Professional Division

 

Ages 18–35

Age eligibility is verified at the time of the first regional application deadline (March 15, 2026) and is applied uniformly to all applicants to ensure fairness and consistency.The competition is open to pianists of all nationalities. A valid government-issued ID (passport, birth certificate, or national ID) is required to verify age eligibility.

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Repertoire Requirements

All repertoire must be performed from memory at every stage of the competition.

 

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Professional Division (Ages 18-35)

Maximum 10 minutes.

⏱ Maximum total performance time: 10 minutes

(Longer repertoire may be prepared, but the jury may stop the performance once the time limit is reached.)

• A contrasting program representing at least two musical periods

Participants should present a contrasting program that highlights both artistry and technical command.

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Performance Duration Policy:

Participants should prepare the full program within the stated time limit.

For scheduling purposes, the jury may stop performances at its discretion.

Average listening time per contestant is approximately 10 minutes (Professional).

 

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Competition Structure

 

Stage 1 – Preliminary (Video Submission) One repertoire piece of the performer's choice.  The piece should showcase the performer's technical skill and musical expression.  The video should clearly show the performer's hands, face, and feet for pedaling.

Stage 2 – Regional Competition & Awards Ceremony (Live) Maximum 10 minutes of live performance.

Regional competitions will be held in select international cities 

London | Tbilisi | Brescia | Tokyo | Osaka | Seoul | New York | Chicago | Philadelphia

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Each regional event includes:

    •    Live performances before a professional jury

    •    Adjudication and written feedback for each participant

    •    Awards ceremony recognizing top performers in both divisions

 

Awards:

🥇 1st Prize 🥈 2nd Prize 🥉 3rd Prize 

Honorable Mentions & Special Prizes

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All winners receive an official printed certificate presented on stage during the ceremony.  15-20 minutes of live performance. Outstanding participants may be invited to the Final Round & Manhattan PianoFest in New York City

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Prize scholarships are applied as tuition credits toward participation in the Manhattan PianoFest and Final Round.

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Stage 3 – Final Round & Manhattan PianoFest 

A select group of Professional Division finalists will be invited to New York City to participate in a 4-day festival featuring:

    •    High-level solo performances

    •    Master classes with world-class faculty

    •    Collaborative events and international cultural exchange

    •    Winners Recital at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.  Final winners will perform 20 minutes program. 

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Finalist Numbers:

Professional Division: 10-12 finalists

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