2026 Manhattan International Piano Competition
2026 Tbilisi Regional
Scroll Down
About
2026 Tbilisi Regional - Manhattan International Piano Competition
The 2026 Tbilisi Regional is the official Stage 2 (Live Round) of the Manhattan International Piano Competition. Following the international video screening, selected participants are invited to perform live before a professional jury in Tbilisi, Georgia.
This regional round is scheduled for April 2–4, 2026 at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, a historic music institution and cultural landmark in the heart of Tbilisi.
The Tbilisi Regional serves as a critical step between the online preliminary stage and the final round in New York City. It offers young and professional pianists the opportunity to present their artistry on stage, receive expert adjudication, and compete for advancement to the Manhattan Final.
Endorsement & Special Application Benefit
The 2026 Tbilisi Regional of the Manhattan International Piano Competition is officially endorsed by the V. Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire, recognizing the artistic and educational value of this international event.
In celebration of this collaboration, a special application fee discount is offered exclusively to participants applying to the Tbilisi Regional. This initiative is designed to encourage broader participation and to support talented pianists within the region while maintaining the competition’s international standards.
Live Competition & Jury Evaluation
Participants at the Tbilisi Regional will perform live before an international jury of distinguished pianists and educators. Each performance will be evaluated on interpretive depth, technical command, stylistic insight, and artistic presence.
All competitors receive professional written feedback, providing meaningful guidance for future artistic growth. The regional round emphasizes excellence, education, and international standards of performance.
Awards & Recognition
The Tbilisi Regional includes a formal Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding performers in each division.
Awards include:
• 1st Prize
• 2nd Prize
• 3rd Prize
• Honorable Mentions and Special Prizes
Prize scholarships may be applied as tuition credits toward participation in the Manhattan PianoFest and Final Round in New York City. All award recipients are presented with official printed certificates during the ceremony.
Outstanding participants may be invited to advance to Stage 3, the Manhattan Final Round in New York City.
Pathway to the Manhattan Final
Selected winners from the Tbilisi Regional will be invited to New York City to take part in the Manhattan Final Round & Manhattan PianoFest, a multi-day international festival featuring:
• High-level solo performances
• Master classes with world-class faculty
• Collaborative cultural exchange events
• Winners recital in New York City
The Tbilisi Regional is a key milestone in the competition’s globally structured progression, connecting talented pianists with a prestigious international platform.
Participation Requirements
Age Divisions
Junior Division: Ages 8–12
Senior Division: Ages 13–17
Professional Division : 18-35
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
About
2026 Tbilisi Regional - Manhattan International Piano Competition
The 2026 Tbilisi Regional is the official Stage 2 (Live Round) of the Manhattan International Piano Competition. Following the international video screening, selected participants are invited to perform live before a professional jury in Tbilisi, Georgia.
This regional round is scheduled for April 2–4, 2026 at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, a historic music institution and cultural landmark in the heart of Tbilisi.
The Tbilisi Regional serves as a critical step between the online preliminary stage and the final round in New York City. It offers young and professional pianists the opportunity to present their artistry on stage, receive expert adjudication, and compete for advancement to the Manhattan Final.
Live Competition & Jury Evaluation
Participants at the Tbilisi Regional will perform live before an international jury of distinguished pianists and educators. Each performance will be evaluated on interpretive depth, technical command, stylistic insight, and artistic presence.
All competitors receive professional written feedback, providing meaningful guidance for future artistic growth. The regional round emphasizes excellence, education, and international standards of performance.
Awards & Recognition
The Tbilisi Regional includes a formal Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding performers in each division.
Awards include:
• 1st Prize
• 2nd Prize
• 3rd Prize
• Honorable Mentions and Special Prizes
Prize scholarships may be applied as tuition credits toward participation in the Manhattan PianoFest and Final Round in New York City. All award recipients are presented with official printed certificates during the ceremony.
Pathway to the Manhattan Final
Selected winners from the Tbilisi Regional will be invited to New York City to take part in the Manhattan Final Round & Manhattan PianoFest, a multi-day international festival featuring:
• High-level solo performances
• Master classes with world-class faculty
• Collaborative cultural exchange events
• Winners recital in New York City
The Tbilisi Regional is a key milestone in the competition’s globally structured progression, connecting talented pianists with a prestigious international platform.
Participation Requirements
Age Divisions
Junior Division: Ages 8–12
Senior Division: Ages 13–17
Professional Division : 18-35
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Manhattan Music and Arts Foundation Presents
Co - Director
Jung Eun Hong
" I'm passionate about creating opportunities for young pianists from around the world to connect, learn, and share their artistry in one of the world's most vibrant musical cities - fostering access for all and celebrating music as a universal language."
"This Competition is dedicated to students who may not have access to the same resources, but whose dedication and love for music deserve to be celebrated. It's about giving them a platform to share their talent and dreams."
Co - Director
Peter James
London Season of Excellence Piano Competition 2025
© 2025 by Manhattan Music and Arts Foundation
All Rights Reserved.
Guest Artist
Aidan Siqi Zhao
pianist
Lang Lang Young Scholar
Aidan Siqi Zhao, aged 14, is a highly gifted young musician currently studying in Year 10 at King’s College School, London. He is a dual-instrumentalist, learning both piano and violin as first instruments at the Royal College of Music Junior Department, where he continues to flourish artistically. Aidan previously performed as a member of the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to orchestral performance.
Aidan is presently studying piano under the guidance of Professor Ian Jones at the Royal College of Music, receiving mentorship that has helped shape his expressive and mature musical voice. His talent has attracted national attention; in 2021, he was interviewed by BBC News in recognition of his musical achievements.
In February 2024, Aidan was selected as a Young Scholar of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, one of the most prestigious programmes worldwide for emerging young pianists. Through this opportunity, he has received invaluable support in the form of performance engagements, artistic development, and masterclasses with distinguished musicians.