prima la musica - Chamber music

Rules & repertoire

Registration & fee

• Registration is open from 15 November to 15 December 2026. The organizer gives a date only. Austria uses CET (Europe/Vienna, UTC+1) then; the precise closing time is unpublished. There is no entry fee.
• Apply online 15 November–15 December 2026. At least half of the ensemble must be young musicians from Austria, South Tyrol or Liechtenstein, or have had primary residence there since at least 1 January 2026. In each category enter one province only, at your place of residence or study. Across solo, PLUS and chamber music you can enter up to two adjudications, excluding assessed accompaniment.
• Age as at 31 August 2026. Group by mean age rounded down, moving up if a member exceeds its cap. Group/mean age/member cap/playing time: A ≤7/9/6–10 min; B 8–9/11/6–10; I 10–11/13/8–12; II 12–13/15/10–14; III 14–16/18/15–20; IV 17–19/21/15–20. The public rules call for electronic registration and give no general letter requirement.
• Create an account or sign in on the official portal. The entrant form is behind sign-in; its fields for recommendation letters, referees, witnesses, identification, photographs, CVs and guardian consent could not be verified. The public rules do not specify such attachments. Travel and accommodation are paid by entrants.

Rounds & time limits

Ensembles and instrumentation

• Piano: four hands, two pianos, piano plus 2–5 strings, or piano with a string and a wind instrument. Accordion: 2–6 accordions or one with 1–2 other instruments. Strings: 2–6 strings or a group of up to six with at least two strings and at least half strings. A group with piano enters the piano category. Plucked strings: 2–4 plucked instruments or one with 1–2 other instruments.
• Voice: at least two singers with a player, or at least three singers with or without a player. Include one a cappella work sung by all singers. The player must participate in most of the programme; adult accompanists are ineligible. No conductor or choir-style doubling. All members participate throughout except the stated vocal-accompaniment exception.

Provincial round · standard chamber categories

• Free repertoire spanning contrasting periods and characters, with original literature and at least one Classical or contemporary work. Suitable arrangements and sensible cuts are allowed. Provide original scores for each contemporary work. Backing tracks are forbidden; electronics specified by the composition are permitted.

Federal round · Linz · 14–30 May

• A and B stop at the provincial round. Groups I–IV qualify with 90 points or more. Reuse the provincial programme or replace, add or remove one work, reporting any change by 15 April 2027 while keeping the complete programme compliant.

Creative ensemble · separate requirements

• Three to nine young members; all participate throughout, without electroacoustic amplification. Build the complete programme around the 2027 theme Klangwolken und Himmelskörper (sound clouds and celestial bodies), using originals, arrangements or improvisation; improvisation may occupy up to half. Submit an A4 page or less on the concept and precise timings. Bring all notated scores for the jury. Total presentation: A/B 5–10 min, I–IV 10–20 min. Bring equipment beyond the piano, with up to 15 min to set up.

Repertoire

• The published assessment rounds are live, without a recorded audition. Private filming and recording of performances and feedback sessions are prohibited.
• Standard chamber programmes have no fixed work total, prescribed movements, universal performance order, repeat rule, memorization requirement or concerto requirement in the public rules. Use an ensemble name that does not reveal your home town, school or teachers. Bring your own instruments apart from the supplied piano.

Source: Official chamber music rules · Official online registration · Application portal · sign in or create an account