Agnesi
International Music Competition
International Music Competition
PianoPerformanceRegulation
PianoPerformance
Regulation
The Agnesi International Music Competition, Piano Performance Section, is an annual piano competition dedicated to the memory of the composer and pianist Maria Teresa Agnesi, an emblematic figure in the music of Brianza and the international scene. The Competition aims to promote young talent within the international music landscape, offering young pianists of any nationality the opportunity to compete at a high level, access scholarships and pursue paths of professional development.
The competition is open to young pianists of any nationality and is divided into two Sections: Solo Piano and Piano Four Hands. Each Section is divided into categories based on year of birth, as summarised below:
Solo Piano Section
• Category A – born on or after 1 January 2016 Programme of free choice with a maximum duration of 6 minutes.
• Category B – born between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015 Programme of free choice with a maximum duration of 9 minutes.
• Category C – born between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012 Programme of free choice with a maximum duration of 13 minutes.
• Category D – born between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009 Programme of free choice with a maximum duration of 16 minutes.
• Category E – born between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2006 Programme of free choice with a maximum duration of 20 minutes.
Piano Four Hands Section
• Category F – born on or after 1 January 2016 Programme of free choice with a maximum duration of 6 minutes.
• Category G – born between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2015 Programme of free choice with a maximum duration of 9 minutes.
• Category H – born between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2010 Programme of free choice with a maximum duration of 13 minutes.
• Category I – born on or before 31 December 2006, with no upper age limit Programme of free choice with a maximum duration of 20 minutes.
For duo formations, the category will be determined on the basis of the average age of the two participants. Where the average does not correspond to a whole number, it will be rounded down.
Entry into a category for an older age group than the candidate’s own is permitted, at the candidate’s discretion.
The Organisation of the Agnesi International Music Competition will entrust the assessment of candidates in the Piano Performance Section to a high-quality Jury, composed of performers and teachers of recognised international standing. The Jury will assess performances on the basis of technical execution, musical interpretation, expressiveness and artistic personality.
All decisions of the Jury, at every stage of the competition, are to be considered final and binding.
The Organisation, within the Agnesi International Music Competition, establishes the Premio Speciale Agnesi. Dedicated to the figure of the harpsichordist and composer who inspired the international competition that bears her name, the Premio Speciale Agnesi aims to promote appreciation of her repertoire.
For the 2026 edition, candidates who include in their programme at least one piano composition by Maria Teresa Agnesi — from those made available by the Organisation on the website www.agnesipianocompetition.com — will be eligible for the Premio Speciale Agnesi.
Participation in the Premio Speciale Agnesi is optional and does not entail any additional registration fee.
The Jury will award the Premio Speciale Agnesi to the candidate who distinguishes themselves through excellence of interpretation, artistic maturity and the ability to honour the composer’s musical language.
The competition takes place in person from 23 to 27 November 2026 at Villa Borromeo d’Adda in Arcore (MB). The performance schedule will be set by the Organisation and communicated to participants by email within five days of the close of registrations.
Each participant must arrive at the competition venue at least 30 minutes before their scheduled performance time on the day of their call.
Candidates must present a valid identity document and provide a printed copy of the pieces they will perform. Performance from memory is not required. All rounds will be open to the public.
Should a participant arrive more than 10 minutes late from the scheduled time, they must wait for the Organisation to communicate a new performance slot. If a participant fails to appear or arrives after their category has concluded, it will not be possible to reschedule their performance and they will be automatically excluded from the competition.
All candidates will perform the programme submitted.
The Jury reserves the right to interrupt a performance should the total performance time exceed the maximum permitted for that category.
The average of all jurors’ marks will determine the final rankings. Prizes will be awarded according to the following score bands:
• Absolute First: Score 100/100
• First Place: Score 97 to 99
• Second Place: Score 94 to 96
• Third Place: Score 90 to 93
• Fourth Place: Score 85 to 89
Results will be announced verbally by the Artistic Director at the end of each individual category and posted on-site immediately after the announcement.
The Jury reserves the right not to award one or more prizes should it find no candidates of a sufficient standard, and to award prizes ex aequo. In such cases, the corresponding scholarship will be divided equally between the joint winners, whilst trophies, medals and diplomas will be awarded to each joint winner individually. At the end of the competition, the full list of winners will also be published on the official competition website.
All participants will receive a Participation Diploma. Trophies and medals are original works by artist Manuel Gervasoni created exclusively for the Agnesi International Music Competition. The following prizes will be awarded to winners in each category:
Category A
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €100 + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category B
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €150 + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category C
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €200 + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category D
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €250 + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category E
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €300 + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category F
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €100 (duo) + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category G
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €150 (duo) + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category H
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €200 (duo) + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category I
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €400 (duo) + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Special Prizes
• Premio Speciale Agnesi
◦ Prize certificate
◦ Scholarship of €200
◦ Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi, where the winning piece will be performed
◦ Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
The scholarships of the Agnesi International Music Competition are made possible through the support of donors, patrons, institutions and partners who share the Competition’s mission of promoting and nurturing the talent of the next generation of musicians.
The Organisation reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to award additional prizes that may be at its disposal at the time of the competition. It also reserves the right to invite artists it deems worthy to participate in one or more concerts in the Agnesi circuit, as well as to introduce them to management agencies, institutions and other competition partners.
Each prize constitutes a single whole. Where prizes consist of multiple components, their acceptance by winners is understood to be full and binding. For this reason, monetary prizes will be paid to winners only following their actual participation in the concerts linked to the prizes.
All participants will receive a Participation Diploma. Trophies and medals are original works by artist Manuel Gervasoni created exclusively for the Agnesi International Music Competition. The following prizes will be awarded to winners in each category:
Category A
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €100 + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category B
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €150 + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category C
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €200 + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category D
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €250 + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category E
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €300 + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category F
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €100 (duo) + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category G
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €150 (duo) + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category H
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €200 (duo) + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Category I
• Absolute First: Scholarship of €400 (duo) + Trophy + Diploma + Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi + Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
• First Place: Trophy + Diploma
• Second Place: Medal + Diploma
• Third Place: Medal + Diploma
• Fourth Place: Merit Diploma
Special Prizes
• Premio Speciale Agnesi
◦ Prize certificate
◦ Scholarship of €200
◦ Participation in the Gran Galà Agnesi, where the winning piece will be performed
◦ Participation in at least one concert in the Agnesi circuit
The scholarships of the Agnesi International Music Competition are made possible through the support of donors, patrons, institutions and partners who share the Competition’s mission of promoting and nurturing the talent of the next generation of musicians.
The Organisation reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to award additional prizes that may be at its disposal at the time of the competition. It also reserves the right to invite artists it deems worthy to participate in one or more concerts in the Agnesi circuit, as well as to introduce them to management agencies, institutions and other competition partners.
Each prize constitutes a single whole. Where prizes consist of multiple components, their acceptance by winners is understood to be full and binding. For this reason, monetary prizes will be paid to winners only following their actual participation in the concerts linked to the prizes.
The teacher with the greatest number of prize-winning pupils will receive a Certificate of Honour in recognition of excellence in the preparation of their students. In the event of a tie in the number of prize-winning pupils, the scores achieved by those pupils will be added together to determine the winner. In addition, the prize-winning teacher will receive an original work created exclusively by artist Manuel Gervasoni, as a symbol of gratitude and acknowledgement of their contribution to the participants’ success.
To participate in the Agnesi International Music Competition – Piano Performance Section, candidates must register no later than 10 November 2026, completing and signing the form available on the official competition website at www.agnesipianocompetition.com/registration. In the case of a minor candidate, the form must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.
The following documentation must be attached to the form:
1. proposed musical programme (titles of pieces and total duration);
2. proof of registration fee payment (copy or screenshot of receipt).
Applications submitted after the deadline may, in exceptional cases, be accepted at the sole discretion of the Artistic Director.
The registration fees for each category, which are non-refundable, are as follows:
Solo Piano Section
• Category A (born from 2016 onwards): €50 per person
• Category B (born between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015): €60 per person
• Category C (born between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012): €70 per person
• Category D (born between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009): €80 per person
• Category E (born between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2006): €90 per person
Piano Four Hands Section
• Category F (born from 2016 onwards): €75 per duo
• Category G (born between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2015): €85 per duo
• Category H (born between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2010): €95 per duo
• Category I (born on or before 31 December 2006, with no upper age limit): €100 per duo
For duo formations, the category will be determined on the basis of the average age of the two participants. Where the average does not correspond to a whole number, it will be rounded down.
Entry into a category for an older age group than the candidate’s own is permitted, at the candidate’s discretion. Simultaneous entry in both the Solo Section and the Piano Four Hands Section is permitted, including in different age categories (e.g. Solo Section – Cat. D and Piano Four Hands Section – Cat. G).
The registration fee must be paid at the time of registration by one of the following methods:
a. Bank transfer payable to:
New Star a.p.s.
IBAN: IT 20 F 02008 01643 000106140781
BIC code: UNCRITM1243
Please use the following payment reference: “Agnesi International Piano Competition” followed by the candidate’s first and last name. Any bank charges incurred in making the transfer are to be borne by the participant.
b. PayPal
When choosing this payment method, the registration fee is subject to a surcharge of €5 to cover
commission charges. The total amount should be sent to direzione@newstarmilano.it.
Important notes
i. Candidates will be subject to identity verification by competition staff upon arrival. A valid identity document must be presented. In the case of minor candidates, who must also arrive with a valid identity document, verification will take place through their parents, accompanying adults or legal guardians.
ii. Candidates who require a visa to stay in Italy may contact the Competition Secretariat — via the email address indicated in Art. 15 below — to request an official letter of invitation for use in the consular application process.
Admission to the competition and the assessment of candidates are based exclusively on the requirements set out in Art. 2 and on artistic merit. The Organisation endeavours to ensure that no distinctions are made on the grounds of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, religion, personal beliefs, or personal or social circumstances. Candidates with disabilities or with specific requirements may optionally notify the Organisation through the designated field in the registration form. In the absence of such notification, the Organisation cannot be held responsible for any inability to provide support. Where notification is given, the Organisation undertakes to adopt every reasonable measure to ensure full participation in the competition, subject to the architectural characteristics of the venue. For any cases that may require it, the Organisation is always available via the contact details indicated in Art. 15 below. No such notification has any bearing whatsoever on the Jury’s assessment, which is based exclusively on artistic merit.
By registering for the Competition, the candidate declares that no personal, professional or legal circumstances exist that would prevent their participation or that could harm the image, reputation or regular conduct of the event. The Organisation is indemnified against any liability arising from false information, declarations and/or statements provided by participants. The Organisation accepts no responsibility for any accidental or caused damages or incidents occurring before, during or after the competition as a result of participants’ negligence or failure to observe the standards of conduct expected in the context.
A list of partner hotels and restaurants located near the competition venue, with preferential rates reserved for registered participants, will be published on the official competition website.
Accommodation and meal bookings must be made directly and independently by participants. All travel, accommodation and subsistence costs incurred in attending the Agnesi International Music Competition are to be borne entirely by participants.
The data controller is New Star a.p.s., Via Mosca 30, Milan — direzione@newstarmilano.it.
Candidates’ data are processed for the purpose of managing registration, conducting the competition, awarding prizes and fulfilling related tax obligations, on the legal basis of contractual performance and legal obligations: the provision of data is necessary, and without it participation is not possible. This purpose includes the publication of lists and rankings and the presentation of candidates during the competition.
The Organisation also retains edition materials in its historical archive pursuant to Art. 89 of EU Regulation 2016/679. The promotional dissemination of images, voice recordings and audio/video recordings is governed by Art. 13 below and requires a specific, separate and revocable consent.
Candidates may exercise at any time the rights set out in Arts. 15–22 of EU Regulation 2016/679 — including the right of access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, portability and objection — by writing to the data controller at the address indicated above. The exercise of such rights is subject to the limits provided for by applicable law: in particular, erasure cannot apply to data whose retention is necessary for compliance with legal obligations or for archiving purposes in the public interest pursuant to the aforementioned Art. 89. Candidates also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante per la protezione dei dati personali).
The full privacy notice is published on the official competition website and forms an integral part of these regulations.
The in-person stages of the Agnesi International Music Competition are recorded in audio and video by the Organisation for documentation and archiving purposes. The dissemination of images, voice recordings and audio/video recordings for promotional, documentary and communications purposes related to the Agnesi International Music Competition is subject to specific prior consent, given by means of a dedicated release form signed free of charge by the candidate at the competition accreditation stage.
This release is also required for the purpose of presenting participants to institutions, theatres and artistic agencies within the international circuit. Consent is freely given and optional: withholding it does not in any way affect participation in the competition or the Jury’s assessment. Consent may be withdrawn at any time by written notice to the Organisation at the email address or postal address indicated in Art. 15. Withdrawal of consent operates prospectively and does not affect materials already lawfully acquired, disseminated or transferred to third parties. Where consent has not been given or has been withdrawn, the Organisation will exclude the candidate from disseminated materials to the extent technically possible without compromising the integrity of the event documentation. General shots and images in which the candidate appears incidentally and without individual identification, within the context of events open to the public, remain unaffected.
The Organisation reserves the right, where necessary, to amend or supplement these regulations, communicating any changes promptly through the official competition channels. Registration and participation in the Agnesi International Music Competition constitute full and unconditional acceptance of the current version of these regulations and any future versions thereof. Any documents supplementing the regulations, such as registration forms and release forms, are to be considered an integral part thereof. The regulations and updated registration forms are always available on the official competition website: www.agnesipianocompetition.com/regulations.
Further information is available by contacting the Organisation at pianoforte@agnesiinternationalcompetition.it, by visiting the official website www.agnesipianocompetition.com or via WhatsApp at +39 392.65.40.292 (messages only).
The Organisation is indemnified against any liability arising from false information, declarations and/or statements provided by participants. The Court of Milan shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any related disputes.
The Italian version of the regulations shall prevail.
The Agnesi Piano Competition welcomes all ages, from beginners to professionals, celebrating the legacy of Maria Teresa Agnesi, an eighteenth-century Milanese composer. With sections for beginners, age-divided categories, and one dedicated to interpretation, it offers every participant genuine musical growth. Prizes, concerts, scholarships, and a distinguished international jury await all entrants.
The Agnesi International Piano Competition features a prestigious international jury, composed of eminent figures from the European musical landscape and faculty of the highest level. A dedicated jury, formed by teachers with expertise in early childhood piano pedagogy, will give careful attention to the youngest participants’ section. A stimulating and formative environment, where every participant will feel heard, welcomed, and encouraged.
The Agnesi International Piano Competition rewards pianistic excellence with scholarships, prize concerts, and special recognitions. Category winners will have the opportunity to perform in prestigious settings, receive financial support for their training, and benefit from the visibility of an international competition. The young pianists’ section features personalized educational prizes, special mentions, and dedicated moments of artistic encouragement.
