Founded by the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz in 1989, the event has aimed to promote chamber music among young musicians through a combination of classical masterpieces with modern music trends. The competition is held triennially in Graz, featuring three categories- duo for voice and piano (Lied), string quartet, and piano trio. Winners would be invited to perform at the Gala Concert, and also to tour in various countries at events like Festival Ljubljana and International Piano Competition Franz Liszt Utrecht. Past winners include Jerusalem Quartett and Amaryllis Quartett.

Founded in 1989 by Professor Paul Mootz from Luxembourg, the IPCL aims to endow percussion ensembles across the globe with the opportunity to compete and challenge beyond new artistic possibilities, as well as to showcase the uniqueness of various percussion instruments to public. Held in the Conservatoire de Musique de la Ville de Luxembourg in the southern part of the country, where the excellent acoustics in the grand auditorium have attracted a wide range of performing artists including Bernard Haitink, Mstislav Rostropovitch, Martha Argerich, Felicity Lott and Lazar Berman. The conservatoire also houses a museum of early instruments, providing a rich musical ambience as the host.

Founded by Orléans Concours International, the competition has been running biennially since 1994 with the focus on repertoires from the twentieth centuries. The organization believes that young interpreters should serve the fascinating repertoire from 1900 to now, which are essence of creative minds from various fields. First prize winner will be invited to record an album, as well as to tour in France and abroad. Holding a fierce competition is never the aim of the event, but preserving a unique musical atmosphere. Previous laureates include Christopher Falzone, Florence Cioccolani, Wilhem Latchoumia, Francesco Tristano Schlimé and more.

Established in 1996, the event is held biennially with a special dedication to promoting young music talents aged between 18 to 30. Located at the southern tip of South Carolina in America, the event also features a piano contest tailored for even younger prodigies aged 13 to 17 during every odd number years. Atop the cash prizes, a scholarship to the renowned Aspen Music Festival and School (Summer 2012) will also be awarded to the winner. Judged by a jury of seven, finalists are to perform set repertoires with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Previous winners of the competition have now begun to shine on stage as emerging young pianists, including Sean Kennard (Second Prize, 2003), Di Wu (First Prize, 2005), Konstantin Soukhovetski (Second Prize, 2002) and more.

Named after the renowned violinist and music educator Max Rostal, the competition originally takes place annually in his hometown- Bern, Switzerland. Since 2009, Berlin University of Arts has become host of the event after Bern Conservatory. Featuring both violin and viola disciplines every year, the event aims to follow Rostal’s passion in supporting young musicians. Candidates are judged according to their musicality, interpretation, stylistic sense and charisma. A high technical level is naturally required, but is not the defining goal. Atop sponsorships and performance opportunities, laureates will be awarded various sets of Pirastro strings of own choice as encouragement.