Rules • Soloists

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 soloists of all nationalities, genders, and ages, and aims to promote excellence in the performance of Piazzolla’s music.

GENERAL RULES

Eligibility

The Solo Category is open to all instrumental soloists and vocalists, regardless of nationality, gender, or age, with the exception of bandoneon players.

Bandoneon players must apply for the Bandoneon Solo Category.

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

Soloists: €70

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.

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: €75

COMPETITION PROCEDURE

First Round — Online

The first round is conducted entirely online.

Soloists 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 semifinalists will be selected and invited to compete in the live rounds in Como, Italy.

Semifinal Round — Live in Como

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

Each semifinalist must prepare 15–20 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 finalists to advance to the final round.

Final Round — Live in Como

3 finalists will perform live in the final round.

Each finalist must prepare 15–20 minutes of music.

Competitors 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.

SOLO CATEGORY SPECIFICS

Soloists may use piano accompaniment in a conventional accompanying role.

If the piano part is more exposed or plays a significant artistic role beyond standard accompaniment, the performance should instead be considered for an ensemble category.

The use of accompaniment must not change the nature of the performance as a soloist presentation.

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 applicant.

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.

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 semifinalists selected for the live rounds in Como will be announced following the completion of the online selection process.

Competitors selected for the live rounds must confirm their participation by the deadline specified by the competition.

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

Competitors selected for the live rounds 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 competitors.

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

APPLY NOW