PRESTO COMPETITION
PRESTO INVITES YOUNG TALENTED PERFORMERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2026 COMPETITION
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PRESTO – International Music Competition for Young Performers (Ages Under 13)
PRESTO is a multi‑stage music competition designed for young performers aged under 13, offering them the opportunity to be assessed by experienced adjudicators, gain valuable performance experience, and participate in a professionally organised concert environment.
PRESTO is open to young musicians in the following categories: Strings, Piano, Wind Instruments , and Voice.
Participants progress through a structured process that includes video entry, live performance stages, and final concert opportunities. Our goal is to provide a fair, encouraging, and professionally run platform that supports the development of young musicians at the earliest stages of their artistic journey.
This prestigious event provides a unique opportunity for talented students to build confidence, refine their performance skills, and receive expert feedback from professional adjudicators.
With the convenience of online submission, students can participate from anywhere in the world, making the competition accessible, affordable, and flexible for busy families and schools.
Following the online judging, selected top performers are invited to appear in the Winners Concert and Award Ceremony, held at the historic Brisbane City Hall, Ithaca Auditorium. This celebratory event recognises outstanding musical achievement and gives young artists the honour of performing on one of Brisbane’s most iconic stages.
Competition Structure
PRESTO consists of three rounds:
1. Opening Round
Competitors must submit one piece from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Modern period.
The work must be performed from memory.
Arrangements, abridged editions, simplified versions, or non‑classical compositions are not accepted.
2. Semi‑Final Round
Semi‑finalists must submit a final program consisting of two contrasting pieces of their choice.
There is no time limit.
Competitors may use the same repertoire or submit new works.
3. Final Round
Finalists are not required to submit an additional recording.
If a finalist chooses to provide a new video, it will be considered for adjudication.
If no new video is submitted, the jury will evaluate the performances from the earlier rounds.
Winners Concert
For the Winners Concert, the jury will select one piece from the finalist’s submitted repertoire for performance.
Certificates & Feedback
All participants receive a digital Certificate of Participation at no cost.
Written feedback from the adjudicators is optional and available for AUD $30 (approx. USD $22).
The written report includes comments on:
Technique
Musicality
Interpretation
Overall presentation
This fee covers the adjudicator’s time to prepare a personalised, detailed evaluation.
Benefits for Participants
Even if a competitor does not advance to the next round, they still receive:
A Certificate of Participation
The option to request professional written feedback
International performance experience
Exposure to global standards of musicianship
A clear understanding of their strengths and areas for development
Professional Development Opportunities
The Presto competition is designed to nurture young string players and help them reach their full potential. By participating in this competition, participants will have the opportunity to:
Improve Technique: Through rigorous practice and performance, young string players can refine their technique, intonation, and rhythm.
Develop Performance Skills: Through various performance rounds, participants will have the opportunity to develop stage presence, charisma, and a commanding presence.
Learn from Experts: The competition provides a platform for young musicians to learn from renowned musicians and educators who serve as judges and mentors.
Building Stage Confidence
Opportunities for Growth and Recognition
Performing in front of an audience can be nerve-racking for young musicians, but the Presto competition helps to build stage confidence by providing a supportive and nurturing environment. By participating in this competition, participants will:
- Experience Live Performances: Watching and listening to other talented musicians performing live can help young string players gain perspective on their abilities and encourage them to perform at their best.
- Receive Feedback: The judges provide feedback to participants, helping them to identify areas of improvement and offering guidance on how to improve their stage presence.
- Learn from Peers: Interacting with other participants from diverse backgrounds and skill levels can help young string players develop a supportive network of peers who share their passion for music.
key dates
The competition dates have now been finalised and will follow the timeline below.
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Applications Close
Finalists announcement
EARLY BIRD FINISHED
Semi Final Results
Gala Concert TBC
COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
Opportunity for Winners to Perform and Learn Abroad
The following must be received by BIYMF before an application can be accepted:
- A complete online application form with a copy of the applicant’s passport or birth certificate. All applicable information must be completed.
- A link (youTube/Vimeo/Dailymotion etc.) to the recording of the applicant performing their audition repertoire
- Payment of the $149.99 AUD non-refundable application fee to be paid online during the submission of the application form Please note, that the application fee will increase to $180.00 AUD after the early-bird cut-off date
A single entry fee covers full participation in the BIYMF Presto Competition.
This includes:
- Entry into the competition (video submission round)
- Eligibility for semi-final selection
- Eligibility for final selection
- Professional adjudication Official certificate of participation
- Consideration for awards and winners concert performance
There are no additional fees required for progression through competition stages.
- Competitors for the opening round must record one piece of your choice with a maximum time limit of 15 mins
- Semi Finalists – are to perform two contrasting pieces of your choice with no time limit.
- Finalists – the judging panel will choose one of two pieces to be performed live in the final at the gala concert where the winners will be announced.
The Festival reserves the right to record, film, web-stream or broadcast any part of the Festival events. Competitors must grant BIYMF the sole and exclusive right to use of these recordings.
Competitors must ensure that a copy of their sheet music is provided to the festival coordinator at the start of the day of their scheduled semifinal. Please note that photocopies will not be returned.
BIYMF can assist with arranging an accompanist for semifinal/final performances. Please contact the festival coordinator for further details or visit the accompanist guild website at https://accompanistsguildofqld.wordpress.com .
Payment for performances and rehearsals must be arranged and negotiated between the competitor and accompanist.
The judging panel is composed of a minimum of 5 distinguished, international musicians and all decisions of the panel are final. The judges reserve the right to withhold any prize or award should the required standard not be achieved.
Winners Concert
The Winners Concert celebrates outstanding performances in a professional concert setting.
– Performer participation: included in entry fee
– Audience tickets: available separately
This event highlights excellence and provides students with valuable stage experience in front of a live audience.
Optional Development Opportunities
To further support musical growth, optional enhancements are available:
– Detailed written adjudicator feedback
– Masterclasses with adjudicators or guest educators
– Additional category entries at discounted rates
– Professional media (photo/video packages where available)
There are no additional fees required for progression through competition stages.
The cost of travel to the competition will be borne by the competitor. Those requiring assistance with booking accommodation, transport or tours can contact the festival coordinator.
Accepted semifinalists are responsible to apply for a travel visa to Australia where necessary and to hold sufficient travel, accident and health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Entry Fee
A single $149.99 per application (all-inclusive) entry fee covers full participation in the BIYMF Presto Competition.
This includes:
– Entry into the competition (video submission round)
– Eligibility for semi-final selection
– Eligibility for final selection
– Professional adjudication
– Official certificate of participation
– Consideration for awards and winners concert performance
There are no additional fees required for progression through competition stages.
