Age Groups & Categories

Age Groups

Inizio – up to 8 years | max. 10 min
Junior – 9–11 years | max. 12 min
Medio – 12–14 years | max. 15 min
Superiore – 15–17 years | max. 20 min
Professionale – 18–32 years | max. 25 min

For chamber music ensembles, the age group is determined by the average age of all ensemble members.

Awards

For participants up to 17 years of age in the Piano Solo category and for all participants in the Chamber Music category:

Laureate Diploma – First Prize (multiple awards possible)
Laureate Diploma – Second Prize (multiple awards possible)
Laureate Diploma – Third Prize (multiple awards possible)
Diploma of Participation (for participants who did not receive a prize)

Professionale Age Group (Piano Solo only)

Laureate Diploma – First Prize – €500
Laureate Diploma – Second Prize – €300
Laureate Diploma – Third Prize – €200

Grand Prix

The Grand Prix may be awarded only once during the entire competition, regardless of age group or category.

It will be awarded solely at the discretion of the Jury to a participant demonstrating exceptional talent and outstanding artistic excellence.

Jury

Tatyana Bayliyeva – USA
Anna McCargow – United Kingdom
Jena Pang – United Kingdom & China
Marcus Vitolo – Italy
Markus Eli – Germany

President of the Jury Evgeny Konnov – Germany

Competition Director

Natalia Panina-Rummel

TERMS & CONDITIONS & REGISTRATION 2026

TO REGISTER, PLEASE USE

THE FORM

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

20 OCTOBER 2026.

• EACH PARTICIPANT MUST SUBMIT THEIR OWN FORM AND PROOF OF PAYMENT OF THE PARTICIPATION FEE

OF 95 EURO.

(INDIVIDUAL PAYMENTS ARE REQUIRED EVEN FOR DUOS OR ENSEMBLES).

• PROGRAMME OF YOUR CHOICE, INCLUDING DETAILS OF COMPOSER, TITLE, OPUS NUMBER AND KEY.

• RESULTS: BY 3 NOVEMBER 2026 AT THE LATEST AT Reichersbeuern CASTLE

• ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE REFLECTING THEIR PERFORMANCE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JURY’S DECISION.

• OPEN TO SOLO PIANO AND CHAMBER MUSIC: ALL INSTRUMENTS & VOCALS WITH PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT

• PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, MEALS AND INSURANCE COSTS.

• THE JURY’S DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND CANNOT BE APPEALED.

• IN THE CASE OF UNDERAGE PARTICIPANTS, THEIR LEGAL GUARDIANS BEAR FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REGISTRATION.

• BY REGISTERING, YOU ACCEPT ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND THE COMPETITION RULES.

The Clavis-MICA Festival

Füssen & Hohenschwangau, Bavaria
10–14 June 2027

Prize winners will have the opportunity to participate in the Clavis-MICA Music Award Festival, taking place from 10 to 14 June 2027 in Reichersbeuern, Füssen, and Hohenschwangau.

Selected participants will be invited by the Jury to the second stage of the competition – the Clavis-MICA Festival.

The selection is based primarily on artistic potential, musical personality, and motivation, rather than solely on the results achieved in the first stage.

The festival is designed to support the further artistic development of outstanding young musicians and offers:

Special Awards
Further concert invitations
Performance opportunities alongside internationally renowned musicians

Join us and present your musical talent to an international audience in the unique atmosphere of Bavaria's historic castles!

Registration

Clavis Competition

Reichersbeuern Castle LIVE

29 October– 31 October 2026

🎶 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME 2026

Thursday, 29 October | 7:00 PM

Festive Opening Ceremony & Opening Concert

“Poetry & Music of the Romantic Era”

A musical and poetic evening celebrating the fascinating connection between literature and music of the Romantic period.

Performers:

Evgeny Konnov – Piano
Anna McCargow – Piano
Roman Markelov – Saxophone
Young Talents from Max-Rill-Gymnasium

The opening ceremony will also include the draw to determine the order of performances for the International CLAVIS Competition.

📍 Assembly Hall, Max-Rill-Gymnasium, Schloss Reichersbeuern

Friday, 30 October | 2:00 PM

Piano Matinée with Anna McCargow

Enjoy a special piano recital in the historic atmosphere of Schloss Reichersbeuern.

Artist: Anna McCargow – Piano

📍 Preysingsaal, Schloss Reichersbeuern

Friday, 30 October | Evening Concert

Saxophone & Organ – An Extraordinary Musical Dialogue

Two instruments, two distinct sound worlds – united in a unique musical experience.

Performers:

Roman Markelov – Saxophone
Marcus Rummel – Organ

📍 Venue and time to be announced.

Saturday, 31 October & Sunday, 1 November

CLAVIS International Music Competition 2026

Young musicians from different age categories will showcase their talents before an international panel of judges.

The competition provides a platform for emerging musicians, celebrating musical passion, artistic individuality and international cultural exchange.

📍 Schloss Reichersbeuern

Sunday, 1 November | 6:00 PM

🏆 Gala Concert & Awards Ceremony

The festival will conclude with its traditional Gala Concert and festive Awards Ceremony.

The winners of the CLAVIS International Music Competition will be honoured and invited to showcase their musical achievements in a celebratory concert.