Music competitions and awards have a long history in classical music. Each year, hundreds of competitions worldwide reward talented players and composers, helping them progress in their careers and shape their reputations.
As the list of international classical music competitions can get long and confusing, we’ve decided to help you out by making our very own well-structured and easy-to-read list! Ready to participate and submit your music in 2024? Let’s dive into the list, then!
The importance of classical music competitions
The history of classical music competitions journeys back to the beginning of the 20th century (as we know it). Reportedly, some of the oldest classical music competitions in the world are the International Naumburg Competition in New York and the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland, which were first held in 1926 and 1927, respectively.
To this day, music competitions and awards play a prominent role in classical artists’ careers. Fundamentally, they serve as both a prestige indicator and a source of new opportunities for those who win or are placed in top positions. Meanwhile, the monetary reward may be an essential boost for young musicians who are in need of financial support to progress in their careers.
On top of that, classical music competitions present an important platform for the advancement and motivation of young professionals, helping to encourage their ambitions and take on their dreams.
USA
String instruments
- Progressive Musicians Carnegie Hall Laureate Gala — New York
- American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition — New York
- International Violin Competition of Indianapolis — Indianapolis
- Klein Competition — San Francisco
- Primrose International Viola Competition — Los Angeles
- Stulberg International String Competition — Kalamazoo
- National Chamber Ensemble Outstanding Young Artist Achievement Award Competition — across the USA
- The 2024 Naumburg Competition International Cello Competition — New York
- Golden Classical Music Competition – Los Angeles, New York
Chamber music
- Chamber Music in Yellow Springs Annual Competition — Yellow Springs
- International Chamber Music Ensemble Competition of New England — New England
- Progressive Musicians Carnegie Hall Laureate Gala — New York
- Golden Classical Music Competition — Los Angeles, New York
Composition
- Progressive Musicians Carnegie Hall Laureate Gala — New York
- Alexander Zemlinsky Prize for Composition — Cincinnati
- Gardner Composition Competition — Dallas
- Lake George Music Festival Composition Competition — Queensbury
Piano
- Progressive Musicians Carnegie Hall Laureate Gala — New York
- American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition — New York
- Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition — New York
- Cleveland International Piano Competition — Cleveland
- Dallas Chamber Symphony International Piano Competition — Dallas
- The Dranoff International Two Piano Foundation — Miami
- Festival for Creative Pianists — Vermont
- Van Cliburn International Piano Competition — Fort Worth, Texas
- Golden Classical Music Competition – Los Angeles, New York
Choral/Voice
UK
String instruments
- Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition — Isle of Man
- The Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition — Tunbridge Wells
- London Classical Music Competition — London
Piano
- The Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition — Tunbridge Wells
- London Classical Music Competition — London
Germany
String instruments
- ARD International Music Competition – Munich
Chamber music
- ARD International Music Competition – Munich
Piano
- ARD International Music Competition – Munich
Choral/Voice
- ARD International Music Competition – Munich
France
Composition
- The Long Thibaud Competition – Paris
Piano
- International Music Festival Paris — Paris
- The Long Thibaud Competition — Paris
Italy
String instruments
Chamber music
Piano
Spain
String instruments
Chamber music
Piano
International Compositions
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