Vienna Classical Music Competition
international classical music competition for musicians
3rd Paul Badura-Skoda
International Piano Competition Vienna
Piano - Piano Duo - Chamber Music - Composition
This competition aims to celebrate and carry forward the legacy of the renowned pianist Paul Badura-Skoda by providing a global platform for pianists to showcase their talent. The 1st prize winner in each category and the Grand Prize winner will have the honor of performing live at Mozarthaus Vienna - Bösendorfer Hall on October 19, 2025. Submission deadline: May 31, 2025 - Results announcement: Jun 15, 2025.
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Grand Prize 4250 EUR
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Main Prizes: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
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The winner receives a live performance opportunity at Mozarthaus Vienna, along with an audio and video recording of the performance.
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"Wiener Klassik" Prize Invitation to the award ceremony at Mozarthaus Vienna + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
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"Special Jury" Prize Invitation to the award ceremony at Mozarthaus Vienna + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
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Honourable Mentions Invitation to the award ceremony at Mozarthaus Vienna + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
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One winner selected by the jury members from all categories will be awarded the Grand Prix Prize €4250
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Open to pianists of all nationalities.
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Dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Paul Badura-Skoda, one of the most influential pianists of his time.
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Performances are judged by a panel of esteemed musicians and educators, ensuring high standards and fair evaluations.
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Participants can submit their performances virtually, providing a unique opportunity to showcase their talent on an international platform without the need for travel.
Vienna Cultural Association Culture Meeting Point Vienna (CMP Vienna), in collaboration with Mozarthaus Vienna, is proud to present the Paul Badura-Skoda International Piano Competition Vienna.
The primary purpose of the competition, aside from the prizes, is its educational value. It aims to provide musicians in training and at the outset of their careers with a platform to assess their skills and showcase their talents to the audience. Vienna Cultural Association Culture Meeting Point Vienna (CMP Vienna), an organization established since 1995, proudly hosts the Paul Badura-Skoda International Piano Competition Vienna. We extend a warm welcome to participants from around the world for this exceptional event in the heart of Europe - Vienna, a city steeped in rich traditions, offering an exciting present, and promising to be the world capital of music in the future.
Our competitions are designed to be accessible to candidates from all corners of the globe. Hosting live performances ensures that participants reach a wide audience, with videos of all finalists documented on our website and award winners announced on our social media platforms. The competition's juries comprise esteemed faculty from the International Music Academy and distinguished guest judges.
Competition Rules and Regulations
Eligibility
The competition is open to musicians of all ages and nationalities.
Age Consideration
The age of the applicant on May 31, 2025, will determine the age group.
Repertoire
*The repertoire can be freely chosen.
*The length of the performance in the video link is not limited.
*If the recordings are short, they can be included in a single video link.
*There is no minimum time requirement.
Publication of Results
*The official results will be posted on Jun 15, 2025, on our website and our social media Addressee.
* All winners' names will be published on our website and social media channels (Instagram, Facebook) on the dates mentioned in the announcement.*
Application Deadline
The application deadline is May 31, 2025
Video Recording Requirements
The recording should be taken by one camera, showing the face and hands of the musician.
Video links should be provided at the time of registration, but can also be submitted via email up until the registration deadline.
Permissions
By registering, participants allow the organizer to freely use the submitted photos, audio, and video recordings for documentation and public relations on its website and social media.
Certificates
*All award-winning participants will receive a certificate of achievement via email.
*Printed certificates can be sent by post upon request (additional ordering and shipping costs)
*Participants who have not received an award can receive a certificate of participation by email upon request (It can be sent electronically for 25 euros).
*Teacher persons can also receive certificates upon request (It can be sent electronically for 25 euros).
Publication Rights
By participating in the competition, participants agree to the possible publication and popularization of the submitted recordings and photos for advertising purposes. The organizers reserve the right to edit and crop photos of participants for publication on the Internet.
Prize (for each category)
Grand Prize of 4250 EUR + concert at Mozarthaus Vienna + certificate + professional photo shoot, audio & video recording at the concert & award ceremony.
1st prize (for each category) live concert at Mozarthaus Vienna + certificate + professional photo shoot, audio and video recording at the concert and award ceremony.
2nd prize Invitation to the award ceremony at Mozarthaus Vienna + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
3rd prize Invitation to the award ceremony at Mozarthaus Vienna + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
Special prizes:
* "Wiener Klassik" Prize Invitation to the award ceremony at Mozarthaus Vienna + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
* "Special Jury" Prize Invitation to the award ceremony at Mozarthaus Vienna + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
* Honourable Mentions Invitation to the award ceremony at Mozarthaus Vienna + certificate + professional photo shoot at the award ceremony.
Composition
* The composition must be written for solo piano, duo, trio, quartet, or quintet and may include any classical instrument or voice.
* Submissions must include both a PDF score and an MP3 recording (either live or MIDI).
* There is no minimum length requirement for the composition application.
* The registration fee is 45 € per composition, with no age limit
Awards
* Composer Grand Prize: €1,250
* 1st Prize-winning composition will be performed by musicians from the Chamber Orchestra of the Vienna City Orchestra (Kammerorchester des Wiener Stadtorchesters) at Mozarthaus Concert Hall.
* The winner will receive a professional audio and video recording of the performance.
* If the winning piece exceeds 15 minutes, a selected section (up to 15 minutes) may be performed with the chamber orchestra.
Category and registration fee
The registration fee is 65 € for solo
* Category A: 18 years old and above
* Category B: 14 - 17 years old
* Category C: 10 - 13 years old
* Category D: up to 9 years old
* Category Piano Duos (The registration fee is 40€ per musician, with no age limit)
* Category Chamber Music: (for duo, trio, quartet, or quintet and may include any classical instrument or voice, no age limit. Per musician participation fee 40€)
* Category Composer: (The registration fee is 45 € per composition, with no age limit)
Registration Requirements
Candidates will need the following documents to register
1- Application form >>> Apply!
2- Passport or ID copy (with photo)
3- Biography (in English)
4- Artistic photo (with the name of the photographer)
5- Video link (YouTube)
6- Proof of payment of the participation fee via bank, Revolut, Wise, or PayPal transfer.
(If you cannot pay with PayPal in your country, please contact us for an alternative transfer fee.)
Please send All documents for submission before May 31, 2025, an e-mail to culturempcompetition@gmail.com
Payment
Via Revolut:
🔗 Revolut.Me
Via PayPal: (Please note: PayPal transfer charges are to be covered by the applicant.)
🔗 PayPal.Me
PayPal Account: verein.culturemeetingpoint@gmail.com
(If you are unable to pay with PayPal or with Revolut in your country, please contact us for an alternative transfer fee.)
For European Union and Eurozone transfers, please use the following bank details:
(Both the sender's and the recipient's transfer and bank charges must be covered by the applicant.)
Bank: Bank Austria UniCredit
Account Name: Culture Meeting Point
IBAN: AT96 1200 0006 0177 8103
Bank Code (BIC/SWIFT): BKAUATWW
Address: UniCredit Bank Austria AG, Rothschildplatz 1, A-1020 Vienna, AUSTRIA
*When making the payment, it is imperative to indicate the participant's full NAME and specify "Paul Badura-Skoda".
*Once the application fee is paid, it cannot be refunded under any circumstances. Candidates agree to the terms and conditions of the competition upon payment.
*Due to delays in the evaluation process by the competition jury committee, the organization reserves the right to change the dates provided for the announcement of the results.
Jury Members
Oleg Marshev (Concert Pianist and Professor at Anton Bruckner University in Linz)
Igor Cognolato (Concert Pianist and Professor at Conservatory Benedetto Marcello in Venice)
Christian Schulz (Composer, Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Vienna City Orchestra (Wiener Stadtorchester) and player at Wiener Symphoniker & Professor at Richard Wagner Conservatory of Vienna)
Final Judgement
The jury's decision is final.
Submission:
Application form >>> APPLY!
"Please make sure to complete the registration fee payment before submitting the application form."
Paul Badura-Skoda International Piano Competition Vienna respects the rights and privacy of all and does not discriminate based on ethnicity, race, nationality, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.