Peter Sadlo International Percussion Competition 2026
The competition is intended for young percussionists aspiring to an international career.
- The competition is open to applicants of all nationalities born between 1996 and 2009.
- The competition will take place from 2 to 6 November 2026, including the Winners’ Concert, at the Adams Music Centre in the Netherlands.
- All competition rounds are open to the public.
- Application deadline: 15 July 2026.
- Announcement of selected participants: 1 August 2026.
Prizes
First Prize
- €12,000 credit towards the purchase of an Adams instrument
- Adams Percussion artist endorsement
- Professional artistic photoshoot with Hugo Thomassen
- Mallet bag filled with mallets
Second Prize
- €8,000 credit towards the purchase of an Adams instrument
- Mallet bag filled with mallets
Third Prize
- €5,000 credit towards the purchase of an Adams instrument
- Mallet bag filled with mallets
Special Prize
- Peter Sadlo Award for Outstanding Interpretation €1.000
Jury
The jury consists of internationally renowned artists and former students of Peter Sadlo.
The following jurors will be present throughout all rounds:
Prof. Raymond Curfs
Bavarian Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra, University of Music and Performing Arts Munich, Conservatorium Maastricht
Prof. Klaus Schwärzler
Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, Zurich University of the Arts
Prof. Bogdan Bacanu
Anton Bruckner Private University Linz
Carlos Vera Larrucea
Bavarian State Orchestra, University of Music and Performing Arts Munich
Claudio Estay
Bavarian State Orchestra
Additional jury members in the First Round:
Prof. Katarzyna Mycka
Folkwang University of the Arts, Essen
Jens Hilse
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media
Additional jury members in the second round / Semi-Final:
Jens Hilse
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media
Bart Jansen
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Conservatorium van Amsterdam
Additional jury members in the third round / Final:
Prof. Simone Rubino
Berlin University of the Arts
Bart Jansen
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Conservatorium van Amsterdam
Javier Azanza Rives
Orchestre de Paris, Musikene San Sebastián
Prof. Alexej Gerassimez
University of Music and Performing Arts Munich
Application Requirements
Applicants are requested to submit:
- Online application form
- Copy of passport or ID
- Short artistic biography
- High resolution portrait photograph
- Teacher approval (students only)
- One or two video recordings for pre selection
Video requirements:
- MP4 or MOV
- Maximum 900 MB
- Recorded within the past 12 months
- No editing within performances
- Hands and face clearly visible
Only complete applications will be considered.
Admission
The jury's decision regarding admission to the competition will be announced by email following the preliminary selection process, expected on 1 August 2026.
All decisions of the jury are final and will not be accompanied by explanations.
Selected candidates will receive a written confirmation. International applicants may use this confirmation, if required, when applying for a visa.
Conditions
By submitting an application, the participant accepts the competition rules and conditions as well as the decisions of the jury as binding.
Participation is limited to one competition category only.
Applications that do not comply with the competition requirements may be rejected.
Competition Procedure
Registration and Attendance
Each participant must register in person at the Adams Music Centre no later than 31 October 2026, presenting a valid passport or identity card:
Adams Music Centre
Aziëstraat 17-19
6014 DA Ittervoort
The Netherlands
Accommodation During the Competition
- Participants in the First Round will receive recommendations for affordable accommodation.
- All participants are invited to attend all masterclasses free of charge throughout the competition we
Instruments
Adams will make its complete range of instruments available for the competition.
- Adams’ flagship marimbas and vibraphones will be available for the respective rounds.
- For the timpani round, both German and French/American-style timpani will be provided.
- For the Final Round featuring Variations on Fuge by Peter Sadlo, Adams instruments and stands will be supplied. Equipment not included in the Adams catalogue will be arranged by Schlagzu. Finalists will receive a questionnaire to specify the instruments and equipment required for their performance.
- Candidates may choose to perform on privately supplied instruments, such as marimbas or vibraphones from manufacturers other than Adams. Any transportation and/or rental costs are the sole responsibility of the candidate and will not be covered by the competition organizers.
Prize Winners
On Friday, 6 November 2026, a concert featuring faculty members and jury members will take place.
The First Prize winner will be invited to perform Peter Sadlo’s Variations on Fuge during this concert.
Prize winners participate in the Winners’ Concert without additional remuneration.
Award Ceremony
The prizes will be presented during a formal award ceremony.
Prize winners are expected to receive their awards in person.
Media Rights
- The competition management reserves the right to use recordings from the competition rounds and the Winners’ Concert for CD, DVD, promotional, and documentary purposes.
- By participating, prize winners grant permission for such use and for the transfer of the necessary rights.
- No additional compensation will be paid for these uses.
- The competition management further reserves the right to commercially or non-commercially distribute audio and/or video recordings of competition performances on physical or digital media and platforms.
- The competition management may also create and use photographs and video recordings during and after the competition for reporting, documentation, promotional purposes, social media publications, and use on the official competition website.