International Contemporary Composition Award 2026
In collaboration with Alopex Records

Eligibility

The competition is open to composers of all nationalities and ages.

Regulation​​​

Compositions may be written for:
Solo, Chamber Music, Orchestra, Electronics, Voice, Mixed Media, Ethnic or Traditional Instruments

Works from all contemporary classical styles are accepted, including:
Contemporary Classical, Neo-Classical, Cinematic Contemporary, Experimental, Minimal, Electroacoustic

The submitted work must be an original composition.
No score submission is required.
Audio-only submissions are fully accepted.
Each submission must include: One MP3 recording (live, midi or studio recording)
Minimum duration: 1 minute
Maximum duration: 15 minutes
Multiple submissions are permitted.

Awards & Professional Opportunities

Three Winning Composers will receive:
- Official digital release via Alopex Records
- Professional mastering for digital streaming platforms
- Worldwide distribution on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Amazon - - Music, and other digital services
- Official artwork design
- Professional certificate
- Featured promotion on Classic Pure Vienna platforms

Additional Jury Awards

The jury may also present:
- Jury Special Prize
- Honourable Mention

Release & Copyright

Selected winning works will be officially released on major digital streaming platforms via Alopex Records.

The composer retains full copyright ownership, publishing rights, and master ownership of the submitted work.

By applying to the competition, participants grant Classic Pure Vienna and Alopex Records non-exclusive rights for digital distribution, promotional use, and streaming release purposes.

All streaming revenues and royalties remain entirely with the composer.

ISRC and UPC registration and digital distribution management will be handled by Alopex Records.

Core Jury

Çağrı Beklen
Composer, producer, founder of Classic Pure Vienna, and Voting Member of the Recording Academy / GRAMMY® Awards.

Chikara Shiojima
Experienced musician and former long-term professor, currently continuing his artistic work at Mersin State Opera.

Edith Lettner
Vienna-based saxophonist, composer, and improviser active in contemporary and interdisciplinary music.

Emiko Saito
Performer and musician engaged in international contemporary music collaborations.

Barış Can Bilgin
Composer and producer working in contemporary, cinematic, and cross-genre music productions.

Application

Applicants must submit:
• MP3 recording
• Short biography
• Artistic photo
• Proof of payment

Applications may be submitted:
• via the Application Form
or
• by email to:
classicpurevienna@gmail.com

Evaluation

An international jury appointed by Classic Pure Vienna will evaluate all submissions.

Evaluation criteria include:
• Musical originality
• Artistic identity
• Sonic character
• Contemporary language
• Emotional and expressive impact

The jury's decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
The jury is not obligated to provide individual feedback.

Registration Fee

€35 per submission

Payment via PayPal:
paypal.me/ClassicPureVienna

All transfer and bank charges must be covered by the applicant.
For alternative payment methods, please contact the organization.

Important Dates

Applications Open: July 20, 2026

Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

Announcement of Winners: September 30, 2026