A passport to your global debut
Application deadline Must arrive by Friday, July 31, 2026
Registration for participation has closed.
Thank you very much for the numerous applications we received for the 22nd Romania International Music Competition.
Ages 15 and up, no upper age limit.Nationality is not a requirement
Check the application requirements.We will support their first step towards the world through performance opportunities and musical cultural exchange in Romania.
Renowned judges, active both domestically and internationally, will fairly and carefully evaluate your performance.
We offer a wealth of benefits, including the grand prize money, a trip to Europe as a supplementary prize, and the opportunity to perform at the winners' festival.
Minato Ward Takanawa Community Hall
1-16-25 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Inside Community Plaza)
*There is no dedicated parking lot. Please use public transportation or nearby parking facilities.
My first challenge starts here.
Having won specific competitions or studied abroad is not a requirement for application.
Even those participating in an international competition for the first time are welcome to apply.
There is no upper age limit for applicants aged 15 and over, and no prior awards are required. Judging will include not only technical skill, but also musical expressiveness, individuality, and future potential.
Yes. Even those participating in an international competition for the first time, or those without study abroad experience, can apply. This competition is a great first step towards the international stage.
Yes, you can apply as many times as you like. In this competition, we value not only technical skills, but also expressiveness, potential, and your attitude towards music. Some people challenge themselves again every year. We encourage you to use your past experiences to take the next step and take to the stage once again.
Participants are generally responsible for arranging their own accompanist. Accompaniment is limited to piano. If you are unable to find an accompanist or if it is difficult for them to travel from a distant location, the association may arrange one for you; please consult with us in advance. Please note that participation without accompaniment is also possible for both the preliminary and final rounds.
You are welcome to participate. Both the preliminary and final rounds will be held at Takanawa Community Hall in Minato Ward, Tokyo. Travel and accommodation expenses to the venue will be the responsibility of each participant.
Participating in this competition is the first step towards aiming for an international stage. Winning an award will provide opportunities to perform abroad, such as a concert tour to Romania and concert recommendations. The experience gained there will be valuable for future studies abroad and performance activities.
Applicants must be 15 years of age or older; nationality is not a factor.
Preliminary round: A free choice piece of 10 minutes or less (multiple pieces can be combined), except for the vocal division, which requires two free choice pieces (one song and one opera aria).
Final Round: A free choice piece of 15 minutes or less (multiple pieces can be combined); for the vocal division only, two free choice pieces (however, one song and one opera aria).
*Please perform different songs for the preliminary and final rounds.
Piano / Vocal / String Instruments / Wind Instruments / Percussion Instruments: 35,000 yen
Ensemble category: 50,000 yen
Payment method: Credit card payment only
After submitting the online form, you will receive an automated email with a URL for credit card payment.
Your application will be complete once we confirm receipt of the application fee.
*The application fee, once paid, is non-refundable for any reason.
- Starting with the 20th competition, the audio submission process has been discontinued.
- Accompaniment must be piano only. (Unaccompanied performances are permitted throughout the preliminary and final rounds.)
For the percussion section, the association will rent out marimbas (PF3000CF, manufactured by Neoria Koorogi) from Neoria Koorogi. Participants can use them free of charge.
・Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses to and from the competition venue.
We cannot respond to inquiries regarding the results of the selection process.
Here are some joyful messages from the winners of the 21st final competition.
I was introduced to this program by my mentor, and I was drawn to Romania, a country I've long been interested in. I'm very happy to have this opportunity to go to Romania and interact with people there.
I participated at my teacher's recommendation. I am delighted to have received the ICon Arts Transylvania Award, and I will cherish this experience as I aim to become a pianist who can perform in many countries.
I was drawn to the special prize that offered the opportunity to perform in Romania, so I decided to take on the challenge. With the joy of winning this award and the opportunity to perform, I want to expand my connections through music.
I've always been interested in international competitions, and my experience performing in Italy last year inspired me to participate. I'm motivated by this award and hope to become someone who can help spread the appeal of the viola.
I participated because I wanted to have teachers from Romania listen to my performance. With first place in the percussion category and the Board Award as encouragement, I will continue to work hard to get closer to my dream of becoming a marimba player.
Chairperson, Japan-Romania Music Association (NPO)
Romanian Concert Director
Romanian pianist
Composer and specially appointed professor at Toho Gakuen University
Vocalist, Professor at Toho Gakuen University, Part-time Lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts
Instructor at Toho Gakuen University's Children's Music School, Instructor at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, Vice Chairman of the Tokyo International Violin Association
Principal flutist of the Japan Wind Ensemble [Momotaro Band] and instructor of the flute department at the Tokyo College of Music Wind Ensemble Academy.
Special Lecturer, Department of Percussion, Toho Gakuen University; Principal Guest Timpanist and Percussionist, Aichi Chamber Orchestra; Principal Timpanist, Orchestra Japan
Sound Creator
*The judges are subject to change.
Romania is a country that has produced many world-renowned musicians, including composer George Enescu, pianists Dinu Lipatti and Clara Haskil, and conductor Sergiu Celibidache.
As we celebrate our 22nd anniversary, we hope this will be a stepping stone for young musicians to spread their wings and take on the world.An invitation to RomaniaPlease take it.
We are looking forward to meeting you and contributing to international goodwill through music, as we have prepared an international stage for our autumn concert tour in Romania.
The prize for this competition is a concert tour to Romania, offering the opportunity to perform in a beautiful country steeped in history and culture. It will be an unforgettable and special experience through performances in magnificent venues.
The "Romanian Concert Tour" has been held every autumn, except during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concert venues include Peles Castle, Mogosoia Palace, Cantacuzino Palace, the National Bank of Romania, and the Athens Music Hall. At each venue, we have received warm applause from the Romanian people.
The following photos are from some of the venues we've performed at during our Romanian concert tour. Here are some of the memorable venues we've played at so far.
Often described as the most beautiful castle in Romania, this royal summer palace offers a truly special experience when performing in this historic setting.
An impressive concert took place in a venue enveloped in beautiful architecture and a dignified atmosphere, where the music resonated even more richly.
This historic building is also known as the George Enescu Memorial Museum. Its elegant hall enhances the performance experience.
A historic concert hall with beautiful decorations and excellent acoustics. It is the home of the George Enescu Orchestra.
A historic landmark representing Bucharest, its magnificent architecture and halls add a dignified atmosphere to performances.
A palace located near Bucharest. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and a lake, it's a venue where you can experience music and history simultaneously.
*The photos include images from past concert tours and interactions at summer seminars, etc.
A. Please check the "Required Piece" section in the application guidelines.
A. No. The preliminary rounds, final round, and awards ceremony are scheduled to be held at the Takanawa Community Hall in Minato Ward.
A. Anyone 15 years of age or older can apply, regardless of nationality.
A. Yes. There is no upper age limit for applicants aged 15 and over, and we welcome applications regardless of educational background or occupation.
Prior enrollment in or graduation from a music university, or professional work experience, are not required to apply. Working adults who are continuing to study music are also welcome to apply.
A. As a general rule, please arrange your own accompanist. Participation without accompaniment is also possible.
A. Since both the preliminary and final rounds allow for free choice of pieces, performing works by Romanian composers is not required for all participants.
Furthermore, some of the winners of this competition who perform pieces by Dinu Lipatti will be invited to perform at the Dinu Lipatti Festival, which is scheduled to be held this autumn.
The Romania International Music Competition is an international music competition held with the aim of promoting musical and cultural exchange between Japan and Romania. Its main features are as follows:
1. Opportunities to cultivate an international perspective
Beyond improving your performance skills, exposure to overseas musical cultures and values can broaden your perspective as a musician.
2. Emphasis on nurturing young musicians
Our aim is to nurture the next generation of musicians who will lead the future of the music world, and we value not only performance skills but also expressiveness and potential.
3. Support for the junior generation
The Romania International Junior Music Competition is also held here, allowing children to gain experience on the international stage from a young age.
4. Collaboration with Romanian music institutions
We are working to promote musical exchange between Japan and Romania through exchanges with music universities and music-related institutions in Romania.
5. You can learn about Romanian music culture.
This is one of the few international music competitions in Japan where you can experience the works and musical culture of Romanian composers, including George Enescu.
The Romania International Music Competition has many features that make it attractive to participants.
1. Generous supplementary prizes
The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of 500,000 yen and round-trip airfare to Europe.
2. Performance opportunities in Romania
The award winners will be offered the opportunity to perform in Romania, allowing them to gain international performance experience.
3. No age limit
As long as you are 15 years of age or older, there are no age restrictions for participation, so it can be a challenge for a wide range of people, from students to working adults and those aiming to become professionals.
4. Host a variety of events.
There are a wide range of categories, including piano, vocal music, string instruments, wind instruments, percussion, and ensembles, allowing diverse musicians to participate.
5. A highly informative public format
Since the judging is open to the public, it's a valuable opportunity to directly experience the performances of other participants and the atmosphere of the judging process.
6. You can build connections with other countries.
This is not just a domestic competition; it's an opportunity to take your first step towards international activities through musical exchange with Romania.
The Romania International Music Competition employs a judging system that allows participants to showcase their abilities to the fullest.
1. We insist on in-person interviews.
The Romania International Music Competition places great importance on in-person stage judging rather than audio recordings. Because participants are not judged solely on recordings, they have the opportunity to perform on a real stage in both the preliminary and final rounds.
2. Free choice piece for both the preliminary and final rounds.
There are no required pieces; participants can choose their own songs. This system makes it easy to express your individuality and strengths.
3. Perform different songs in the preliminary and final rounds.
Performing different pieces allows for a broader appreciation of musicality and expressiveness.
4. The review process will be conducted publicly.
Because the entire process, from the performance to the judging, is made public, a highly transparent judging system is in place.
5. Participation is possible even without accompaniment.
We can accommodate a wide range of repertoire, as we accept participation not only in pieces requiring accompaniment but also in unaccompanied works.
6. Expressiveness and future potential are also important.
In addition to technical skills, musical expressiveness, individuality, future potential, and stage presence are also evaluated comprehensively.
