Saverio Mercadante International Clarinet Competition

The most prestigious clarinet competition in Puglia

The Saverio Mercadante International Clarinet Competition is one of the most anticipated events in the global clarinet community. Founded in Noci, in the heart of the Murgia region in the Province of Bari, the competition is promoted and organized by the Aulos Music and Cultural Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Noci, under the artistic direction of clarinetist Antonio Tinelli, the event's founder.

Over the years, the competition has welcomed over a hundred candidates from dozens of countries, from Finland to Japan, the United States to Korea, and Poland to Brazil, establishing itself as a true international showcase for young soloists looking to challenge themselves and grow before a jury of renowned masters.

A tribute to Saverio Mercadante and the Puglian tradition

The competition pays homage to the Puglian composer Saverio Mercadante (Altamura, 1795) and promotes the clarinet as an instrument deeply rooted in the centuries-old band tradition of Puglia, a land famous for its musical bands throughout Italy. The event thus unites the region's historical memory with the pursuit of contemporary talent.

Competition sections

The competition is divided into three categories, open to clarinetists of all nationalities:

• Senior Soloists — up to age 35, with online pre-selection, semi-finals, and final;
• Junior Soloists — up to age 20, consisting of a preliminary round and a final round;
• Young Soloists — up to age 15, with a free-choice program for solo clarinet or clarinet and piano.

Some of the world's richest prizes

The total prize pool exceeds 20,000 euros. For the Senior category, the first prize includes a six-concert chamber music tour worth 10,000 euros (supported by NUOVOIMAIE), a cash prize, and a professional Buffet-Crampon clarinet. The competition also benefits from the support of leading industry brands, such as Buffet-Crampon, D'Addario Woodwinds, Gleichweit, Paulus&Schuler, and the publisher Henle.

Four days of music in Noci

Beyond the competition rounds, the event enlivens Noci with concerts, listening sessions, and opportunities for young musicians, teachers, and enthusiasts to connect. The competition venue is the Congress Hall of the Hotel Punto Verde, which for a few days becomes the beating heart of the international clarinet scene in Puglia.