procedure & rules

Supernova is a springboard for young ensembles ready to make their mark. It's an opportunity for young talent to earn recognition, build stage experience and get off to an excellent start on a promising career. Classical music is our starting point, but we like to keep an open mind towards ensembles that blend or juxtapose different genres, styles and musical traditions.

Each year, a jury of experienced programmers selects two Belgian ensembles. These are crowned 'Supernova' and get the chance to showcase their talent to a wide audience during a concert tour across Belgium. The tour will kick off at the Klarafestival 2027. And it doesn't stop there. The Supernovas will receive extensive media coverage on Klara and Musiq3, allowing their music to shine not only on stage but also with a wide audience. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, one of the finalists will also have the chance to win the Supernova Audience Award, worth €1,000.

For whom?

Chamber music ensembles

consisting of minimum 2 and maximum 6 members
whose members are on average not older than 30 on 5 November 2026;
the majority of the musicians reside in Belgium ;
whose members have received professional music training;
with a repertoire based on (contemporary) classical music

The rules of the competition

Participating ensembles undertake to keep the dates of the semi-finals (16/12/2026), the finals (31/01/2027) and the laureates' concert during Klarafestival (20/03/2027) free;
Participating ensembles provide the necessary information (detailed programmes, bio, HR photos and video material) for the announcement of the concerts to the organiser in good time;
The laureates return the Supernova trophy to the organiser no later than the date of the semi-finals of the next edition

What does Supernova offer?

The semi-finalists

Meet like-minded young musicians
Receive valuable feedback from experienced programme organisers
Gain stage experience in a professional context
Make contacts with programmers of Belgian music houses
Can attend an info session by Playright+ on performers' neighbouring rights

The four finalists

Get media coverage via Klara and Musiq3
Are in the spotlight on stage at DE SINGEL
Have a chance to win the Supernova National Lottery Audience Award of €1,000, thanks to the support of the of the players of the National Lottery

The two Supernovas

Go on a concert tour in Belgium
Open their tour at Klarafestival
Receive a professional recording of their Klarafestival concert, broadcast on Klara and Musiq'3 - perfect for promotion and portfolio.

What does the jury take into account?

The repertoire performed meets the criteria below:

The programmes have a duration of 20' (semi- finals), 30' (finals) and 40' (Klarafestival performance).
The choice of repertoire is in line with your artistic identity and tells a coherent story.
(Contemporary) classical music is our starting point, but the end result may take us far beyond it.
Other forms of presentation and surprising repertoire combinations or approaches are warmly encouraged.

The jury will take into account the following elements in the selection:

quality: technique, intonation, interpretation, ensemble playing
programme: original choice of repertoire, fresh perspective on chamber music, dramaturgy, programmability in both small cultural centres and large concert halls
personality: artistic identity, commitment, charisma of the ensemble, presence on stage
communication: contact with the audience, communication between musicians, sense of joy in playing

Who is on the jury?

During the semi-finals, the jury consists of representatives of the various Supernova partners. In addition, there are also 'Star Watchers' present in the room. These are cultural organisations that have committed to programming one or more Supernova finalists three years in a row. Delegates from these cultural organisations collectively have one jury vote.

During the finals, the jury consists of the representatives of the various Supernova partners, two external jury members and one Supernova laureate from the previous edition.

Competition schedule

5 November 2026 (23:59 GMT): deadline for entries
19 November 2026: announcement of the eight semi-finalists
16 December 2026: semi-finals at IMEP in Namur, followed by the announcement of the four finalists
31 January 2027: finals at DE SINGEL, followed by the announcement of the two Supernovas
20 March 2027: kick-off concert tour during Klarafestival 2027