
PICC APPLICATION 2026
Application Process
Follow these three simple steps to apply and progress through the competition.
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Application Fee: 130€ (non-refundable)
Step 1 — Application
- Complete the online application form and provide your basic personal details.
- Submit the application fee of 130€ to confirm your entry.
- All applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Candidates selected to proceed to Step 2 — Global Pre-Selection (GPS) will receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions and a link to continue.
Deadline: February 21, 2026
Registration Fee: 275€ (non-refundable)
Accepted candidates, notified by email after Step 1, may choose one of two options to complete Step 2 of the competition process.
Option A — Live Global Pre-Selection (GPS) Audition
- Select your preferred audition city from the list provided in the application form.
If a (GPS) city is cancelled for any reason by PICC 2026, candidates may choose to:
- submit a video instead and compete via the Global Video Submission (GVS) method, or
- Receive a full refund of the Step 2 fee (275€).
Option B — Global Video Submission (GVS)
Candidates who meet the criteria for Global Video Submission (GVS) have the exceptional permission to submit a recorded rehearsal or performance video istead of attending a live (GPS) audition.
Requirements:
- Maximum total duration: 12 minutes.
- Format: One unedited take (no cuts or edits)
- Content: The candidates conducting an ensemble, orchestra or pianos — rehearsal or performance setting acceptable
- Free Choice of repertoire, any period in musical history is acceptable
- Camera angle: Candidate visible from the front (recommended)
- Sound quality: Sufficient to assess gesture, clarity, and musical communication
Video submission format:
- Online links (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) are strongly preferred.
- Alternatively, upload as a .mp4 (H.264) file (max. 12 minutes, up to 720p resolution, file size ≤150 MB).
⚠️ Please note:
- The Step 2 fee (275€) is non-refundable for any reason, including withdrawal or no-shows.
- Videos are used solely for jury evaluation and remain confidential.
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Administration Fee: 65€ (non-refundable)
All accepted candidates must pay this fee to confirm their participation in Step 3.
Up to 144 conductors will be selected from the Step 2 (GPS and GVS) candidates to participate in Step 3 — the Preliminary Round Bled (PRB), held November 7 —9, 2026, at the Festival Hall in Bled, Slovenia.
Selected candidates will be notified by email (by June 10, 2026), with one of the following:
- Acceptance confirmation and a secure payment link,
- Waiting list notification, or
- Non-acceptance notification (for candidates not advancing).
Candidates who do not progress to Step 3 will receive a private livestream link to attend the “Career Development Conference” remotely (November 7—9, 2026).
Career Development Conference
- All accepted Step 3 participants will have free access to the Career Development Conference, held simultaneously with the PRB Round in the Festival hall, Bled.
- This access is also extended free of charge to all PICC 2026 appplicants (Steps 1—3), either in person or via livestream.
- Payments are made sequentially, only as applicants advance to the next stage.
- All fees are standardized worldwide to ensure fairness and transparency.
- The entire application process and all associated fees are clearly presented on the official PICC 2026 website.
SUMMARY OF FEES
Step 1: Application Fee – 130€ (Non-refundable in case of invalid/incomplete application, withdrawal by candidate, or total cancellation of the competition.)
Step 2: Registration Fee – 275€ (Non-refundable except in the case of a (GPS) city cancellation by PICC 2026. In such case, the candidate may either switch to (GVS) or receive a full refund.)
Step 3: Administration Fee – 65€ (Non-refundable in case of withdrawal or absence, regardless of reason.)
ACCOMODATION AND TRAVEL
- All accepted Step 3 candidates (up to 144 Conductors) are responsible for their own lodging and meals while competing in Bled (November 7—9, 2026).
- Discounted rates will be available via official partner hotels in Bled.
- Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Bled.
- The town is accessible through public transport, with train connections to Lesce-Bled stations and local taxis.
FINALISTS (TOP 18 CONDUCTORS)
- Candidates selected as the 18 finalists will compete in the final orchestral rounds from November 10-14, 2026.
- For these finalists, PICC 2026, will cover hotel accomodation and breakfast for the duration of the final rounds, regardless of how far they advance in the competition.
PAYMENT OF ALL FEES
All fees for Steps 1, 2, and 3 Fees must be paid exclusively through the official PICC 2026 online platform, using one of the following secure methods:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- PayPal
- International Bank Transfer
Payment links will be available at each stage of the registration process on the official website of PICC 2026.
APPLICATION FORM
The Application form will be available from December 15th.