Messina International Clarinet Competition – Working in the Orchestra

An international-level clarinet competition

The Messina International Clarinet Competition – Working in the Orchestra is one of the most prestigious music competitions dedicated to the clarinet in Italy. Promoted by the Ente Autonomo Regionale Teatro di Messina, it takes place in the halls of the historic Teatro Vittorio Emanuele, in the heart of the city of Messina, Sicily. The event attracts clarinetists of all nationalities and is distinguished by its focus on orchestral reality, as suggested by the subtitle "Working in the Orchestra".

The two sections and competition format

The competition is divided into two sections: Principal Clarinet and Bass Clarinet. The contest unfolds in several stages: a video pre-selection, a live elimination round, a semi-final, and a final with orchestra. The latter is the most anticipated moment, as finalists are tested on their orchestral and solo repertoire before an international jury of professionals with extensive experience in major European orchestras.

The prizes

The winners of the two sections receive a cash prize of 4,000 euros and the opportunity to perform as soloists in the following concert season of the Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. Past editions have also awarded special honors, such as the prize for the best performance of the Clarinet Concerto K. 622 by W. A. Mozart and the special "Romeo Tudorache" award.

An event growing with every edition

Founded in 2021, the competition has solidified its prestige in subsequent editions, hosting juries composed of principal players and professors from international orchestras such as the Royal Concertgebouw of Amsterdam, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestre National de France. The gala final features the Teatro Vittorio Emanuele Orchestra, conducted by maestro Salvatore Percacciolo.

Messina and its theater

The Teatro Vittorio Emanuele is the main theater in Messina and one of the most important musical hubs in Sicily. The competition is part of its seasonal programming and helps make the city on the Strait a reference point for the training and promotion of young wind instrumentalists.