Concertino Praga 2027 Opens Both Solo Categories
The 61st edition of Concertino Praga – the Dvořák International Radio Competition for Young Musicians will once again feature two separately judged categories. Young musicians may apply in either the keyboard and string instruments category or the wind instruments category. The competition is organised by Czech Radio and the Academy of Classical Music.
Concertino Praga is held under the patronage of the European Broadcasting Union and the Karel Komárek Family Foundation.
Two categories, eight finalists
In 2027, the competition will once again offer two separately judged categories. The keyboard and string instruments category is open to pianists, violinists, violists, cellists, harpists and accordionists. The wind instruments category is open to players of the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn and trombone.
In the first round, an expert jury will select four finalists from each category, who will perform at public final concerts with orchestra in September as part of the Dvořák Prague International Music Festival. The jury will also select one or two alternates in each category.
Who can apply
Wind instruments category – flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone
Competitors must be under the age of 18 at the time of the final round. Musicians born on or after 17 September 2009 are therefore eligible to apply.
Keyboard and string instruments category – piano, violin, viola, cello, harp, accordion
- Piano and violin: competitors must be under the age of 16 at the time of the final round, i.e. born on or after 18 September 2011
- Viola, cello, harp and accordion: competitors must be under the age of 17 at the time of the final round, i.e. born on or after 18 September 2010
All instrumental disciplines are judged together within their respective categories.
First round based on recordings, finals with orchestra
The first round of the competition is based on submitted recordings. The recordings must be made as live performances without subsequent editing; recordings of works or parts of works with orchestral accompaniment are not permitted in the first round.
The final rounds will take place in September 2027 as part of the Dvořák Prague International Music Festival. Finalists in the wind instruments category will perform on 16 September 2027 at the Concert Hall of the Prague Conservatory, accompanied by the Pardubice Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra.
The final of the keyboard and string instruments category will take place on 17 September 2027 in the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum, accompanied by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Scholarships, recording opportunities and concerts
The competition laureates will receive financial scholarships and additional prizes. First prize comes with a scholarship of EUR 5,000 and the Czech Radio Prize, second prize with a scholarship of EUR 2,800, and third prize with a scholarship of EUR 1,700. The recipient of the First Degree Honourable Mention will receive EUR 700. The financial prizes are awarded through the Academy of Classical Music by the Karel Komárek Family Foundation or other partners of the Academy.
The finals will be followed by the Concertino Praga South Bohemian Festival, where the finalists will perform in concerts from 20 to 24 September 2027. Participation in the festival is an integral part of the competition and gives the young musicians another opportunity to perform for audiences and spend several concert days together in South Bohemia.
Applications and deadlines
The two categories have separate application deadlines for 2027:
Wind instruments category: 21 March 2027
Keyboard and string instruments category: 31 March 2027
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the form available on the competition website. There is no entry fee.
Detailed information, competition rules and the application form can be found at concertinopraga.cz.
