Perform with professional orchestras
on prestigious stages across Europe.
The New York International Concerto Competition for Piano, Violin, Flute, Cello, and Voice is judged entirely online. Its winners will step onto renowned stages — including Tonhalle Zurich, ORF RadioKulturhaus Vienna, Smetana Hall Prague, and Haydn Hall Eisenstadt — to perform with professional European orchestras on confirmed dates. A privilege no other international competition offers.
The competition in New York, the winners’ performances in Europe.
Connecting the USA and Europe.
1 · Apply & Submit Online
Complete the application on this website, pay the entry fee by card, and submit your performance as an unedited video via a Google Drive link. No travel is required to participate in the competition.
For full details, please refer to the Application Guide in the top menu.
2 · Judged by an International Jury
Submissions are evaluated by an international jury composed of internationally acclaimed conductors.
Performances are assessed on musicality, technique, interpretation, expression, and overall artistry. Every applicant is evaluated according to the same artistic standards, with no age divisions.
3 · Winners Perform in Europe in 2027
The winner of each category will be invited to perform with a professional orchestra at a confirmed 2027 concert in Zurich, Vienna, Prague and Eisenstadt.
Each winner receives airfare support (USD 500 within Europe / USD 1,000 from outside Europe), a 4-star hotel for 5 days / 4 nights with breakfast, and airport pickup in the concert city. After the concert, the winner is also provided with a video of the performance for their own reference.
The 2027 Winners’ Concert Series — five confirmed concerts across Zurich, Vienna, Prague & Eisenstadt.
About the Competition
Why NYICC exists, who stands behind it, and the partnership that makes five European debuts possible.
It is my great pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations on the launch of the New York International Concerto Competition (NYICC).
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all distinguished members of the international jury for their dedication, artistic insight, and commitment to discovering and encouraging exceptional musical talent.
May the NYICC become an inspiring platform where gifted musicians from around the world are given the opportunity to share their artistry, pursue their dreams, and take meaningful steps onto the international stage.
I wish the entire organizing team every success, and I look forward to seeing the NYICC grow into a respected and influential international music competition for generations to come.
With my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a great success to all who participate in the New York International Concerto Competition.
For classical musicians, the opportunity to perform with a professional symphony orchestra and present their artistry on world-class stages is one of their greatest dreams. Yet, even for highly talented musicians, gaining such opportunities can be extremely difficult.
The New York International Concerto Competition (NYICC) was founded with this reality in mind. NYICC seeks to discover exceptional musical talent from around the world — especially gifted artists who have yet to gain international recognition — and provide them with unique opportunities to perform with leading European orchestras.
NYICC is more than a competition that simply selects winners. It is a platform connecting emerging musicians to the international stage, helping them take meaningful steps toward professional careers.
Through its official partnership with IMK (Verein für Internationale Musik und Kulturförderung) in Vienna, NYICC has established a pathway for selected musicians to gain exclusive performance opportunities with professional European orchestras, opening the door to meaningful international concert experiences.
NYICC is not looking for musicians who are already famous. We are looking for the hidden talents who have the potential to shine on the world stage.
From New York to Europe, and from Europe to the world stage — NYICC opens the door to a new journey.
Organization
NYICC is officially sponsored by IMK Vienna, whose extensive European orchestra network makes the 2027 Winners’ Concert Series possible.
| Presented by | New York International Concerto Competition (NYICC) |
Social links will be activated as the official NYICC channels go live. The organizing committee, partner institutions and jury will be published here as they are confirmed.
IMK — Verein für Internationale Musik- und Kulturförderung
The promise of a real orchestral debut only means something if the organization behind it can deliver. NYICC is sponsored by IMK Vienna — founded in 1992 and, over more than three decades, one of Europe’s most active classical concert organizations, putting international artists on many of the world’s great stages.
www.schwingungen.at ↗Since 1992
IMK was founded in Vienna in 1992 to create high-quality orchestral performance opportunities for young musicians — more than three decades of work.
200+ concerts a year
Today IMK connects and organizes approximately 200 performances each year at renowned concert halls across Europe.
Worldwide reach
As a professional classical concert management agency, IMK partners with music universities around the world, including Kronberg Academy and mdw Vienna.
Creating Orchestral Opportunities for Young Musicians
Solo recitals and chamber music concerts are relatively easy to organize. However, for emerging musicians, even many such performances may not be enough to attract wider attention.
Orchestral performances are different. They require a professional orchestra, a large concert hall, extensive organization, and significant financial resources. For young musicians, opportunities to perform as soloists with an orchestra are therefore rare.
Even highly talented graduates of prestigious music universities are not automatically given such opportunities. Many turn to international competitions, but even winning a competition may lead to only one orchestral performance, with no guarantee of the next.
Recognizing this challenge, Ms. Sonja Steindl founded IMK Vienna in 1992 with a clear mission: to create more high-quality and accessible orchestral performance opportunities across Europe.
For more than three decades, IMK Vienna has built a strong European network. Today, it connects and organizes approximately 200 performances each year at renowned concert halls across Europe, helping talented musicians gain valuable stage experience and advance their professional careers.
IMK’s Pride: Musikverein Golden Hall – Orchestra Concert Series Since 2006
As one of its signature projects, IMK launched the Schwingungen Concert Series at the Musikverein Golden Hall in Vienna in 2006, inviting three to four international orchestras each year.
Over the past 20 years, IMK has successfully organized more than 58 concerts at the Golden Hall, with further performances already scheduled through 2028.
Even today, orchestras from around the world dream of making their debut in this historic and prestigious concert hall. However, creating such an opportunity requires extensive experience, strong professional networks, and careful organization.
Through two decades of successfully presenting 58 concerts at the Musikverein Golden Hall, IMK has developed unique expertise and extensive know-how in organizing orchestral performances at this world-renowned venue.
From Music Education to the Professional Stage
Music education should no longer end in the classroom. It must evolve into a system that connects talented young musicians directly to real performance opportunities.
Together with our partner universities listed below, IMK is working to make this important change a reality — building a bridge from music education to the professional stage.
and more institutions to come.
Beyond the 2027 NYICC venues, IMK regularly programs concerts in many of Europe’s most prestigious halls, including:
| Vienna, Austria | Golden Hall, Musikverein — home of the Vienna New Year’s Concert Website ↗ |
| Salzburg, Austria | Great Hall, Mozarteum — a Salzburg Festival venue Website ↗ |
| Graz, Austria | Musikverein Graz, Stefaniensaal Website ↗ |
| Eisenstadt, Austria | Haydn Hall, Schloss Esterházy — Baroque frescoes, renowned acoustics Website ↗ |
| Prague, Czech Republic | Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum Website ↗ · Smetana Hall, Municipal House Website ↗ |
| Budapest, Hungary | Grand Hall, Liszt Academy of Music Website ↗ |
| Berlin, Germany | Berlin Philharmonie Website ↗ |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | Concertgebouw — acoustics comparable to the Musikverein Website ↗ |
| Zurich, Switzerland | Tonhalle, Great Hall — inaugurated 1895 by Johannes Brahms Website ↗ |
| Sofia, Bulgaria | Bulgaria Concert Hall — home of the Sofia Philharmonic Website ↗ |
IMK-associated artists have released recordings on labels including Deutsche Grammophon, Sony Classical and EMI Classics — a further mark of the professional level at which IMK operates.
Summarized from the official IMK / Schwingungen materials. Source: www.schwingungen.at
How to Enter
Eligibility, official regulations, video requirements, fees and required documents — everything you need before you apply.
Who can apply
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | International online music competition. All judging is conducted by online video submission (Google Drive link). |
| Categories | Piano · Violin · Flute · Cello · Voice — one category per application |
| Age | No age limit. All participants are judged by the same artistic standard. |
| Nationality | Open to musicians of all nationalities |
| Language | English is the official language of the competition |
| How to apply | Via the official application form on this website. An entry is valid once the form is completed and the entry fee is paid. |
Apply early, pay less
Reduced fee for entries submitted during the early-bird window.
Regular fee for entries submitted until the final deadline.
The entry fee is payable online by international credit or debit card. Fees are non-refundable, except where the competition is cancelled by the organizers.
Competition regulations
Article 1General Provisions
- The competition is an international online music competition open to musicians of all nationalities.
- All judging is conducted by online video submission (Google Drive link).
- English is the official language of the competition.
Article 2Categories & Repertoire
- Piano · Violin · Flute · Cello · Voice
- Repertoire requirements for each category are set out in detail on the Competition Repertoire tab.
Article 3Age
- There is no age limit. All participants are judged by the same artistic standard.
Article 4Application
- Applications are made through the official website.
- An entry is valid only when the application form is completed and the entry fee is paid.
- Entry fees are non-refundable, except where the competition is cancelled by the organizers.
Article 5Video Submission
- The performer’s hands, instrument, and face must be clearly visible throughout the performance.
- The video must be a continuous, unedited recording of the submitted work. Minor adjustments to image brightness, contrast, or audio level are permitted, provided that they do not alter the performance itself.
- Video and audio quality must be sufficient for the Jury to clearly evaluate the performance and identify the applicant.
- Videos recorded on or after July 1, 2026, will be accepted.
- By submitting the application, the applicant confirms that the video was recorded within the eligible period and that the performance is their own work.
- The use of AI-generated performances, deepfakes, synthesized audio, or any technology that materially alters the performance is strictly prohibited.
- The Organizer reserves the right to request additional verification or supporting materials if the authenticity of a submission is reasonably questioned.
- The video must be uploaded to Google Drive, and the shareable link must be submitted with the application. The link must remain accessible (“Anyone with the link can view”) until the results are announced.
- The video file in the Google Drive link must be named in the following format: Category_LastName_FirstName_Country.mp4 e.g. Violin_Doe_John_USA.mp4
Article 6Judging
- Performances are evaluated comprehensively on musicality, technique, interpretation, expression and overall artistry.
- The decisions of the jury are final. No appeals are accepted.
Article 7Prizes
- The First Prize winner of each category performs a concerto with orchestra at a confirmed 2027 concert (see Schedule & Benefits), and receives an official certificate.
- Winner support includes airfare support (USD 500 within Europe / USD 1,000 from outside Europe), a 4-star hotel for 5 days / 4 nights with breakfast, airport pickup in the concert city, and a video record of the concert for the winner’s own reference.
Article 8Copyright & Personal Data
- Applicants consent to the use of submitted videos and photographs for competition promotion.
- Copyright in the performed works remains with the original rights holders.
- Personal data is used solely for the administration of the competition.
Article 9Disqualification
- Submission of false information · violation of video rules · misconduct · copyright infringement · violation of competition regulations.
Article 10Agreement
- By submitting an application, the applicant is deemed to have read and agreed to all regulations.
- The organizers may amend or supplement the regulations where necessary.
AppendixRequired Documents
These documents are not part of the initial application. Only prize winners will be required to submit the documents listed below at a later stage, upon request by the Organizer.
- Copy of passport or ID
- Biography of 100–150 words
- Profile photo
- Performance program
- Proof of age, if required
Repertoire by category
Each category has its own repertoire requirements. Select your instrument below for the full conditions. All works are performed as a single unedited video submission.
Piano
- Participants must perform one complete movement from a piano concerto of their choice.
- The maximum performance time is 20 minutes.
- The selected movement must be performed in its entirety, from beginning to end. Arbitrary cuts, omissions, or edits to the solo part are not permitted.
- Performances may be accompanied by either piano reduction or orchestra.
- When performing with piano accompaniment, standard cuts or reductions of orchestral tutti passages are permitted.
- If the selected movement includes a cadenza, it should be included in the performance.
Violin
- Participants must perform one complete movement from a violin concerto of their choice.
- The maximum performance time is 20 minutes.
- The selected movement must be performed in its entirety, from beginning to end.
- Arbitrary cuts, omissions, or edits to the solo part are not permitted.
- Performances may be accompanied by either piano reduction or orchestra.
- When performing with piano accompaniment, standard cuts or reductions of orchestral tutti passages are permitted.
- If the selected work includes a cadenza, the cadenza must be included in the performance.
Cello
- Participants must perform one complete movement from a cello concerto of their choice.
- The maximum performance time is 20 minutes.
- The selected movement must be performed in its entirety, from beginning to end.
- Arbitrary cuts, omissions, or edits to the solo part are not permitted.
- Performances may be accompanied by either piano reduction or orchestra.
Flute
- Participants must perform either one complete movement from a flute concerto of their choice, or a complete single-movement concert work for flute and orchestra.
- The maximum performance time is 20 minutes.
- The selected work or movement must be performed in its entirety, from beginning to end.
- Arbitrary cuts, omissions, or edits to the solo part are not permitted.
- Performances may be accompanied by either piano reduction or orchestra.
Voice
- Participants must submit three to four opera arias of their choice.
- The arias must be selected from different operas by different composers.
- Each aria must be performed in its original language.
- Each aria should, in principle, be performed in its original key.
- Each aria must be performed in its complete form. Arbitrary cuts, omissions, or edits are not permitted.
- The maximum total performance time is 20 minutes.
- Performances must use either live piano accompaniment or orchestral accompaniment.
Ready to be heard?
Start Your ApplicationSchedule & the 2027 Privilege
Every date on one page — from the opening of applications to the final Winners’ Concert in May 2027.
From application to the stage
Five confirmed concerts. 2027.
These dates are not aspirations — they are reserved. Each category winner steps directly from the competition onto a European stage with a professional orchestra.
* The winner may change the concerto in consultation with, and with the agreement of, the organizers.
Every winner receives
- Airfare support — USD 500 for winners residing in Europe, USD 1,000 for winners residing outside Europe.
- Hotel accommodation — 4-star hotel, 5 days / 4 nights, breakfast included.
- Airport pickup at the concert city.
- Concert video — after the performance, a video record of the concert is provided to the winner for their own reference.
- Repertoire flexibility — the concerto may be changed by mutual agreement with the organizers.
Venues & Orchestras
The halls and orchestras that make the NYICC privilege real. Each category winner performs in one of these houses with a professional European orchestra.
Three cities, four historic halls
Tonhalle, Great Hall
One of Europe’s most celebrated concert halls, renowned for its warm acoustics and gilded interior. Home to a great tradition of orchestral music since the 19th century, it hosts the NYICC cello winner with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra.
ORF RadioKulturhaus
An iconic venue operated by Austria’s national public broadcaster (ORF), located in the heart of Europe’s musical capital. Celebrated for its rich musical heritage and clear, warm acoustics, it provides an inspiring setting for the NYICC violin winner to perform alongside the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra.
Smetana Hall
The magnificent Art Nouveau hall inside Prague’s Municipal House, one of the great ceremonial concert spaces of Central Europe. It hosts two NYICC concerts — vocal and piano — with the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.
Haydn Hall
Named after the composer who worked here, the Haydn Hall in Schloss Esterházy — with its Baroque frescoes and celebrated acoustics — is one of the world’s most beautiful concert halls, hosting over a hundred concerts each year. It is the stage for the NYICC flute winner with the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra.
Concert photography from each hall — use the arrows to browse. Winner performance photos will be added here after the 2027 concerts.
Three professional partner orchestras
Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
One of Bulgaria’s foremost symphony orchestras, with a long international touring and recording history. Partners the cello concert in Zurich.
Official website ↗Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra
A respected Czech orchestra named for the great 20th-century composer, active across Europe’s concert stages. Partners the violin and flute concerts in Vienna.
Official website ↗North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
An established regional philharmonic with a broad symphonic and operatic repertoire. Partners the vocal and piano concerts in Prague.
Official website ↗Orchestra profiles are summaries for placement; official biographies to be confirmed with each ensemble.
The Jury
An international panel across all five categories. Performances are judged on musicality, technique, interpretation, expression and overall artistry. Jury decisions are final.
Winners
Our laureates, their careers after the competition, and where to hear them next.
NYICC and IMK Vienna (www.schwingungen.at) have formed a special partnership through which IMK Vienna offers concert opportunities to NYICC winners.
The videos below were filmed by IMK Vienna and feature winners of international competitions supported by IMK, as well as outstanding soloists selected from five universities.
Winners of the inaugural edition will be announced here by category, and will open the 2027 Winners’ Concert Series in Zurich, Vienna, Prague and Eisenstadt.
After each concert, the winner is provided with a video of the performance for their own reference. Videos and official photographs from the 2027 Winners’ Concert Series in Zurich, Vienna, Prague and Eisenstadt will be published here after each concert.
After each concert, the winner is provided with a video of the performance for their own reference, and official photographs will appear here following the 2027 concerts.