Rules • Composition
International Composition Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®
The International Composition Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA® celebrates the music and legacy of the renowned Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. The competition is open to composers of all nationalities, genders, and ages, and aims to encourage new works inspired by the musical language, spirit, and legacy of Piazzolla.
GENERAL RULES
Eligibility
The competition is open to composers of all nationalities, genders, and ages.
Repertoire and Instrumentation
Submitted compositions must be inspired by the music and legacy of Astor Piazzolla and written in a modern or traditional tango style.
The composition may be written for one or more of the following instruments and/or ensembles:
Bandoneon
Accordion
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double bass
Classical guitar
Piano
Voice
String quartet
String orchestra
Piazzolla Quintet: violin, bandoneon, guitar, piano, and double bass
Any combination of the listed instruments and ensembles is permitted.
Examples include:
A solo instrument or voice with string quartet or string orchestra
Violin, bandoneon, and piano
Bandoneon, guitar, and string orchestra
Piano, violin, cello, and double bass
Other combinations using the listed instruments
The maximum string orchestration considered is 6.5.4.3.2, including possible use of divisi.
The composition does not have to be written specifically for this competition. Previously composed, performed, or recorded works are fully acceptable.
However, the work must not have been previously published in terms of sheet music availability.
Duration
The composition must have a maximum duration of 10 minutes.
PARTICIPATION FEE
Composers: €60 per composition
Composers may submit multiple compositions. Each composition requires a separate application and participation fee.
The participation fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the composer withdraws, is disqualified, or fails to submit the required materials by the specified deadline.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
1. Bank Transfer
All transaction costs must be fully covered by the applicant so that the complete participation fee is received by the organizer.
Bank Name: CREDIT AGRICOLE ITALIA S.P.A.
Account Holder: Associazione Musicale Como Classica
IBAN: IT12 O 06230 10920 000048116276
SWIFT/BIC: CRPPIT2P321
Important: The 5th character of the IBAN is the letter “O”, not the number zero (0).
2. PayPal
For payments made via PayPal, the participation fee is increased by €5 to cover PayPal charges borne by the recipient.
PayPal: comoclassica@gmail.com
PayPal participation fee: €65 per composition
COMPETITION PROCEDURE
First Round — Online Selection
The first round of the competition is conducted entirely online.
Composers must submit:
A PDF score of the composition
An audio recording of the composition, either from a live performance or as a computer-generated realization (MIDI or software-generated)
The submitted compositions and materials will be evaluated during the online selection stage.
A maximum of 10 compositions will be selected as finalists for the final round.
The finalists will be announced following the completion of the online selection process.
Final Round — Evaluation in Como
The final round will take place in Como, Italy, from April 9–11, 2027. A maximum of 10 finalist compositions selected during the online first round will be presented to the extended Jury for final evaluation.
The compositions will not be performed live in Como. Instead, the submitted scores and audio recordings will be presented to the Jury for evaluation.
The Jury will conduct the final artistic evaluation and determine the final ranking and winners of the competition.
Composers do not attend the competition in Como and are not required to travel to Italy.
The decision of the Jury regarding the final ranking and awards is final.
AWARDS
1st Prize — Winner
Official title of Winner of the International Composition Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®
Official Diploma
Trophy
Publication of the winning composition by Edizioni Curci
Concert performance of the winning composition
2nd Prize — Laureate
Official title of Laureate of the International Composition Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®
Official Diploma
Trophy
Consideration for publication by Universal Edition
SPECIAL PRIZES
In addition to the main awards, Special Prizes may be offered in recognition of outstanding artistic merit. The Special Prizes available for the current edition are listed HERE.
Special Prizes are independent of the official competition ranking and are awarded, or withheld, at the sole discretion of the respective prize provider. Depending on the overall artistic level demonstrated by participants, a Special Prize may or may not be awarded in a given edition.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All scores and audio recordings must be submitted according to the specified deadlines and technical requirements.
Score
The complete score must be submitted as a PDF file.
Audio Recording
The audio recording may be:
A live performance recording; or
A computer-generated realization using MIDI or music notation/software.
The submitted audio must correspond to the submitted composition and score.
Any submission containing misleading, fraudulent, or materially altered audio or other materials may result in disqualification.
DEADLINES
Applications will be open until February 1 2027, 23:59 CET.
The compositions selected for the final round will be announced following the completion of the online selection process.
The final evaluation will take place in Como, Italy, from April 9–11, 2027.
FINAL PROVISIONS
By submitting an application, participants confirm that they have read and accepted all competition rules and requirements.
The organizers reserve the right to make decisions concerning matters not expressly covered by these rules.
The decision of the Jury and organizers regarding eligibility, selection of finalists, final ranking, and awards is final.
We look forward to discovering and celebrating new compositions inspired by the extraordinary musical legacy of Astor Piazzolla.