Argerich-Alink’s Piano Competitions Directory – 2025 Edition

In today’s crowded music competition landscape, it’s challenging for young musicians to discern which opportunities are truly worthwhile. The new 2025 edition of the Argerich-Alink Foundation’s comprehensive guide to piano competitions, provides valuable insights and inspiration for those competing or aspiring to compete, but also for anyone who just wants an updated overview of the global piano landscape.

As a musician, competitions are an integral part of one’s career, whether you like it or not. With an ever-growing number of music competitions worldwide, each year produces a large pool of winners and non-winners. Many young talents eagerly participate with high hopes and expectations, but not all are rewarded with success. The increasingly crowded landscape of competitions makes it challenging to assess the value and significance of a prize, the winner’s achievement, and the relevance of a particular competition. Amidst this complexity, the Alink-Argerich Foundation aims to make a positive impact by providing clear and useful information to help musicians navigate the competitive landscape.

Contents

The Alink-Argerich Foundation’s 2025 publication serves as a comprehensive guide to international piano competitions. It includes a detailed table of contents covering various sections such as:

• Reflections and previews of the current state of piano competitions
• A list of piano competitions with age limits, categories, jurors, details on performance times and rules
• Calendars for 2025 through 2027 with application deadlines
• Practical matters such as practicing facilities, travel assistance and accommodation
• Information country specific competitions, awards, reception and conferences
• Information on selection procedures, concerto and chamber music repertoire
• Jury rules and recommendations
• General statistics and a discussion on online competitions

Get free access to the AAF-directory 2025-2027 here >>

Background

Inspired by the 1980 Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels, Gustav Alink developed a passion for attending competitions across Europe. However, he was struck by the absence of a comprehensive guide or resource that provided information on these events. Concurrently, he formed a lasting friendship with the renowned pianist Martha Argerich, after taking her picture backstage at a performance. This serendipitous encounter laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Alink-Argerich Foundation.

Gustav and Akemi Alink – Photo: Tom McKenzie

About the Foundation

The Alink-Argerich Foundation provides essential support to musicians and competition organizers by offering information, guidance, and expertise. The Foundation’s extensive collection includes a comprehensive library of competition-related materials, featuring application brochures outlining the rules and conditions of various music competitions, as well as competition programme books. The Foundation provides expert assistance to competition organizers, music institutions, and governments. Its services include planning, publicity, juror selection, contestant recruitment, and adjudication procedures. Additionally, the foundation offers data analysis, historical research, and expert opinions to impresarios, journalists, and researchers.

Read an interview with Gustav Alink for Serenade Magazine >>