Rules

International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®

The International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA® celebrates the music and legacy of the renowned Argentine composer, Astor Piazzolla. This competition is open to musicians of all nationalities, genders, and ages, aiming to promote and preserve the spirit of Piazzolla’s compositions through performances and compositions inspired by his work.

Categories:

• A - Solo

• B - Ensembles (up to 12 members)

• C - Composition

General Rules:

• Eligibility: The competition is open to all musicians, regardless of nationality, gender, or age. All instruments and vocals are welcome to participate in the competition.

• Repertoire: Only music by Astor Piazzolla is allowed in the performance categories. Competitors may perform original pieces by Piazzolla or transcriptions of his music.

  • In the case of transcriptions, competitors are obligated to submit 3 hard copies of the score for the live rounds.

Participation Fees:

• Soloists: 60 EUR

• Ensembles: 40 EUR per ensemble member

• Composers: 50 EUR per composition
  (Composers can apply with multiple compositions. Each composition must be accompanied by a separate fee.)

The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the contestant withdraws, is disqualified, or fails to submit their application or video materials by the specified deadline. All transaction fees must be covered by the sender.

The fee should be sent to the following bank account:

Bank Name: CREDIT AGRICOLE ITALIA S.P.A.
Account Holder: Associazione Musicale Como Classica
IBAN: IT12 O 06230 10920 000048116276
SWIFT/BIC: CRPPIT2P321

—or— via PayPal to: comoclassica@gmail.com

Performance Categories: Solo & Ensembles

• First Round (Online)

  • Soloists and ensembles must submit a video recording of at least 8 minutes in length, including two or more pieces by Astor Piazzolla.

• Semifinal Round (Live in Como):

  • Soloists: 6 semifinalists will be invited to Como to compete live.

  • Ensembles: 6 semifinalist ensembles will also be invited to Como to compete live.

• Final Round:

  • Soloists: 3 finalists will perform live in the final round.

  • Ensembles: 3 ensembles will perform live in the final round.

• Performance Duration:

  • Soloists: Each soloist must prepare between 15 and 20 minutes of music for each round.

  • Ensembles: Ensembles must prepare between 20 and 30 minutes of music for each round.

• Piece Selection:

  • Performers may repeat pieces from previous rounds or choose new pieces for the final round.

• Solo Category Specifics:

  • Soloists may use piano accompaniment in a real accompaniment fashion. However, if the piano part is more exposed or if the piano plays a significant role beyond standard accompaniment, the soloist should apply in the Chamber Ensembles category.

Composition Category (Online & Live)

• First Round (Online):

  • The composition category will begin with an online submission round. Composers must submit their compositions, which should be inspired by the music of Astor Piazzolla and composed in modern or traditional tango style, with a length of up to 10 minutes.

  • The composition can be written for one or more of the following instruments, as well as voice: bandoneon or accordion, violin, piano, double bass, cello, viola, classical guitar, string quartet, or string orchestra.

  • Composers must submit:

    • A PDF score of their composition.

    • An audio sample of the composition, either from a live performance or a computer simulation (MIDI or software-generated).

    • Composers can submit multiple compositions, but each submission requires a separate fee.

    • Compositions must not have been published before.

• Final Round (Live in Como):

  • Up to 10 compositions will be selected for the final round and evaluated live by an extended jury in Como.

  • In the final round, the selected compositions will be presented to the jury for further evaluation.

Prizes

• Solo & Ensemble Category:
  Each winner in the solo and ensemble categories will receive:

  • 3 concerts in Italy or abroad, with a performance honorarium, travel, and hotel accommodations covered.

  • A Diploma and a Trophy.

• Composition Category:
  The winner in the composition category will receive:

  • Performance of the winning composition, professionally studio recorded by eminent artists.

  • Sheet music publication by the eminent publisher Edizioni Curci.

  • A Diploma and a Trophy.

  Second and Third Place Winners:

  • Second and Third place winners in all categories will receive a Diploma.

  • All competitors in the live rounds will receive a participation certificate.

• Special Prizes

  In addition to the main awards, the Jury and the organizers may bestow a number of Special Prizes in recognition of outstanding artistic merit. These may include:

  • Opportunities for artistic collaboration or recording projects with

    • Musici del Teatro alla Scala

    • Zagreb Symphony Orchestra

    • AYSO Orchestra

  • A one-year initial representation agreement with GREEN NOTE Artist Management, a member of the International Artist Managers’ Association (IAMA)

  • Consideration for publication by Universal Edition (Vienna, Austria)

The conferral of Special Prizes is subject to the decision of the Jury and the organizers. Depending on the overall artistic level demonstrated by participants, Special Prizes may or may not be awarded in a given edition of the competition.

Submission Requirements

• All video recordings and compositions must be submitted according to the provided deadlines and guidelines.

• Any evidence of multiple takes or audio that does not correspond to the live performance will result in disqualification from the competition.

Deadlines

• Applications will be open until January 15, 2026, 23:59 CET.

• Semifinalists selected for the live rounds in Como will be announced on February 1, 2026.

• Competitors selected for the live rounds must confirm their participation by February 10, 2026.

• A waiting list will be maintained in case any competitor cancels their participation.

Schedule and Travel Arrangements

• Competitors selected for the live rounds must arrive in Como on or before February 27, 2026.

• The semifinal round will take place on February 28, 2026.

• The final round will be held on March 1, 2026, with the final concert taking place at Teatro Sociale di Como in the evening of March 1.

• All travel, hotel, and other arrangements are the responsibility of the competitors.

We look forward to your participation and to celebrating the music of Astor Piazzolla through your performances and compositions!