The 4th Alpe Adria Harmonica Competition for Styrian (Diatonic) Harmonica, which will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 8 a.m., welcomes participants from Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland as well as from all neighboring countries!
The competition will be held in the following categories:
- Solo: born 2018 – 1993 and older
- Duo: born 2018 – 2006 and older
- Group: born 2018 – 2006 and older
A maximum of 90 participants can be admitted to the competition.
Once the maximum number of participants has been reached, registration is unfortunately no longer possible.
Categories
E (highest level): very difficult compositions
D (upper level): difficult compositions
C (intermediate level): moderately difficult compositions
B (lower level): easy to moderately difficult compositions
A (pre-school to elementary level): easy compositions
Adult level F: includes easy, moderately difficult and difficult compositions
Solo:
- Pre school A: born 2018
- Pre school A1: born 2017
- elementary level A: born 2016
- elementary level A1: born 2015
- Lower level B: born 2014
- Lower level B1: born 2013
- intermediate level C: born 2011 and 2012
- upper level D: Jahrgänge 2009 und 2010
- highest level E: born 1994 – 2008
- adult level F: age ab 1993 and above
Three instrumental pieces without vocals are to be performed, each with a different character. The pieces of music may be freely chosen by the participants, there are no compulsory pieces.
Both participants must play the pieces by heart and the total playing time of all pieces must not exceed 13 minutes. A duo can consist of two Styrian harmonicas or one Styrian harmonica together with another instrument.
Duo:
- Category A: average age of 12 years or less
- Category B: average age of 17 years or less
- Category C: average age of 20 years
- Category D: age 20 and above
Three instrumental pieces without vocals are to be performed, each with a different character. The pieces of music may be freely chosen by the participants, there are no compulsory pieces.
Both participants must play the pieces by heart and the total playing time of all pieces must not exceed 13 minutes. A duo can consist of two Styrian harmonicas or one Styrian harmonica together with another instrument.
Ensemble and folk music groups:
- Category A: average age of no more than 12 years, with no participant older than 15 years
- Category B: average age of no more than 17 years, with no participant older than 20 years
- Category C: average age of 20 years and above
Three instrumental pieces without vocals are to be performed, each with a different character. The pieces of music may be freely chosen by the participants, there are no compulsory pieces.
All participants must play the pieces by heart and the total playing time of all pieces must not exceed 13 minutes. A duo can consist of two Styrian harmonicas or one Styrian harmonica together with another instrument.
Choosing a song
All musical styles such as jazz, tango, waltz, polka and musette, as well as original compositions for the Styrian (diatonic) harmonica are permitted.
Participants must perform the registered program; program changes are not permitted.
All pieces must be played from memory.
Registration form
You can find our registration form for the Alpe Adria Harmonica Competition here.
Participation fees
Entry fee:
- Solo: 30,- €
- Duo: 40,- €
- Ensemble: 8,50 € per participant
Please transfer the nominal amount to the following bank account:
Michael Pirolt
IBAN: AT703845208801010818
BIC: RZSTAT2G452
The entry fee must be paid by the registration deadline, otherwise participation is unfortunately not possible and the registration is invalid.
Rules
The minimum age for participation is 8 years.
Solo players, duos and folk music groups with three to eight players from Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Germany and Switzerland may participate.
Of course, musicians from other countries are also very welcome.
Registrations are only possible via the registration form.
Participants agree to follow the instructions of the organizer.
If the participants do not comply with these regulations, they may be excluded from the judging by the jury.
By registering for the competition, candidates acknowledge that the jury’s decision and the awards made are final and cannot be contested.
In addition, the rules of the competition are accepted and the authority of the organizer and the jury is acknowledged.
Organisation: Michael Pirolt
Each participant must hand in the original scores of the pieces and two copies to the jury. Copies will not be returned.
There are no restrictions regarding harmonica brand or type. Every type of harmonica and all brands are permitted.
Amplifiers may not be used.
The program for the Alpe Adria Harmonica Competition must not exceed 13 minutes. Three pieces of different character must be performed. If the playing time is exceeded, the jury is authorized to stop the audition due to exceeding the time limit.
Private filming and picture taking during the competition is not permitted. Telephones in the hall must be switched to silent mode.