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Compete

Entering the Competition

The Fischoff attracts the finest and most talented young musicians from around the globe. The 53rd Annual Fischoff Competition will take place from May 8 – 10, 2026 on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA.

Competition Entry Forms

Applications to compete in the 2026 Fischoff Competition will open December 15, 2025.

Click the links below to read the Competition Rulebooks before submitting an application.

Senior Division

Applications will open December 15th.

Junior Division

Applications will open December 15th.

Prizes

Senior Division

Florence V. Carroll Junior Division

Tours

Grand Prize Tour

The Fischoff grants the Grand Prize winner an international tour, including performances and outreach with Friends of Chamber Music of Troy, New York, a weeklong residency at the American University of Sharjah and NYU Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and a trip to the Emilia Romagna Festival in Italy one year following their win. The Emilia Romagna Festival arranges approximately four to six concerts each summer, hosted in hill-top villages and small towns throughout the Emilia Romagna region. The Festival provides each ensemble with housing, transportation, and performance opportunities in historic villas, castles, village chapels, city churches, and an ancient farm courtyard.

The Fischoff Double Gold Tours

The Fischoff awards tours for both Gold Medal ensembles in the Senior Division Winds and Senior Division Strings the fall following the competition. The ensembles will present concerts and educational programs to more than 4,000 children, youth, and adults throughout the Midwest. Visit the Double Gold Tour page to read about previous tours.

From the Top

The Junior Division Gold Medal Winners will perform on NPR’s From the Top as participants in their Learning & Media Lab Fellowship program, which provides young musicians a space to explore life as an artist, content creation, and the power of community engagement.