Rules
2026
Updated rules for the International Piano Competition Ugo Amendola. Application and payment are now handled directly through this website.
Competition and categories
Art. 1 - Organization
Associazione Konzertmusik, in collaboration with Forlì Cultura and VerboSound, organizes the International Piano Competition Ugo Amendola. The Competition is open to participants of all nationalities.
Art. 2 - Repertoire and categories
For all contestants, the competition repertoire is free choice. Performing from memory is not compulsory.
| Category | Age / course | Maximum duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Note | Born after 01/01/2020 | 4 min | €30 |
| A | 01/01/2017 - 31/12/2019 | 5 min | €30 |
| B | 01/01/2014 - 31/12/2016 | 7 min | €30 |
| C | 01/01/2011 - 31/12/2013 | 10 min | €40 |
| D | 01/01/2008 - 31/12/2010 | 20 min | €40 |
| E | 01/01/2005 - 31/12/2007 | 25 min | €50 |
| F | Up to age 30 inclusive | 30 min | €50 |
| G1 | 1st year lower-secondary music school, 2025/26 - Italy only | 5 min | €20 |
| G2 | 2nd year lower-secondary music school, 2025/26 - Italy only | 7 min | €20 |
| G3 | 3rd year lower-secondary music school, 2025/26 - Italy only | 9 min | €20 |
| H1 | 1st-2nd year music high school, 2025/26 - Italy only | - | €40 |
| H2 | 3rd-4th year music high school, 2025/26 - Italy only | - | €40 |
| H3 | 5th year music high school, 2025/26 - Italy only | - | €40 |
| Amateurs | Age 18+, no upper age limit | 15 min | €40 |
Video requirements
- The video must comply with the maximum duration for the selected category.
- The contestant's full body must be visible.
- The piano keyboard must be visible.
- An acoustic piano is required; an electric instrument is permitted only for Amateurs.
- The video must not contain audio cuts or alterations.
- Videos of different works may be combined; performance order is free.
- The video must be uploaded to YouTube as "Unlisted" and its link entered in the online application.
Application and payment
The application must be completed directly on the website's Application page by 21 November 2026.
The selected category automatically determines the applicable fee. Payment is completed at the end of the application through Stripe Checkout, within the same online flow.
An application is considered complete once the required information has been submitted and payment has been successfully completed. The teacher's name is mandatory for every category except Amateurs.
Evaluation, results and data
Art. 5 - Scores
Advance submission of sheet-music copies is not required. The Jury may request them by email at short notice for lesser-known compositions.
Art. 6 - Juries
The Juries may decide not to award prizes if the performance level is deemed insufficient. Decisions and evaluations are final and unappealable.
Art. 7 - Voting
All Jury voting is individual and secret.
Art. 8 - Results
Results will be published on the official website according to the schedule communicated by the organization. Diplomas will be sent by email and trophies by postal delivery.
Art. 9 - Data processing
Associazione Konzertmusik is the data controller. Data is processed in accordance with EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) and Italian Legislative Decree 196/03 for organizational, logistical and promotional purposes, under the Privacy Policy published on the website.
Art. 10 - Amendments and categories
The organization reserves the right to amend the announcement. Minimum and maximum registration numbers may apply to each category; if a category is cancelled because the minimum is not reached, the relevant fees will be refunded. Application implies acceptance of these rules.
Prizes and distinctions
Diplomas and cups
1st Absolute: at least 98/100. 1st Prize: 95-97/100. 2nd Prize: 90-94/100. 3rd Prize: 85-89/100. 4th Prize: 80-84/100. For Amateurs, the Jury may award special prizes in addition to diplomas.
Cash prizes
A/B: €50 to the highest-ranked 1st Absolute. C/D: €80. E: €300. F: €500. Amateurs: €300, subject to the conditions of the competition announcement.
Concerts and Ugo Amendola Prize
Prize concerts at Music Hall of Forlì Cultura for selected winners. Ugo Amendola Special Prize: diploma, €300 scholarship offered by the Amendola family and a concert at the "B. Marcello" Conservatory in Venice, subject to the stated conditions.
Additional prize provisions
Submitted videos may be published on the Competition's official YouTube channel and other platforms. The event does not fall under prize contests or sweepstakes pursuant to Art. 6(1) of Italian Presidential Decree 430/2001; the recipient remains responsible for any applicable tax obligations relating to prizes.
Ugo Amendola's compositions may be requested by emailing concorsopianisticoamendola@gmail.com and specifying the title. Prime Note, A, B, C: one or more pieces from Sei piccoli pezzi. D, E: one or more pieces from Preludi, Fogli d'album nos. 1-16, or all five Divertimenti su basso ostinato. F: all five Divertimenti su basso ostinato or Sonatas nos. 2, 3, 4, with no individual movements.