Vienna Classical Music Competition
international classical music competition for musicians
3rd WIENER KLASSIK
International Soloists Competition
Inspired by the Spirit of Mozart, Haydn & Beethoven
Piano - Strings Instruments - Voice - Wind Instruments - Piano 4 Hands - Conducting - Chamber Music
The Wiener Klassik International Soloists Competition invites talented musicians from around the world to showcase their artistry in the heart of classical music in Vienna.
Founded on the legacy of the Viennese Classical Era, the competition welcomes young soloists, chamber ensembles, and conductors performing works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and their contemporaries, while also embracing repertoire from Romantic, Modern, and Contemporary styles.
The 1st prize winner in each category and the Grand Prize winner will have the honor of performing live at Wiener Konzerthaus on February 19, 2026.
Submission deadline: December 7, 2025 - Results announcement: December 21, 2025.
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Winners’ Concert at the WIENER KONZERTHAUS on February 19, 2026 with Wiener Stadtorchester.
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Grand Prize 5000 EUR
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The first-place winner in each category will receive a live performance opportunity at Wiener Konzerthaus , along with professional audio and video recordings of the performance.
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"Wiener Klassik" Prize Invitation to the award ceremony at Wiener Konzerthaus + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
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"Special Jury" Prize Invitation to the award ceremony at Wiener Konzerthaus + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
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Honourable Mentions Invitation to the award ceremony at Wiener Konzerthaus + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
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An outstanding participant, selected from across all categories and awarded full marks by unanimous decision of the jury, may be honored with the Grand Prix Prize of €5,000.
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Open to musicians of all instruments and nationalities.
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Performances are judged by a panel of esteemed musicians and educators, ensuring high standards and fair evaluations.
The Vienna Cultural Association, Culture Meeting Point Vienna (CMP), proudly presents the WIENER KLASSIK International Soloists Competition.
This prestigious competition is dedicated to celebrating and supporting talented soloists from around the world. Beyond the awards, the primary mission of the WIENER KLASSIK International Soloists Competition is its educational value. It provides young musicians, whether still in training or at the beginning of their professional careers, with a platform to evaluate their skills and present their artistry to an international audience.
Since its foundation in 1995, CMP Vienna has been active in organizing cultural events. From 2017 onwards, it has expanded its activities to include classical music competitions, offering participants the opportunity to perform in Vienna. These performances take place either in the form of recitals or with the Wiener Stadtorchester under the baton of Christian Schulz, in some of Vienna’s most renowned concert halls. Since 2018, in some competitions a special prize, the “Wiener Klassik (Vienna Classic) Award,” has also been presented as part of these competitions. Due to the great demand and Vienna’s unique position as a global center of music, the WIENER KLASSIK International Soloists Competition has been held regularly under this name since 2022.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, the competition allows participants to connect with a broad audience through live performance formats, while prize winners are announced across our social media platforms, ensuring international visibility and recognition.
Our jury consists of distinguished professors from the International Music Academy as well as renowned guest artists, guaranteeing a fair and artistically valuable evaluation for every competitor.
Competition Rules and Regulations
Eligibility
The competition is open to musicians of all ages and nationalities.
Repertoire
Participants are kindly requested to prepare their programs in accordance with the following guidelines:
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Free Repertoire
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At least one work from the Viennese Classical era is encouraged; however, participants may present repertoire of their choice, including Romantic, Modern, or Contemporary works
Time Limits:
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Soloists: Maximum 15 minutes
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Ensembles: Maximum 15 minutes
Additional Information:
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There is no time limit for the performance video submitted via link.
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Multiple short recordings may be compiled into a single video link
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There is no minimum time requirement.
Publication of Results
*The official results will be posted on December 21, 2025, on our website and our social media Addressee.
* All winners' names will be published on our website and social media channels (Instagram, Facebook) on the dates mentioned in the announcement.*
Application Deadline
The application deadline is December 7, 2025
Video Recording Requirements
The recording should be taken by one camera, showing the face and hands of the musician.
Video links should be provided at the time of registration, but can also be submitted via email up until the registration deadline.
Permissions
By registering, participants allow the organizer to freely use the submitted photos, audio, and video recordings for documentation and public relations on its website and social media.
Certificates
*All award-winning participants will receive a certificate of achievement via email.
*Printed certificates can be sent by post upon request (additional ordering and shipping costs)
*Participants who have not received an award can receive a certificate of participation by email upon request (It can be sent electronically for 35 euros).
*Teacher persons can also receive certificates upon request (It can be sent electronically for 35 euros).
Publication Rights
By participating in the competition, participants agree to the possible publication and popularization of the submitted recordings and photos for advertising purposes. The organizers reserve the right to edit and crop photos of participants for publication on the Internet.
Concert & Prizes
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Grand Prize (€5,000) – Awarded by unanimous jury decision to an outstanding participant from any category. Includes a certificate, photo shoot, professional audio & video recordings, and a concert performance at Mozarthaus Vienna.
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Category 1st Prize Winners – Live concert at the Wiener Konzerthaus on 19 February 2026 with the Wiener Stadtorchester, plus professional audio & video recordings and certificate.
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2nd & 3rd Prizes – Invitation to the award ceremony with certificate and professional photo shoot.
Special Prizes -
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Wiener Klassik Prize - Invitation to the award ceremony with certificate and professional photo shoot.
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Special Jury Prize - Invitation to the award ceremony with certificate and professional photo shoot.
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Honourable Mentions - Invitation to the award ceremony with certificate and professional photo shoot.
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Categories
The competition is open to musicians of all ages and nationalities in the following categories:
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Voice (Women / Men, all types)
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Keyboard (Piano, Accordion)
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Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Harp)
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Winds & Brass (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Saxophone)
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Conducting (participants will submit video recordings demonstrating rehearsal or concert excerpts; finalists may be invited to conduct in Vienna)
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Piano Four Hands
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Chamber Music (duo to quintet, any classical instruments and/or voice)
Jury & Mission
Performances are evaluated by a distinguished international jury, including professors from the International Music Academy and renowned guest artists. The competition’s mission is not only to celebrate excellence but also to provide educational value: a platform where musicians in training or at the start of their careers can present their artistry to an international audience.
Jury Members
Christian Schulz (Composer, Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Vienna City Orchestra (Wiener Stadtorchester) and player at Wiener Symphoniker & Professor at Richard Wagner Conservatory of Vienna)
Oleg Marshev (Concert Pianist and Professor at Anton Bruckner University in Linz)
Igor Cognolato (Concert Pianist and Professor at Conservatory Benedetto Marcello in Venice)
Elizabeth Goncalves (Paris Sorbonne University/ Conservatory & University of Amsterdam/ Paris Superior Center for Voice & Breath)
Burghard Tölke, (Peter Cornelius Conservatory of the City of Mainz and Dr. Hochs Konservatorium, Musikakademie Frankfurt)
Luciano Corona, (Conservatorio Vincenzo Bellini di Catania)
Final Judgement
The jury's decision is final.
The registration fees
* Soloists (The registration fee is €75 for solo)
* Category Piano 4Hands (The registration fee is €115 for duo, with no age limit)
* Category Chamber Music: The registration fee is €135 per ensemble (duo–quintet and may include any classical instrument or voice, no age limit.)
Registration Requirements
Applicants must submit the following by December 7, 2025
1- Completed application form (with proof of payment) >>> Apply! "Please make sure to complete the registration fee payment before submitting the application form."
2- Passport or ID copy (with photo)
3- Biography (in English)
4- Artistic photo (photographer credited)
5- Video link (YouTube)
6- Proof of payment of the participation fee (via bank, Revolut, Wise, or PayPal transfer.)
(If you cannot pay with PayPal in your country, please contact us for an alternative transfer fee.)
Please send All documents for submission before December 7, 2025, an e-mail to culturempcompetition@gmail.com
Payment
Via Revolut:
🔗 Revolut.Me
Via PayPal: (Please note: PayPal transfer charges are to be covered by the applicant.)
🔗 PayPal.Me
PayPal Account: verein.culturemeetingpoint@gmail.com
(If you are unable to pay with PayPal or with Revolut in your country, please contact us for an alternative transfer fee.)
For European Union and Eurozone transfers, please use the following bank details:
(Both the sender's and the recipient's transfer and bank charges must be covered by the applicant.)
Bank: Bank Austria UniCredit
Account Name: Culture Meeting Point
IBAN: AT96 1200 0006 0177 8103
Bank Code (BIC/SWIFT): BKAUATWW
Address: UniCredit Bank Austria AG, Rothschildplatz 1, A-1020 Vienna, AUSTRIA
*When making the payment, it is imperative to indicate the participant's full NAME and specify "Wiener Klassik Soloists".
*Once the application fee is paid, it cannot be refunded under any circumstances. Candidates agree to the terms and conditions of the competition upon payment.
*Due to delays in the evaluation process by the competition jury committee, the organization reserves the right to change the dates provided for the announcement of the results.
Timeline
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Application deadline: 7 December 2025
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Results announced: 21 December 2025 (website & social media)
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Winners’ Concert: 19 February 2026 at Wiener Konzerthaus with the Wiener Stadtorchester
Submission:
Application form >>> APPLY!
"Please make sure to complete the registration fee payment before submitting the application form."
Wiener Klassik Internationale Soloists Competition respects the rights and privacy of all and does not discriminate based on ethnicity, race, nationality, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.