Competition Announcement 2026

XXXII EDITION – Bologna 2026

International Composing Competition “2 Agosto”

Competition Announcement

The 2026 edition of the International Composition Competition “2 August” is announced. It is organized by the Teatro Comunale di Bologna, under the sponsorship and promotion of the Association of Relatives of the Victims of the Bologna Train Station Massacre of 2 August 1980 and the Committee of Solidarity for the Victims of the Massacres.

1. The competition will award three prizes as follows: First prize: €6,000; Second prize: €3,000; Third prize: €2,000
   The winning scores of each prize will be performed in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, on 2 August 2025, as part of the commemorative events for the victims of the massacres. The performance will be broadcast live on radio (Radiotre) and television with a delayed broadcast (Rai5).
2. Composers of any nationality born after 31 December 1991 are eligible to participate.
3. The XXXII edition of the International Composition Competition “2 August” is dedicated to scores for a vocal soloist (chosen among soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, or bass), mixed choir (SATB) and orchestra. The text to be set to music must be in one of the following languages: Latin, Italian, English, French, Spanish, or German.
4. Participants are encouraged to consider that the public performance of the winning works in Piazza Maggiore is an integral part of the competition. Therefore, the jury will not consider scores unsuitable for outdoor performance (even with proper amplification).
5. The maximum duration of the submitted works must not exceed 9 minutes.
6. The maximum orchestral arrangement allowed, under penalty of exclusion, is as follows:2 flutes (2nd also piccolo), 2 oboes (2nd also English horn), 2 clarinets (2nd also bass clarinet), 2 bassoons (2nd also contrabassoon), 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, bass trombone, tuba, 1 timpanist, 2 percussionists, harp, strings (8-6-4-4-2). Choir approx. 50 voices.
7. The texts to be set to music may be in the public domain or copyrighted. In the latter case, participants must acquire the necessary rights and notify the competition with a specific declaration. If the participant’s acquisition of text usage rights is unclear, the work will automatically be excluded. The competition cannot cover the costs or processes for clearing rights related to texts for public performance.
8. Scores must be anonymous and should not contain any identifying elements. Published scores are acceptable, provided that any editorial markings are removed.
9. Scores must not have been performed previously. Participants must confirm this during online submission.
10. Although it submitting an audio recording is not mandatory, participants are strongly encouraged to provide a digital performance of the work in MP3 or WAV format, using synthetic or sampled sounds. This will help the jury form a more informed judgment.
11. For any doubts or specific needs, participants may contact the competition office at info@concorso2agosto.it.
12. Submitting scores and participating in the competition is free of charge.
13. Scores must be submitted online as follows: through the website www.concorso2agosto.it, under the “2026 EDITION” section, participants must provide their personal information and upload their files via the “SUBSCRIBE” form. Detailed information for completing the registration process can be found in the “2026 EDITION” section.
14. The online submission deadline is 31 May 2026, at 24:00 GMT.
15. The jury composition will be published on the competition website.
16. The jury’s decision is final.
17. Within 7 days of the announcement of the results, the authors of the winning scores will be required to send the Competition a version for voices and piano (the so-called ‘canto-piano’ or ‘Piano Vocal Score’) so that the choir and soloists can begin rehearsals. Within 15 days of the announcement of the results, the authors of the winning scores will be required to send the Competition the orchestral parts necessary for the performance.
18. Winners are required to provide the necessary information for prize delivery, including: a) A valid Italian tax code b) If applicable, a VAT number and tax regime c) IBAN and SWIFT details of a personal bank account d) A valid identity document (for non-EU nationals, a passport with a valid Italian visa and residence permit)
19. This announcement does not fall under prize competitions as per Article 6, Paragraph 1 of Presidential Decree 430/2001. According to Resolution No. 8/1251 of 28/10/1976 by the Directorate-General of Taxes, the prize will not be subject to withholding taxes. However, the winner must include the prize value in their annual tax return for income tax purposes.