Terms of participation

• Eligibility: all nationalities, at least 18 at the time of the competition.
• Rounds: video pre-selection, preliminary round, final and gala concert in the Ehrbar Saal.
• Repertoire: four opera arias in the original language and key, from memory.
• Fees: €30 for the video pre-selection, €100 for the live rounds, due only after passing the pre-selection. After the 14-day withdrawal period, no refund unless the organiser cancels.
• Prizes: €1,500, €1,000 and €500; may be shared in a tie; special prizes possible.
• Jury: decisions are final; members with a conflict of interest do not vote.
• Recordings: audio, photo and video recording, broadcasting and publication without a fee.
• Costs: participants cover travel, accommodation, insurance and visa.
• Liability: the organiser is liable for damage only in cases of intent or gross negligence; personal injury is governed by statute.
• Other matters are decided by the jury and the organising committee.

• Eligibility: children and young people from every country, categories A to E up to 21, reference date 1 January 2026.
• Rounds: Round I by video until 15 November 2026, Round II in Vienna (3–4 February 2027), final and gala concert on 5 February 2027, for first-prize winners of Round II only.
• Repertoire: by discipline and age category; from memory (chamber ensembles excepted); no work in two rounds.
• Assessment: 10-point scale per jury member, the total decides; teachers do not assess their own students.
• Fees: Round I €30 per person and discipline, ensembles €15 per member; Round II €100, ensembles €50 per member. No refunds after the 14-day withdrawal period.
• Minors: parents or guardians sign the application form and the consent form.
• Recordings: photo and video recordings for information, education and promotion of the competition.
• Changes: the organising committee may change the regulations, programme and calendar; official notices are published on the Vienna Beethoven Group’s channels.

There are no public regulations for the festival. You receive the terms of participation when you register; our information on withdrawal & cancellation applies here too.

Statutory consumer rights, in particular under the Austrian Distance and Off-Premises Contracts Act and the Consumer Protection Act, are not affected by the regulations.