ASTOR PIAZZOLLA

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Feb. 27 - Mar. 1, 2026

Como, Italy

Celebrating the Legacy. Inspiring the Future.

An official global competition dedicated to the genius of Astor Piazzolla, held in collaboration with Fundación Piazzolla. To be held in the heart of Italy, where Piazzolla's roots and spirit continue to resonate.

Competition Timeline

Applications Open: Until January 15, 2026, 23:59 CET (Online Round)

Semifinalists Announcement: February 1, 2026
Participation Confirmation: Selected competitors must confirm by February 10, 2026
Semifinals and Finals: Live in Como, Italy
Waiting List: A waiting list will be maintained in case any competitor cancels their participation

For more information, visit the Rules.

International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®

For decades, the world has celebrated the music of Astor Piazzolla, the revolutionary composer who transformed tango into an art form of unparalleled depth and emotion. While previous efforts have honored his legacy through competitions—some lasting several editions—none have established a permanent, official platform for celebrating his music.

We are proud to announce the International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA®, created in collaboration with Daniel Villaflor Piazzolla, Astor’s grandson and President of Fundación Piazzolla. This prestigious event finally offers a lasting tribute to the genius of Piazzolla, celebrating his legacy with the excellence and passion it deserves.

Why Italy? A Musical and Personal Home

It is only natural that this competition finds its home in Italy, a country deeply woven into Piazzolla’s identity. Though born in Argentina, his roots run deep in Italian soil—his grandfather, Pantaleon Piazzolla, hailed from Trani, a picturesque coastal town in Puglia, while his mother, Assunta Manetti, was the daughter of Italian immigrants from Lucca, the historic heart of Tuscany. The melodies of his ancestors, the rhythm of Italian life, and the fiery passion of its culture undoubtedly shaped the artist he became.

Piazzolla’s bond with Italy was not just ancestral—it was deeply personal. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, he made Italy his home, spending much of his time composing and performing there while frequently returning to Argentina. Some of his most iconic works were created during these years, inspired by the landscapes, history, and artistry that surrounded him.

A Legacy That Lives On

Now, in the picturesque city of Como, we continue this story, bringing together musicians from around the world to honor Piazzolla’s genius. The International Competition ASTOR PIAZZOLLA® is not just a contest—it is a celebration of innovation, passion, and the timeless spirit of Nuevo Tango.

Join us in Italy, where the past and future of Piazzolla’s music meet, and where his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Gary Burton

Honorary Chair

We are deeply honored to have the legendary Gary Burton as the Honorary Chair of the International Competition Astor Piazzolla. His presence brings exceptional meaning to this event, not only because of his towering status in the world of jazz, but also due to his profound artistic connection with Astor Piazzolla himself.

Burton’s collaboration with Piazzolla stands as one of the most powerful intersections between jazz and tango in modern music history. Their landmark recording, The New Tango, captured live at the Montreux Festival in 1986, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful, profound, and moving musical documents of the 20th century. Joined by Argentine greats Fernando Suárez Paz on violin and Pablo Ziegler on piano, the album showcases the seamless fusion of Piazzolla’s bold nuevo tango with Burton’s elegant, expressive vibraphone style.

From the very first track, “Milonga Is Coming,” Piazzolla and Burton create an exotic and fluid soundscape—infused with light jazz fusion that feels fresh and joyful, while staying rooted in the emotional intensity and rhythmic spirit of Latin music. The result is a timeless masterpiece that continues to move listeners and inspire musicians around the world.

Having Gary Burton as part of this competition is not only a privilege—it is a celebration of a deep artistic bond that helped bring Piazzolla’s music to an even wider international audience. We are proud to walk in the footsteps of that legacy and to have one of the true icons of modern music by our side.

Click here to read Gary Burton’s reflections on Astor Piazzolla