2026
Olimpico Jazz Contest 2026
The 6th Edition – Dedicated to the Trumpet
2026 marks the centenary of the birth of Miles Davis (1926–1991), a revolutionary figure in 20th-century music and an absolute symbol of the evolution of jazz.
The sixth edition of the Olimpico Jazz Contest pays tribute to him by choosing the trumpet as the solo instrument.
The competition is part of New Conversations – Vicenza Jazz, an event promoted by the Municipality of Vicenza and organised by the Fondazione Teatro Comunale Città di Vicenza, with the support of Trivellato S.p.A. and Brutal srl.
Confirming its commitment to supporting young jazz talent, the 2026 edition introduces two important new features:
- the launch of a section dedicated to emerging groups (3 to 5 members);
- the establishment of the Audience Award, a symbolic prize awarded to the performance most appreciated by the audience during the final evening.
The Marco Birro Composition Award has also been confirmed. This prize is awarded to the best original composition submitted by the candidates and is named in memory of the young and talented pianist who passed away on 8 March 2020.
THE CONTEST
Subject and Target Audience of the competition
The Olimpico Jazz Contest, promoted by the Fondazione Teatro Comunale Città di Vicenza as part of the “New Conversations – Vicenza Jazz” Festival, is a music competition aimed at young musicians active in the field of jazz.
The sixth edition, scheduled for 2026, is divided into three sections:
- Soloists Section: reserved for trumpet players;
- Group Section: open to jazz ensembles composed of 3 to 5 musicians;
- Marco Birro Composition Award: for the best original composition presented by one of the candidates. Participation is reserved for candidates enrolled in one of the two main sections of the competition (Soloists or Groups). Exclusive candidacy for this section is not permitted.
Entry criteria
- For the Soloists section: trumpet players aged between 18 and 30 (on 10 March 2026), Italian and foreign, who do not have current recording or publishing contracts.
- For the Groups section: all members must be aged between 18 and 35 (on 10 March 2026) and meet the same residency requirements as above; all members must be free from current recording or publishing contracts.
Registration procedures
Registration for the Olimpico Jazz Contest 2026 will be open until Thursday 10 March 2026 at 23:59 (CET).
Registration is free and must be done exclusively online on this website on the REGISTRATION section.
To participate, each candidate (or group representative) must submit 3 songs performed on video to be uploaded to the registration form on this site, as indicated in the REGULATION.
All specific information regarding registration procedures and the necessary documentation is available on this site in the REGULATION section.
Registration opening: 10th November 2025
Registration deadline: 10th March 2026 at 23:59 (CET)
Announcement of the semi-finalists: 10th April 2026
Live Semi-Finals and Final: 22-25 May 2026
All submitted materials will be evaluated by an artistic committee composed of musicians and experts in the field, appointed by the “New Conversation – Vicenza Jazz” festival’s artistic direction.
The following will be selected:
- up to 4 soloists (trumpet) for the individual section.
- up to 3 groups for the section dedicated to ensembles (3 to 5 members).
The list of selected candidates will be published on this website starting on 10 April 2026, and communicated directly to those concerned via the contact details provided during registration.
Live performances will take place at the Teatro Comunale in Vicenza from 22 to 25 May 2026, as part of the “New Conversations – Vicenza Jazz” Festival.
- Soloists: accompanied by a professional rhythm section provided by the organisation. An additional guest may be admitted by prior agreement.
- Groups: will perform with their own line-up
Each candidate or group must present a maximum of 3 pieces, for a total duration not exceeding 20 minutes (soloists) and 25 minutes (groups).
The repertoire must reflect the artistic profile of the participants and may include original pieces and arrangements.
AWARDS
Soloists Section – “Trivellato” Award
1st place
- Cash prize: € 1.500
- Paid engagement within the programme of Vicenza Jazz 2027
Group Section – “Brutal” Award
1st place:
- Cash prize: € 1.800
- Paid engagement within the programme of Vicenza Jazz 2027
“Marco Birro” Composition Award
- € 500 for the best original composition
Audience Award
- Certificate of recognition awarded to the performance most appreciated by the audience during the final evening, based on a vote cast in the theatre.
** All cash prizes will be paid in accordance with current Italian legislation on the traceability and transparency of payments and are gross of any taxes and contributions that may be applicable.
Event and Partnership
Olympic Jazz Contest is a competition organized by Vicenza Jazz in collaboration with Fondazione Teatro Comunale Città di Vicenza, Trivellato Spa and Brutal Agency.
New Conversations – Vicenza Jazz was founded in Vicenza in 1996, with the founders “historians” Luca Trivellato, Matteo Quero, Francesca Lazzari (at the time Councillor for culture of the Municipality of Vicenza) and of course Riccardo Brazzale, artistic director since the first edition.
Since 2013 the organization and management of the festival are entrusted by Comune di Vicenza and the Fondazione Teatro Comunale Città di Vicenza.
GALLERY
Previous Editions
Get in touch
INFO
Teatro Comunale di Vicenza
V.le Giuseppe Mazzini, 39 – Vicenza
tel.: 0444 324442
mail: info@olimpicojazzcontest.it