations will be determined by the Organising Committee.

 

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Key Dates

Closing Date for Entries: 20 September 2026

Results Announcement: 20 October 2026

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