Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition - Quarter Finals

This International Competition provides support to outstanding young concert artists, providing a vital stepping stone at the start of their professional careers.

There are prizes on offer, together with a portfolio of performance opportunities and ongoing support for winners from the Competition Grant Scheme.

Recognised around the world as a unique event, the Competition started in 1979 and has been hosted by Mayfield School as part of the Mayfield Festival since 2016.The Competition attracts outstanding young musicians from around the globe.

Competitors are aged between 16 and 27 and will perform in one of three sections: piano, strings (not plucked) or wind (including brass).

Entrants must have reached concert performance standard and be ready for or already have a professional career.The Competition has played an important role in the careers of many internationally celebrated musicians.

Past winners include piano virtuosi Paul Lewis and Yuri Didenko, opera stars Anne Sofie von Otter and Patricia Rozario, great Spanish clarinettist Joan Enric Lluna, and flautist Michael Cox who is currently principal flute of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.Stellar judges attract over 100 competitors.

The 2026 judges are Kathryn Stott and Philippe Dinkel - piano; Jennifer Pike and Alasdair Tate - strings; Michael Thompson and Rachel Gough wind and brass.

A stunning five days to spend in their company listening to tomorrows stars.A free programme is provided with each ticket.