INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
ASTOR PIAZZOLLA
April 9 - 11, 2027 • Como, Italy
April 9 - 11, 2027
Como, Italy
Celebrating the Legacy. Inspiring the Future.
An official global competition dedicated to the genius of Astor Piazzolla, held under the patronage of Fundación Piazzolla. The competition returns to the heart of Italy, where Piazzolla’s roots and spirit continue to resonate.
Competition Timeline
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®
Live Competition · Como, Italy
Applications Close: March 1, 2027, 23:59 CET
Semifinalists Announced: March 10, 2027
Participation Confirmation: March 15, 2027
Semifinals & Finals: April 10–11, 2027 · Como, Italy
Waiting List: Maintained in case of cancellations
ONLINE COMPETITION ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®
Online · Worldwide
Applications Close: March 1, 2027, 23:59 CET
Finalists Announced: March 10, 2027
Final Results: April 11, 2027
COMPOSITION COMPETITION ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®
Applications Close: February 1, 2027, 23:59 CET
Finalists Announced: March 10, 2027
Final Round: Finalist submissions evaluated by the Extended Jury in Como (composers not present)
Final Results: April 11, 2027
For more information, visit the Regulations.
International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®
Following the success of its inaugural edition, the International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA® returns for its second edition, continuing its mission to preserve, promote, and expand the legacy of Astor Piazzolla and to inspire new generations of musicians to discover, perform, and reinterpret his extraordinary body of work.
The second edition introduces Online Competition categories, expanding participation beyond geographical borders and providing talented musicians from around the world with an opportunity to take part, including those who may be unable to travel due to political, economic, or other challenging circumstances.
The 2027 edition also introduces a dedicated Bandoneon Solo Category, celebrating the instrument so closely associated with Piazzolla’s revolutionary musical language and providing bandoneonists with a dedicated platform to showcase their artistry.
In collaboration with Daniel Villaflor Piazzolla, Astor’s grandson and President of Fundación Piazzolla, the competition continues to build a lasting international platform dedicated to Piazzolla’s music, artistic legacy, and enduring influence.
Why Italy? A Musical and Personal Home
It is only natural that this competition finds its home in Italy, a country deeply woven into Piazzolla’s identity. Though born in Argentina, his roots run deep in Italian soil—his grandfather, Pantaleon Piazzolla, hailed from Trani, a picturesque coastal town in Puglia, while his mother, Assunta Manetti, was the daughter of Italian immigrants from Lucca, the historic heart of Tuscany. The melodies of his ancestors, the rhythm of Italian life, and the fiery passion of its culture undoubtedly shaped the artist he became.
Piazzolla’s bond with Italy was not just ancestral—it was deeply personal. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, he made Italy his home, spending much of his time composing and performing there while frequently returning to Argentina. Some of his most iconic works were created during these years, inspired by the landscapes, history, and artistry that surrounded him.
A Legacy That Lives On
Now, in the picturesque city of Como, we continue this story, bringing together musicians from around the world to honor Piazzolla’s genius. The International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA® is not just a contest—it is a celebration of innovation, passion, and the timeless spirit of Nuevo Tango.
Join us in Italy, where the past and future of Piazzolla’s music meet, and where his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Gary Burton
Honorary Patron
We are deeply honored to have the legendary Gary Burton as the Honorary Chair of the International Competition Astor Piazzolla. His presence brings exceptional meaning to this event, not only because of his towering status in the world of jazz, but also due to his profound artistic connection with Astor Piazzolla himself.
Burton’s collaboration with Piazzolla stands as one of the most powerful intersections between jazz and tango in modern music history. Their landmark recording, The New Tango, captured live at the Montreux Festival in 1986, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful, profound, and moving musical documents of the 20th century. Joined by Argentine greats Fernando Suárez Paz on violin and Pablo Ziegler on piano, the album showcases the seamless fusion of Piazzolla’s bold nuevo tango with Burton’s elegant, expressive vibraphone style.
From the very first track, “Milonga Is Coming,” Piazzolla and Burton create an exotic and fluid soundscape—infused with light jazz fusion that feels fresh and joyful, while staying rooted in the emotional intensity and rhythmic spirit of Latin music. The result is a timeless masterpiece that continues to move listeners and inspire musicians around the world.
Having Gary Burton as part of this competition is not only a privilege—it is a celebration of a deep artistic bond that helped bring Piazzolla’s music to an even wider international audience. We are proud to walk in the footsteps of that legacy and to have one of the true icons of modern music by our side.
Click here to read Gary Burton’s reflections on Astor Piazzolla
“
For me, tango was always for the ear rather than the feet.
-Astor Piazzolla
“My admiration for his masterful work and my unconditional love for my grandfather are the pillars that motivate me to preserve and share his musical legacy. This competition encourages the study and performance of his work, bringing together musicians from around the world. Here, there are no winners or losers; what unites us is our passion for music, the same passion that motivated Astor throughout his life.”
