From Audition to the
Dvořák Hall
Rudolfinum, Prague
IMK invites outstanding young pianists, violinists and cellists to perform Beethoven's Triple Concerto with the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under Nayden Todorov at the 2027 New Year's Concert at the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum in Prague.
A message from
Sonja Steindl
Dear Young Musicians,
Music has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember.
Since moving to Vienna in 1972, I have had the privilege of living in a city where classical music is not only a great tradition, but a living part of everyday life. For the past 33 years, through IMK, I have devoted myself to bringing music to the stage and creating opportunities for artists and audiences to meet.
Over the years, I have encountered many exceptionally gifted young musicians, including scholarship students from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw) and the Kronberg Academy. Their dedication and extraordinary talent have deeply impressed me, but they have also reminded me of something essential: talent needs opportunity.
For a young musician, there is an enormous difference between studying a concerto and performing it with a professional orchestra in an internationally renowned concert hall. Such an experience can become an important step toward a professional career.
I came to believe that those of us who have spent our lives in classical music have a responsibility to create more of these opportunities for the next generation.
This conviction led me to initiate the IMK Audition—our first project dedicated to discovering outstanding young musicians and giving them opportunities to perform with professional orchestras on distinguished international stages.
To every young musician considering applying: believe in the work you have done, have the courage to share your artistry, and give yourself the opportunity to be heard.
I sincerely hope that IMK Audition will open new doors for talented musicians and help the next generation take meaningful steps onto the professional concert stage.
I look forward to hearing your music and seeing where your musical journey will lead you.
Sonja Steindl, Intendant, IMK
Initiator of IMK Audition
Since 1992,
bridges through music
IMK — Verein für Internationale Musik- und Kulturförderung — was founded in Vienna in 1992 and has become one of Europe's most active classical concert organisations, putting international artists on many of the world's great stages.
Today IMK connects and organises approximately 200 performances each year at renowned concert halls across Europe. As a professional classical concert management agency, IMK partners with music universities around the world, including the Kronberg Academy and the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
Why orchestral opportunities matter
Solo recitals and chamber music concerts are relatively easy to organise. However, for emerging musicians, even many such performances may not be enough to attract wider attention. Orchestral performances are different: they require a professional orchestra, a large concert hall, extensive organisation and significant financial resources. For young musicians, opportunities to perform as soloists with an orchestra are therefore rare.
Even highly talented graduates of prestigious music universities are not automatically given such opportunities. Many turn to international competitions, but even winning a competition may lead to only one orchestral performance, with no guarantee of the next. Recognising this challenge, Ms. Sonja Steindl founded IMK Vienna in 1992 with a clear mission: to create more high-quality and accessible orchestral performance opportunities across Europe.
Schwingungen at the Musikverein
As one of its signature projects, IMK launched the Schwingungen Concert Series at the Musikverein Golden Hall in Vienna in 2006, inviting three to four international orchestras each year. Over the past twenty years, IMK has successfully organised more than 58 concerts at the Golden Hall, with further performances already scheduled through 2028. Through this work IMK has developed unique expertise and extensive know-how in organising orchestral performances at this world-renowned venue.
From music education to the professional stage
Music education should no longer end in the classroom. It must evolve into a system that connects talented young musicians directly to real performance opportunities. Together with its partner universities, IMK is working to make this change a reality — building a bridge from music education to the professional stage. The IMK International Concerto Audition is the next step on that bridge.
One Masterpiece. One Exceptional Stage.
The three selected soloists will be invited to perform Beethoven’s Triple Concerto in C Major, Op. 56 with the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at the New Year’s Concert in the prestigious Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum in Prague.
Presented in 2027, the bicentenary year of Beethoven’s death, this performance offers the selected musicians a rare opportunity to appear as soloists with a professional European orchestra on one of Europe’s most celebrated concert stages.
Three selected soloists. One masterpiece.
One remarkable step onto the international stage.
Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum
- Orchestra
- North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
- Conductor
- Nayden Todorov
- Occasion
- Beethoven 200 — anniversary year of the composer's death
- Website
- rudolfinum.cz ↗
What each selected soloist receives
A performance as soloist in Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at the New Year’s Concert in the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum, Prague.
USD 500 for soloists residing in Europe, or USD 1,000 for soloists residing outside Europe.
Partial accommodation support is provided.
Airport pickup in the concert city.
An official certificate of participation as a selected soloist of the IMK International Concerto Audition.
Benefits may be subject to change depending on local circumstances. Any such changes will be communicated to the selected soloists in advance.
Please note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the conductor and/or orchestra may be subject to change. Any such changes will be communicated to the selected musicians in a timely manner.
International jury
All audition videos are reviewed by an international jury of conductors and distinguished instrumentalists. Each juror evaluates every applicant independently; the three soloists are selected on the combined results. Click on a juror to read their message.
It is a great pleasure to welcome the launch of the IMK International Concerto Audition.
For a young musician, one of the most important steps in artistic development is the opportunity to perform as a soloist with a professional orchestra. It is on stage, through listening, communicating and creating music together, that artistry truly comes alive.
I am especially pleased that this audition offers talented young musicians the opportunity to perform Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at the New Year’s Concert in the magnificent Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum in Prague.
I warmly congratulate IMK on creating this meaningful initiative and wish all applicants inspiration, courage and success.
I look forward to meeting the selected soloists and welcoming the New Year together through Beethoven’s music on the stage of Dvořák Hall in Prague.
Nayden Todorov
Conductor
IMK International Concerto Audition – New Year’s Concert
Warmest Congratulations on the IMK Audition and the Prague New Year Concert!
It is my great pleasure to congratulate everyone involved in the IMK Audition — From Audition to the Dvořák Hall.
The year 2027 will mark the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death, making it a particularly meaningful year for the world of classical music.
I am especially delighted to hear that Beethoven’s Triple Concerto will be performed at the Prague New Year Concert. It is a wonderful way to celebrate Beethoven’s timeless music and to bring together talented young musicians on such a prestigious stage.
My heartfelt congratulations to all the participants, organizers, and artists who are making this remarkable musical journey possible.
May the IMK Audition open the door to many new opportunities, inspiring the next generation of musicians to reach the great stages of the world.
With my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a brilliant musical future.
Massimo Belli
Warmest Congratulations to IMK and the Young Musicians
It is my great pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations to IMK for creating this exceptional opportunity for young musicians to present their talent and musicianship on one of the world’s most prestigious stages, the Dvořák Hall in Prague.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone at IMK whose dedication, vision, and hard work have made this remarkable opportunity possible. Providing young artists with the chance to perform in such a distinguished concert hall is an invaluable experience and an important step in their musical development.
I am delighted to celebrate the achievements of these talented young musicians and to witness their journey from audition to the international stage.
My heartfelt congratulations to all the participants, organizers, and everyone involved in making this wonderful musical project a reality.
May IMK continue to inspire, support, and open new doors for the next generation of outstanding musicians.
With my warmest congratulations and best wishes,
Anton Sorokow
Professor of Violin & Director of the Strings Department
University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw)
Dear Young Musicians,
As Artistic Director of IMK and a cellist myself, I am very pleased to welcome you to the IMK International Concerto Audition.
Throughout my life as a performer and educator, I have come to believe that young musicians grow not only through study and practice, but through the experience of standing on stage, communicating with a professional orchestra, and sharing their music with an audience.
This is why the IMK Audition is especially meaningful to me. It is designed to give talented young musicians a genuine professional opportunity—an opportunity to perform with the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and to appear at the New Year’s Concert in the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum in Prague.
As a member of the Cello Jury, I look forward to discovering young cellists with not only excellent technique, but also individuality, musical imagination, and something meaningful to communicate through their music.
I encourage you to take this opportunity with confidence and courage. Your talent deserves not only to be recognized, but to be heard on the concert stage.
I look forward to hearing your music and wish every applicant a rewarding and inspiring experience.
Prof. Meehae Ryo
Artistic Director, IMK
Cello Jury Member
IMK International Concerto Audition
Jury decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the results.
Video audition, open worldwide
The IMK International Concerto Audition is open to pianists, violinists and cellists. Applicants are selected through a video audition. Each applicant must submit an audition video of up to 20 minutes and a completed application form. The audition is evaluated by an international jury of conductors and distinguished instrumentalists.
Instruments
Piano · Violin · Cello. One soloist is selected for each instrument to form the trio for Beethoven's Triple Concerto.
Submission
An audition video of up to 20 minutes (Google Drive link) and the completed online application form (Jotform), including the €100 audition fee paid via PayPal within the form.
Jury
An international jury of conductors and distinguished instrumentalists evaluates all videos. Results are announced in the first week of December 2026.
General Provisions
The IMK International Concerto Audition is an international audition open to musicians of all nationalities. All judging is conducted by online video submission (Google Drive link). English is the official language of the audition.
Instruments & Repertoire
Piano · Violin · Cello. Repertoire requirements for each instrument are set out in detail on the Repertoire tab.
Age
There is no age limit. All applicants are judged by the same artistic standard.
Application
- Applications are made through the online application form (Jotform) on this website. An application is complete only when the application form has been submitted and payment of the audition fee of €100 (PayPal, at the end of the form) has been confirmed. A submitted form without payment is not considered received; the responsibility for a missed payment lies with the applicant.
- Once payment has been confirmed, a confirmation e-mail is sent. If you do not receive it, please check your spam folder and then contact us by e-mail.
- The audition fee is non-refundable, except where the audition is cancelled by the organisers.
- Write your name in English exactly as it appears in your passport. If the payer’s name differs from the applicant’s (e.g. payment by a parent), write the payer’s (cardholder’s) name at the bottom of the application form.
- Submitted applications cannot be changed. In the case of duplicate applications, the first application submitted will be evaluated.
- Applicants who cannot use the online form or PayPal may request a written application form and bank transfer details by e-mail. The same deadline applies; please contact us at least 1–2 weeks before the deadline.
- Applications close on 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET.
Video Submission
- The audition video may not exceed 20 minutes. Performance time is measured from the start of the video to the end.
- The video must be recorded in one continuous, unedited take from beginning to end. Video cuts, combining several takes, and audio correction or editing are not permitted. The only exception: if the recording exceeds 20 minutes, the part after the 20-minute mark may be cut off.
- The camera must be fixed and may not be moved or zoomed during recording. The applicant’s face and both hands must be clearly visible throughout the video.
- Video and audio quality must be sufficient for the jury to clearly evaluate the performance. Recording with a smartphone is acceptable; clarity of picture and sound matters more than the equipment.
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 × 1080). 4K is not required. The video file must not exceed 2 GB in size (MP4 recommended).
- Only videos recorded on or after 1 January 2026 are accepted. A video of a past performance with orchestra is acceptable if it meets all requirements.
- The use of AI-generated performances, deepfakes, synthesised audio, or any technology that materially alters the performance is strictly prohibited.
- The video must be uploaded to Google Drive and shared as a link set to "Anyone with the link can view". Do not delete the link or make it private until the evaluation has been completed. File name: Instrument_LastName_FirstName_Country.mp4
- Applicants who cannot use Google Drive (e.g. in China) may contact us by e-mail for an alternative method of submission.
Judging
Performances are evaluated comprehensively on musicality, technique, interpretation, expression and overall artistry by an international jury of conductors and distinguished instrumentalists. The decisions of the jury are final. No appeals are accepted.
Selection & Concerts
Three soloists — one pianist, one violinist and one cellist — are selected. The selected musicians perform Beethoven's Triple Concerto in C major, Op. 56 with the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under Nayden Todorov at the New Year's Concert in the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum, Prague (3 January 2027). Details of rehearsals are communicated directly to the selected musicians. See the Concerts page for the benefits provided to the selected soloists.
Copyright & Personal Data
Applicants consent to the use of submitted videos and photographs for the promotion of the audition and the concerts. Personal data is used solely for the administration of the audition.
Disqualification
Submission of false information, violation of the video rules, misconduct, copyright infringement or violation of these regulations may result in disqualification without refund of the audition fee.
Agreement
By submitting an application, the applicant is deemed to have read and agreed to all regulations of the IMK International Concerto Audition.
If you are unable to complete the online application form, or if the form does not work properly for you, please contact us by e-mail at auditionimk@gmail.com. We will be glad to assist you and, if necessary, accept your application by e-mail.
Audition repertoire
Repertoire is the applicant’s free choice. Applicants perform one movement (or more) from a concerto of their choice — or a single-movement concerto or concertante work — recorded in one continuous take without editing. The audition video may not exceed 20 minutes in total.
Duration
- 20 minutes is the maximum permitted time, not a target time to be filled. A shorter movement is not a disadvantage.
- Performance time is measured from the start of the video to the end.
- If the chosen movement or work exceeds 20 minutes, play continuously from the beginning and submit the video only up to the 20-minute mark. Skipping a section or joining different sections together is not permitted.
- Any movement may be chosen (first, second, third, etc.). Two or more movements may be performed in succession, provided the total time does not exceed 20 minutes; if the 20-minute mark is reached during the next movement, submit only up to that point.
- Single-movement concertos and concertante works (e.g. Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue, Liszt Totentanz) are permitted.
Cuts
- The solo part may not be shortened. Omitting a section in the middle of the solo part, or cutting and joining different sections together, is not permitted.
- Customary cuts or reductions of the orchestral tutti passages are permitted, within the range used in published piano reductions or in general performance practice (e.g. shortening a long orchestral passage in which the soloist rests).
Cadenza
- If the cadenza falls within the 20 minutes, it must be performed. Skipping the cadenza and joining the following section to what precedes it is not permitted.
- Any cadenza is acceptable — the composer’s, one by another composer or performer, or the applicant’s own. State the composer of the cadenza in the application form.
Accompaniment & score
- Accompaniment: piano reduction or orchestra.
- Playing from memory is not required; the score may be used.
- Please state the composer, work and movement(s) in the application form exactly as performed.
Piano
Maximum 20 minutes- One or more movements from a piano concerto of the applicant’s choice, or a single-movement work for piano and orchestra.
- Accompaniment: piano reduction (second piano) or orchestra.
- Cuts to the solo part are not permitted; customary tutti cuts are permitted.
Violin
Maximum 20 minutes- One or more movements from a violin concerto of the applicant’s choice, or a single-movement work for violin and orchestra.
- Accompaniment: piano reduction or orchestra.
- Cuts to the solo part are not permitted; customary tutti cuts are permitted.
Cello
Maximum 20 minutes- One or more movements from a cello concerto of the applicant’s choice, or a single-movement work for cello and orchestra.
- Accompaniment: piano reduction or orchestra.
- Cuts to the solo part are not permitted; customary tutti cuts are permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often about repertoire, timing, video submission, application and payment. If your question is not answered here, please contact us at auditionimk@gmail.com.
1. Repertoire and performance time
Do I have to perform one movement within 20 minutes, or do I have to choose a movement that is 20 minutes long?
If the movement you have chosen exceeds 20 minutes, play continuously from the beginning of the movement and submit the video only up to the 20-minute mark. Skipping the middle section or joining several sections together is not permitted.
The movement I want to play is slightly longer than 20 minutes. May I shorten part of it?
1. Apply the customary cuts to the orchestral tutti passages so that the movement fits within 20 minutes.
2. Play from the beginning of the movement, stop at the 20-minute mark, and submit only up to that point.
In both cases, omitting a section in the middle of the solo part, or cutting and joining different sections together, is not permitted.
How is the performance time measured?
Do I have to play the first movement?
May I play two or more movements?
Are single-movement concertos or concertante works (e.g. Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue, Liszt Totentanz) allowed?
Whose cadenza should I play?
May I omit the cadenza?
Do I have to play from memory?
How much may be cut when cutting the tutti passages?
2. Video submission
May I edit the video?
Is there anything I should pay attention to when recording?
Until when must the video have been recorded?
May I record with a smartphone?
How do I submit the video?
May I change the video after submitting?
3. Application and payment
When is my application complete?
How can I check that my application has been received?
Can the audition fee be refunded?
How should I write my name on the application form?
4. If you cannot use the online application form or PayPal (including information for applicants from China)
I cannot access the online application form (Jotform), or payment by PayPal is difficult for me.
Google cannot be used in China. How do I submit my video?
Does the same deadline apply to written applications?
Three steps to the stage
Prepare your video
Record your audition video (max. 20 minutes) and upload it to Google Drive. Set sharing to "Anyone with the link can view" and copy the link.
Complete the application form
Fill in the online application form (Jotform) with your details, biography, photo and Google Drive link. Write your name exactly as it appears in your passport. The €100 audition fee is paid via PayPal at the end of the form — the application is complete only once payment has been made.
Open application formReceive your confirmation
Once your payment has been confirmed, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. If it does not arrive, please check your spam folder and then contact us at auditionimk@gmail.com. Submitted applications cannot be changed.
The fee is paid via PayPal within the application form. If you are unable to use PayPal, please contact us by e-mail and we will provide bank transfer details (international transfer fees are borne by the applicant).
Before you submit, please check
- Your video is no longer than 20 minutes, recorded in one continuous take, and the Google Drive link opens without a permission request.
- Your name on the form matches your passport; if someone else pays, the payer’s name is written at the bottom of the form.
- You completed the PayPal payment at the end of the form — the application is complete only once payment is confirmed.
- Your biography (max. 200 words) and a recent photo are ready to upload.
- You are available in the Czech Republic from late December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
IMK International Concerto Audition 2027
The application form is hosted securely on Jotform and opens in a new window. Please have your Google Drive link, biography and photo ready before you start. The €100 fee is paid via PayPal at the end of the form.
Open application formIf the form or payment page does not load properly, or if you experience any technical difficulties while applying, please contact the organiser at auditionimk@gmail.com. We will be glad to assist you and make sure your application is received.
Questions about the audition?
We are happy to help.
For all enquiries regarding the IMK International Concerto Audition — eligibility, the application form, payment, or the concerts — please contact the IMK office in Vienna. We reply in English and German.
Please include your name, instrument and country in your first message so that we can help you quickly.
1030 Vienna, Austria
(Wiener Konzerthaus)
If any part of this website does not work as expected — for example, if a page, the application form or the payment link does not load — please contact us at auditionimk@gmail.com. We will be glad to help you and, if necessary, accept your application by e-mail.
Organised by IMK Vienna in cooperation with the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Concert enquiries in the Czech Republic: severoceskafilharmonie.cz