Stresa International Music Competition

A musical tradition on Lake Maggiore

The Stresa International Music Competition is one of the most anticipated events for young Italian and international musicians. Organized in the town of Stresa, in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont, the competition takes place every spring in the stunning setting of Lake Maggiore. In 2026, it celebrates its 43rd edition, confirming its status as an excellent showcase for students from conservatories, public and private music schools, academies, and private pupils from across Italy and abroad.

Competition sections

The event is divided into two main parts: the Schools Competition, reserved for middle and high school students with categories for Soloists, Chamber Music, Choir, and Orchestra, and the International Competition, which is open to a wider range of sections. These include:

• Early Music and Youth Orchestra
• Composition
• Woodwinds, Strings, Harp, and Guitar
• Piano and Chamber Music

An Online category is also available, allowing candidates to participate remotely by submitting their performances. A section dedicated to marching bands brings the Stresa lakefront to life with open-air performances.

Venues and atmosphere

The heart of the event is the Palazzo dei Congressi in Stresa, which hosts the International Competition auditions and the final awards ceremony. The Schools Competition auditions are held at the Collegio Rosmini, while bands parade and perform along the picturesque lakefront overlooking the Borromean Islands. All auditions are open to the public with free admission: a wonderful opportunity to hear young talent in a setting of rare scenic beauty.

An event for the city and the region

With approximately 950 participants, the Stresa International Music Competition is a major draw for the town and the entire Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area, enlivening the spring season and promoting Stresa as a cultural destination. The presence of high-profile juries and renowned artistic directors ensures the seriousness and prestige of the competition, which has become a benchmark for youth musical education over the years.