VIVO International Music Competition is a New York City contest for young players of piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, duos and chamber ensembles, split into four age groups.
It runs a winter and a spring round each year. Entrants audition live in Manhattan or by YouTube video; first and second prize winners are invited to perform at Merkin Concert Hall.
Benefits & funding
- Certificates for all winners; monetary awards (amounts not published) at both winners’ concerts.
- One unanimous Gold winner receives the Laureate Project Award; selected laureates get a studio recording and music video package.
- Costs: performing in a winners’ concert costs $360 (solo) or $150–180 per ensemble member; bring your own accompanist.
Eligibility
- Instrumentalists of any nationality.
- Under 18 under the general rule, though the oldest group is listed as ages 15–18; age counts as of 20 December 2026.
- Groups: A 9 and under, B 10–12, C 13–14, D 15–18.
- Solo piano, strings, woodwinds and brass, plus duos and chamber ensembles.
Application process
- 1Choose one solo piece or one movement; each extra piece needs a separate application.
- 2Submit the online solo or ensemble form and pay the non-refundable fee: $150 per soloist, $100 per ensemble member.
- 3Apply by 6 December 2026, 11:59 pm EST; late entries are accepted with no late fee but cannot choose an audition time.
- 4Audition live on 20 December 2026, or send a YouTube link by 18 December.
Program timeline
Winter application deadline
Dec 6, 2026
Live audition, New York (YouTube links by 18 Dec)
Dec 20, 2026
Results by email, at the latest
Dec 28, 2026
Winners’ concerts
Jan 16, 2027 and Jan 24, 2027
Spring round deadline
Mar 26, 2027