The Italy Percussive Arts Society will hold the 23rd Italy Percussion Competition online from September 20 to November 20, 2026. The competition covers seven solo sections: marimba, classical vibraphone, jazz vibraphone, timpani, multi-percussion, snare drum and drum set. The current organizer subscription page for the Marimba section lists September 7, 2026 as the application deadline and links to the application form.

Categories and rounds

The marimba and other classical sections have three age categories: Category A for competitors up to age 19, Category B for ages 20–26, and Category C for ages 27–36. Jazz vibraphone has a separate Category J for competitors up to age 39. The competition is open to solo percussionists of any nationality.

The first-round unlisted YouTube video must be submitted by September 20, the second-round video by October 20 and the final-round video by November 20. The rules require a fixed camera and prohibit editing and special effects. The juries are formed by international specialists for each section; a juror must abstain when evaluating a student or relative.

Jury

The organizer lists Gordon Stout, Ludwig Albert and Marianna Bednarska as jurors for the Marimba section.

Results and prizes

Results are to be announced by December 10. The rules set score bands for an absolute first prize, first prize, second prize and third prize. Each category’s first-prize winner receives €1,000 and a Diploma of Merit; second- and third-prize winners receive diplomas.

The Italian rules are the official reference text for the competition rules. Their Article 5 still gives July 7 as the application deadline, but the current organizer subscription page gives September 7 and provides the application link; the article follows that current registration page. The English PDF’s opening sentence says “2025,” although its title and other provisions identify the 2026 edition; the competition dates above follow the controlling Italian text.

Current subscription page
Current Marimba jury page
Official rules in Italian
Official rules in English