Stella Unica International Young Composers Competition
Information & Regulations
The Stella Unica International Young Composers Competition invites composers ages 5–21 from around the world to submit original works for professional evaluation. Each participant will receive detailed personalized written feedback from a professional composer.
Competition Format & Important Dates
The Competition is adjudicated online through score and audio recording submissions.
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Application Deadline: November 1st, 11 PM (EST), 2026
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Live Winners’ Gala Concerts: November 14, 2026
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Gala Concert Sessions: 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM
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Stella Unica Online Winners’ Concert: December 1, 2026
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Stella Unica Winners' Gala in Vienna: May 22, 2027 • Vienna, Austria
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Entry fee: $25
Live Concert Venue
Tracy Powers Concert Hall
Age Divisions & Maximum Performance Time
Participants will be assigned to a division based on their age as of November 14, 2026:
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Junior Division: Ages 5–8 — up to 5 minutes
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Pre-Intermediate Division: Ages 9–11 — up to 5 minutes
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Intermediate Division: Ages 12–14 — up to 8 minutes
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Senior Division: Ages 15–18 — up to 8 minutes
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Young Artist Division: Ages 19-21 — up to 10 minutes
Category I
​Ages 5–8
Category II
​Ages 9–11
Category III
​Ages 12–14
Category IV
​Ages 15–18
Eligible Compositions
Original compositions may be written for the following:
Solo Works
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Solo piano
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Any unaccompanied classical instrument
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Unaccompanied solo voice
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Duos
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Piano duet for one piano, four hands
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Two-piano duo
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Solo instrument and piano
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Voice and piano
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Any other instrumental duo
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Chamber Music
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Instrumental or vocal-instrumental ensembles of three to five performers
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Additional Eligibility Requirements
Works requiring more than five performers—including works for orchestra, choir, or other large ensembles—are not eligible.
Works composed for fixed electronic media, backing tracks, or live electronics—either alone or in combination with live performers—are also not eligible.
Original compositions in classical and contemporary concert-music traditions are welcome, provided they meet the instrumentation and duration requirements. Works based primarily on jazz improvisation or electronic production are not eligible.
Original compositions may be written for:​
Solo piano
Any solo instrument
Voice and chamber ensemble
​Chamber ensemble of up to five performers​
Piano duet​
Solo instrument and piano​
Voice and piano​
Application Requirements
A separate application and a non-refundable $25 fee are required for each composition.
Each application must include:
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a complete score in PDF format;
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a complete audio recording in MP3 or WAV format; and
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a completed online application form.
Live recordings and high-quality MIDI or computer-generated recordings are accepted. The composer is not required to perform the submitted work.
Anonymous Submission
All compositions will be evaluated anonymously. The composer’s name, school, teacher’s name, or other identifying information must not appear on the score, recording, file names, or file metadata.
The title of the composition must appear on the score. The PDF and MP3 files must be named using the composition title only.
Personal information entered in the application form will be used for administrative purposes only and will not be shared with the Jury during the evaluation process.
Originality & Copyright
The submitted composition must be the applicant’s original work.
If a vocal composition uses text written by another person, the text must be in the public domain or used with the copyright holder’s permission. The applicant is responsible for obtaining this permission and may be required to provide documentation.
Composers retain all copyrights to their original works.
Evaluation Criteria
Compositions will be evaluated within each age division based on:
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Originality and creativity
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Musical structure and development
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Effective writing for the selected instrument, voice, or ensemble
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Artistic expression
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Clarity and accuracy of notation
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Overall musical impression
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Each applicant’s age and level of experience will be taken into consideration. All decisions of the Jury are final.
Awards
The complete list of prizes, awards, and special distinctions is available on the Competition Awards page:
View Composition Competition Awards →
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Every participating student’s teacher will receive a Teacher Recognition Certificate.
Winners' Concerts
All winners will be invited to attend the live Winners’ Gala Concerts on November 14, 2026, where they will be recognized and presented with their awards. There is no additional participation fee.
A winning composition may be performed by prior arrangement with the Competition organizers. Live performance is subject to instrumentation and program availability and is not guaranteed.
Winners unable to attend in person will be offered an opportunity to participate in the prerecorded Stella Unica Online Winners’ Concert on December 1, 2026. Participants may be asked to provide either a performance video or a score-following video synchronized with their submitted audio recording. Detailed instructions will be provided after the results are announced.
Participant and Teacher Recognition
Every participant will receive:
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A detailed personalized written evaluation
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An official Certificate of Participation
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Winners will receive official diplomas and, when applicable, trophies, medals, special awards, and recognition on the competition website.
Each participating teacher will receive a Teacher Recognition Certificate.
Performance of Winning Compositions
Selected winning compositions may be presented during the live Winners’ Concerts.
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A composition may be performed by the composer or by another approved performer or ensemble. Performance arrangements will be coordinated with the young composer’s parent, legal guardian, or representative.
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The composer is not required to attend or personally perform the work.
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Winning compositions that cannot be presented at the live concerts may be included in an online Winners’ Concert.
Award Delivery
Physical awards may be mailed to winners who cannot attend the live concerts. Shipping arrangements must be coordinated in advance with the Competition Director.
Permissions
Stella Unica may announce Competition results. Winners may be asked to provide a photograph and short biography for publication with the results and awards.
Photography and audio and video recording will take place during the Winners’ Gala Concerts. Materials recorded at the live concerts or submitted for the Online Winners’ Concert may be used to document and share Competition activities and participants’ achievements.
By attending a live concert or submitting materials for the online concert, participants and their parents or legal guardians consent to such use.
Questions or special circumstances should be discussed with the Competition Director in advance. Participation in the Competition confirms acceptance of these regulations.