Presented by the National Concerto Competition Trust, the National Concerto Competition is held in Christchurch and caters to orchestral instruments and the piano in alternate years.
The National Concerto Competition provides finalists the opportunity to perform their chosen work in a public performance, accompanied by a symphony orchestra. It is a format that has been retained since the Competition’s beginning in 1967 and has provided the launch pad for numerous young Kiwis to establish national and international careers in performance music.
2026/2027 Competition
Welcome to the National Concerto Competition – New Zealand’s most distinguished classical competition for talented musicians who are under the age of 25 years on 31st December 2026. The Competition provides an opportunity to perform, a place to celebrate talent, and a platform to launch national and international careers.
The 2026/27 competition will differ slightly from the previous format. Following the preliminary rounds, four finalists will be selected to perform again with an accompanying pianist. The winner will be announced and be invited to perform with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra as part of the CSO Lamb & Hayward Masterworks series to be held in the Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday 20 March 2027. The full programme and conductor for this concert will be announced at a later date.
The 2026/27 competition will differ slightly from the previous format. Following the preliminary rounds, four finalists will be selected to perform again with an accompanying pianist. The winner will be announced and be invited to perform with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra as part of the CSO Lamb & Hayward Masterworks series to be held in the Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday 20 March 2027. The full programme and conductor for this concert will be announced at a later date.
59th National Concerto Competition
