Rules • Ensembles

International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®

The International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA® celebrates the music and legacy of the renowned Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. The competition is open to musicians of all nationalities, genders, and ages, aiming to promote and preserve the spirit of Piazzolla’s music through ensemble performance.

GENERAL RULES

Eligibility

The Ensemble Category is open to ensembles of up to 12 members, regardless of the nationality, gender, or age of their members.

All instrumental and vocal combinations are welcome to participate.

Repertoire

Only music by Astor Piazzolla may be performed in the competition.

Competitors may perform original works by Piazzolla or transcriptions of his music.

PARTICIPATION FEE

Ensembles: €50 per ensemble member

The ensemble must submit one single application on behalf of the entire ensemble, with one corresponding payment covering all participating members.

Individual ensemble members must not submit separate applications or make separate payments.

The total participation fee is calculated according to the number of members in the ensemble. For example, an ensemble of 4 members pays €200 in total (€50 × 4 members).

The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the ensemble withdraws, is disqualified, or fails to submit its application or video 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).

Please indicate the full name of the ensemble in the payment description/reference.

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: €55 per ensemble member

Please include the full name of the ensemble in the PayPal payment note/message.

COMPETITION PROCEDURE

First Round — Online

The first round is conducted entirely online.

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

The submitted video will be evaluated by the jury during the online selection round.

Following the online evaluation, 6 semifinalist ensembles will be selected and invited to compete in the live rounds in Como, Italy.

The composition of the ensemble submitted in the application should remain consistent throughout the competition. Any changes to ensemble membership must be approved by the organizers.

Semifinal Round — Live in Como

6 semifinalist ensembles will be invited to Como to compete live before the jury.

Each ensemble must prepare 20–30 minutes of music for the semifinal round.

The repertoire must consist exclusively of music by Astor Piazzolla.

Following the semifinal round, the jury will select 3 finalist ensembles to advance to the final round.

Final Round — Live in Como

3 finalist ensembles will perform live in the final round.

Each ensemble must prepare 20–30 minutes of music.

Ensembles may repeat pieces performed in previous rounds or choose different works for the final round.

The jury will determine the final ranking and the winners of the competition based on the performances in the live rounds.

The decision of the jury regarding the final ranking and awards is final.

ENSEMBLE CATEGORY SPECIFICS

Ensembles may consist of any combination of instrumentalists and/or vocalists, provided that the ensemble does not exceed 12 members.

The ensemble must perform as a cohesive artistic unit. A soloist accompanied by a pianist or other accompanist should normally apply in the Solo Category, unless the accompanying musicians form an integral part of the ensemble presentation.

Any questions regarding the appropriate category for a particular formation should be clarified with the organizers before submitting an application.

AWARDS

1st Prize — Winner

  • Official title of Winner of the International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®

  • Official Diploma

  • Trophy

  • Professional concert engagement in Italy or abroad, including artist fee, travel and accommodation

2nd Prize — Laureate

  • Official title of Laureate of the International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®

  • Official Diploma

  • Trophy

  • Promotional concert engagement in Italy or abroad, including travel and accommodation

Finalist

  • Official title of Finalist of the International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®

  • Official Diploma

  • Official recommendation from the Jury for potential collaboration with one of the Competition’s partner institutions

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 video recordings must be submitted according to the provided deadlines and technical guidelines.

The submitted video must represent an authentic performance by the participating ensemble.

Any evidence of multiple takes, editing, manipulation, or audio that does not correspond to the submitted video performance will result in disqualification from the competition.

The video must clearly show and correspond to the members of the ensemble performing in the submitted recording.

Further technical requirements for video submissions will be specified in the application form.

DEADLINES

Applications will be open until March 1, 2027, 23:59 CET.

The 6 semifinalist ensembles selected for the live rounds in Como will be announced following the completion of the online selection process.

Selected ensembles must confirm their participation by the deadline specified by the competition.

A waiting list will be maintained in case any selected ensemble cancels its participation.

SCHEDULE AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

The live rounds of the International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA® will take place in Como, Italy, from April 9–11, 2027.

The Semifinal Round will take place during the live competition in Como, followed by the Final Round.

Selected ensembles must arrive in Como in sufficient time to participate in the scheduled competition activities.

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

The detailed schedule of the semifinal and final rounds will be communicated to the selected ensembles.

We look forward to welcoming ensembles from around the world to Como and to celebrating the extraordinary music and legacy of Astor Piazzolla.

APPLY NOW