Bartók World Competition Budapest - Composition 2026

A major international composition competition for new string-quartet works, organized by the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest.

Official Call / Opportunity Page URL: https://bartokworldcompetition.hu/composition-2026/bartok-world-competition-budapest-composition-2026-127562

Deadline: 25 August 2026, CET.

Application Fee / Participation Fee: 50 euros per composition.

Eligibility: Composers of all nationalities born on or after 1 January 1986.

Composition / Submission Requirements

·       Instrumentation: classical string quartet: Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Violoncello.

·       Duration: 6-8 minutes. Works shorter than 5:40 or longer than 8:20 will not be accepted.

·       No fixed audio media and no other instruments.

·       Extended techniques are limited to techniques found in Bartók’s string quartets; no scordatura is allowed.

·       Scores must be anonymous, using only a pseudonym.

·       Submitted works must be unpublished and unlisted, not previously prize-winning, not commercially recorded, and not publicly performed before 29 November 2026.

Prize / Benefits

·       Prizes: 1st prize 5,000 euros; 2nd prize 3,000 euros; 3rd prize 2,000 euros.

·       Special prize: Universal Music Publishing Editio Musica Budapest will publish one of the prize-winning works.

·       Prize-winning works are presented at a Gala Concert on 29 November 2026 at the Liszt Academy in Budapest.

·       Organizers cover travel expenses and two nights of accommodation for composers of works selected for performance.

Application Method

·       Upload the required materials through the official competition website.

·       Materials include score PDF, MP3 recording, proof of payment, program note, ID/passport scan, short biography, and portrait photo.

Recommended for

·       Composers under the age limit with strong string-quartet writing skills.

·       Composers seeking a high-profile European competition with publication and gala-concert possibilities.

Notes for Applicants

·       The AI rule should be read carefully: the submitted composition must be an original work by a human author.

·       Because the competition is anonymous, remove identity from the score and file names exactly as instructed.