Azure Bird Grand Award
NZD $1,000 across each of the four divisions — the highest honour of NZGMC 2026.
The Flagship Competition
NZGMC 2026
The Global Music Competition — the centrepiece of the 2nd New Zealand International Music & Arts Festival. Four divisions, the Azure Bird Grand Award, and the chance to perform live with a symphony orchestra.
Overview
Four divisions. One grand stage.
NZGMC 2026 presents four core competition divisions — Piano & Keyboard, Vocal, Western Instruments, and World Ethnic & Traditional Instruments. Each carries the Azure Bird Grand Award, NZD $1,000, and a 100-point adjudication by an international jury.
100-Point Adjudication
A transparent scoring system with one-to-one feedback from international adjudicators.
Online or In Person
Submit a performance video (MP4/MOV, up to 5 min, 720p) or compete live in Auckland.
Community Sponsored Places
Five sponsored places with no registration fee — for young people facing real-life barriers.
Key Dates
RegistrationOpen now
Video Submission Deadline30 July 2026
AdjudicationAugust 2026
Awards Concert2026 Season