The Malta Cross Music Competition, in collaboration with C. Bechstein Centrum, is set to return for its third edition in 2026, reaffirming Malta’s growing reputation as a hub for international musical and artistic exchange. The competition will take place between April 20 and 22, hosted at the Malta Society of Arts, with the finals held at the Manoel Theatre.
As part of its international outreach, the competition will begin its journey earlier in the year with a special seminar for Czech contestants in Prague. This event will be held on January 15 at the C. Bechstein Showroom, running from 6.30 to 8pm. The seminar will introduce participants to Maltese arts and culture and will include performances, masterclasses, discussions on competition terms and prizes and preparation guidance ahead of the Malta event.
Locally, awareness of the competition will be further strengthened through a live video call interview on Campus FM scheduled for January 22 at 8.30am. The interview will serve as a call for applications from Maltese and Gozitan instrumentalists, encouraging local musicians to take part in this international platform.
The competition is open to instrumentalists aged 16 to 40 with a minimum of six years’ performance experience, or those at intermediate, advanced or diploma (DIP) level. Genres for this edition include film music, classical music, traditional music, pop and jazz, reflecting the competition’s inclusive and diverse artistic vision.
Artistic director Frank Bonnici emphasised that while the competition maintains high artistic standards, its core philosophy is enjoyment, education, and cultural exchange. Alongside the competitive element, participants will benefit from concerts, masterclasses, lectures, educational talks, and experiences of Maltese traditional folk culture.
“The Malta Cross Music Competition is not just about winning,” Bonnici said. “It is about building confidence, sharing knowledge, and creating long-lasting artistic opportunities.”
Winners and participants will receive certifications, trophies and prizes, including recognition from C. Bechstein, one of the world’s leading piano makers. Past prize awards have included performance opportunities in Vienna (Ehrbar Hall), Prague (Emauzy Hall), and Malta Society of Arts.
This year’s edition will welcome contestants from the Czech Republic, France, Spain, Ukraine and other countries, further strengthening Malta’s role as a cultural meeting point.
Musicians interested in participating are invited to submit a biography and a video clip of at least five minutes to maltacrosscompetition@gmail.com. Full application details, terms, and conditions are available at www.maltacrosscompetition.eu.