Manhattan International Piano Festival
Manhattan International Piano Festival
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About
Manhattan International Piano Festival & Competition (Manhattan, October 2–4, 2026)
Regional winners from London, Tbilisi, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Warsaw, and Aachen gather in Manhattan for three inspiring and intensive days of performance, masterclasses, competition, artist development, connection, and celebration, including two full festival days at Merkin Hall, the second day at Bruno Walter Auditorium in Lincoln Center and the final day at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
By invitation only, finalists participate in a combined three-day festival and Final competition that includes:
Opening Night Faculty Gala Concert & Reception
Welcome evening with faculty, families, and guests.
Two Masterclasses for Each Participant
One staged masterclass at Merkin Hall and one studio masterclass.
Piano Forum with the Full Faculty Panel
Grand Prize winners perform, followed by faculty discussion.
Piano Lounge with Dr. Martin Labazeivitch
A relaxed and interactive performance gathering with refreshments and constructive feedback.
Introduction to a Life in Music with Dr. Martin Labazeivitch
Division-based sessions for stage confidence, peer connection, artistry, and career development.
Conductor Coaching for Concerto Participants with Maestro Yoon Jae Lee
Coaching on concerto collaboration, orchestral awareness, and conductor communication.
New York Concert Review & Interview Opportunities
Selected winners receive professional review and artist
interview opportunities.
Winners Recital at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall
A final celebration featuring the Winners Concert and Award Ceremony, with invited faculty.
Invited Faculty & Jury
André Laplante, OC - International Tchaikovsky Competition Silver Medalist
Prof. HieYon Choi - Peabody Institute
Prof. Andreas Frölich - Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln
Dr. Inesa Sinkevych - Manhattan School of Music
Prof. Alexander Moutouzkine - Manhattan School of Music
Dr. Deirdre O'Donohue - New York University
Approximate Piano Solo Finalist Numbers
• Rising Artist Division — 6–10 finalists
• Young Artist Division — 6–10 finalists
• Professional Division: 6–10 finalists
→ Approximately 18-30 finalists total.
Approximate Piano Concerto Finalist Numbers
→ Approximately 3-5 finalists total.
Festival Venues
Merkin Hall - Staged Masterclasses & Piano Forum
Engelman Recital Hall - Final Competition Round
Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center
Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall - Winners Recita
Solo or Concerto Category: $1,000
Combined Solo and Concerto Categories: $1,500
Festival Observer - Three-Day Access: $300
Professional Category
First Prize: $5,000
Second Prize: $1,500
Third Prize: $750
Young Artist Category
First Prize: $1,000
Second Prize: $500
Third Prize: $250
Rising Artist Category
First Prize: $500
Second Prize: $300
Third Prize: $200
Cash-Prize Payment Policy
Cash prizes will be paid within 60 days following the conclusion of the Competition and receipt of all required prize-acceptance forms, identification, tax documentation, and complete banking information. U.S. recipients will receive payment via Zelle. International recipients will receive payment via Wise international transfer.
The Concerto Category does not offer cash prizes. Selected Concerto Category winners will be invited to perform with Ensemble 212 during the 2027 Manhattan International Piano Festival, subject to artistic programming, scheduling, and repertoire approval.
The recipient of the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Special Prize will receive automatic admission as a semifinalist to the 2027 Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Piano Competition in Washington, D.C. The Award includes round-trip travel to Washington, D.C., host family accommodation during the competition, and the opportunity to present an approximately 55-minute solo recital in the semifinal round.
Chopin repertoire is not required for participation in the Manhattan International Piano Competition. However, participants who perform a substantial Chopin work of approximately 7-10 minutes will be eligible for consideration for the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Special Prize.
One selected Professional Division prize winner will be invited to London as a Guest Artist for MMAF’s 2026 London programs. The recipient will appear as a featured guest artist at the 2026 London Season of Excellence Piano Competition, MMAF’s competition for young pianists ages 8–18, endorsed by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. At the Season of Excellence, the recipient will gain adjudication experience by participating in the evaluation of competitors in the Rising Artist and Young Artist Divisions. The recipient will also be featured at MMAF’s Yamaha London event, providing an additional performance opportunity and professional experience.
The London programs are expected to take place in December 2026, with the exact date to be announced in October 2026.
Selection is not limited to First, Second, or Third Prize recipients and will consider artistic achievement, professionalism, communication skills, and the winner’s interview.
Travel Support: The Manhattan Music and Arts Foundation will provide up to US $500 toward travel and accommodation expenses.
Three outstanding Professional Category finalists will be selected through a competitive video interview to receive a $500 Manhattan PianoFest Fellowship Scholarship, awarded upon successful completion of the program.
Fellows serve as emerging artist-leaders of the festival. They support festival operations, mentor Rising Artist participants, represent Manhattan PianoFest with professionalism, and contribute to a welcoming and inspiring festival environment.
Candidates must be confident and engaging on camera. Selected Fellows will record daily vlog-style reflections sharing festival highlights, artistic insights, personal experiences, and thoughtful reviews of the program. Selection is based on professionalism, communication skills, warmth, leadership, reliability, and the ability to represent the festival with distinction.
Commitment: Nine hours of festival service and a one-hour online pre-festival orientation. Full festival tuition is due at registration.
Three exceptional Young Artist finalists will be selected through a competitive video interview to receive a $300 Manhattan PianoFest Ambassador Scholarship, awarded upon successful completion of the program.
Ambassadors serve as the official young voices of the Manhattan International Piano Festival. They represent the festival at selected activities, engage positively with participants and guests, and help communicate the spirit and impact of the festival.
Candidates must be comfortable and expressive on camera. Selected Ambassadors will record daily vlog-style reflections sharing memorable moments, personal growth, artistic discoveries, and thoughtful reviews of their festival experience. Selection is based on communication skills, confidence, enthusiasm, professionalism, leadership potential, and the ability to connect with and inspire others.
Commitment: Six hours of festival service and a one-hour online pre-festival orientation. Full festival tuition is due at registration.
A selective youth leadership and artistic development program for up to 15 pianists ages 12–18 who participated in the 2026 Manhattan International Piano Competition, including both finalists and non-finalists.
Members receive access to selected events of the 2026 Manhattan International Piano Festival, including the Opening Night Faculty Gala Concert and reception. Additional opportunities may include serving on the Audience Jury during the 2026 Carnegie Hall Winners Recital; registering to perform in the annual Manhattan Piano Club Recital at Bruno Walter Auditorium, Lincoln Center, in spring 2027; joining the optional London Performance Tour in December 2026; and participating in the Yamaha Grand Piano Fund Project through performance, public speaking, writing, advocacy, and community outreach.
Members will receive Certificates of Appreciation for their volunteer service and may request recommendation letters for college application based on their participation, service, and achievement. Each member will also receive official Manhattan Piano Club T-shirt and tote bag.
Selection is based equally on the applicant’s 2026 competition score and academic record. Applicants must submit a copy of a recent report card or unofficial transcript. The application is free, and selected members pay a $150 annual membership fee.
Optional performances and tours require additional fees. Travel and lodging are the responsibility of each member, with guidance provided by the Manhattan Music and Arts Foundation.
Participants who do not receive a competition prize will be offered approximately three minutes of performance time at Carnegie Hall. Selected prize winners will perform approximately 10 minutes in the Winners Recital.
We have partnered with the following two accommodation options for festival participants and their families. Availability is limited, and accommodation is not included in the festival registration fee.
Park Central Hotel New York
870 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019
A limited number of rooms are available at the special festival rate of $269 plus tax per room, per night with a choice of one king bed or two double beds. Please email info@manhattanmusicandarts.org to inquire about availability and booking.
American Dream Hostel
168 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010
A limited number of shared twin and triple rooms with shared bathrooms may be available for festival participants. We may assist with roommate matching for shared rooms. Please email info@manhattanmusicandarts.org for availability and further information.
