2026 Vancouver International Music Festival–Competition

Call for Young Musicians Worldwide

The 2026 Vancouver International Music Festival–Competition warmly welcomes young musicians from around the world to participate in the fourth edition of this international event in Vancouver, Canada.

Celebrating its ninth year of artistic development, the competition continues its three-year artistic cycle and returns in 2026 with renewed vision and expanded opportunities for emerging musicians. As part of the Vancouver International Music Festival, the competition brings together outstanding young artists to perform on an international stage and to engage in artistic exchange, performance, and education.

The Competition aims to nurture the next generation of musical voices while promoting excellence, cultural dialogue, and the enduring values of classical music.

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Competition Categories

The competition is open to performers in the following categories:

• Piano
• Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Guitar)
• Woodwinds (Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Basson, Saxophone)
• Voice

Participants will be grouped into the following age divisions:

• Junior Talent – Age 8 and under (not for Woodwinds & Voice)
• Young Talent – Ages 9–12 (not for Voice)
• Young Artists – Ages 13–17
• Artists – Ages 18–35

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Competition Structure

The competition consists of two rounds:

Preliminary Round (Video Submission)

The preliminary round will be conducted through video submission.

Video submission deadline:
June 15, 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific Time).

All submissions will be reviewed by an international jury panel, and selected candidates will advance to the final round in Vancouver.

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Final Round (Live Performance in Vancouver)

Finalists will be invited to perform live in Vancouver before an international jury panel.

Final Round:
October 7–8, 2026

Venue:
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music
Pyatt Hall
Vancouver, Canada

Outstanding finalists will be selected for prizes and performance opportunities.

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Gala Concert

Prize winners will be invited to perform at the Vancouver International Music Competition Gala Concert, celebrating the achievements of the competition’s top artists.

The Gala Concert will present the winners in a special performance event attended by musicians, educators, and members of the public.

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Welcome Musicians from Around the World

The Vancouver International Music Festival–Competition invites young musicians, teachers, and institutions worldwide to take part in this inspiring international event.

Through performance, mentorship, and artistic exchange, the competition provides a platform for talented young musicians to share their artistry and connect with the global music community.

We warmly welcome you to Vancouver in October 2026.

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Official Website:
https://vancouvercompetition.com