IAM Vol 22 Issue 03

 

2026 Competition Focus

Welcome to the March issue of International Arts Manager, where our annual Competition Focus takes us behind the scenes of some of the world’s most influential platforms for emerging artists.

At the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, President and CEO Jacques Marquis offers a clear-eyed view of what it means to be “ready” today. Technique and artistry remain essential, but so too are stamina, adaptability and professionalism. With limited discussion between jurors and a process designed to reflect the pressures of real life on tour, the Cliburn continues to test not only how musicians play, but how they perform under pressure.

Elsewhere, we mark the 20th edition of the George Enescu International Competition in Bucharest and speak with the Director of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, Artur Szklener, about the search for distinctive artistic voices and the realities of judging hundreds of pianists. At the Queen Elisabeth Competition, which is celebrating its 75th edition, jury members vote independently and without consultation, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to fairness, while the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition continues to champion artistic freedom through diverse jury perspectives and an openness to contrasting musical voices.

Also in this issue

News
Martha Argerich headlines new La Chaux-de-Fonds Music Festival 
Musica Viva Australia transfers custodianship of Melbourne chamber music competition
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra launches resident fellowship for early-career musicians
APAP launches storytelling initiative for 70th anniversary
CAG and New York Youth Symphony unite to support emerging conductors
35th IAMA International Conference Preview
Upcoming events

Musical Chairs
From promotions to retirement – find out who’s on the move

Classical Music Signings
Keep up to date with the latest industry news

Competitions and Awards

sideNotes: The problem with policing joy,

ISPA: Global Voices
ISPA Netherlands Fellow Maya Roest, Co-Artistic Director of the Rotterdam International Duet Choreography Competition

APAP: A View from Here:
Lisa Richards Toney on redefining the value of the arts

Classical:Next 2026 Preview

CINARS: Connected Voices:
Gilles Doré in conversation with Carmen Romero,
General Director of the Teatro a Mil Foundation and International Festival

Oily Cart’s Artistic Director Ellie Griffiths on turning the home into a stage

Competition Focus:

• Jacques Marquis, Cliburn’s President and CEO
• George Enescu International Competition celebrates its 20th edition
• Artur Szklener, Director of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
• Queen Elisabeth Competition celebrates three remarkable anniversaries
• Peter Paul Kainrath, Artistic Director of the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition and WFIMC President World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) 2026 General Assembly
• 75th ARD International Music Competition (Organ, Bassoon, Percussion, String Quartet) | Azrieli Music Prizes (AMP) | Cliburn International Competition for Conductors | Cliburn International Competition for Young Pianists | Concours de Genève International Music Competition | The Parkhouse Award | Roma International Piano Competition

Cincinnati Opera’s Underscore series

Diary
Isaac Thompson A week with the President and CEO of Minnesota Orchestra