PRIMA MUSIC FOUNDATION
INTERNATIONAL CONCERTO COMPETITION
FOR YOUNG PIANISTS
• ABOUT THE COMPETITION
The 2026 Prima Music Foundation (PMF) International Concerto Competition for Young Pianists is a two-round competition designed to recognize exceptional artistry, preparation, and musical maturity.
The competition provides outstanding young pianists with national and international performance opportunities, culminating in a sponsored concerto performance in Rome, Italy, (Spring, 2027.)
The number of grand finalists have been expanded to 12 in Groups A, B, and C, 10 in Group D, and 8 in Group E. The minimum time limit has been removed for the Preliminary Round and the Final Round. The number of Final Round Locations has been increased. There will be a total of four locations this year: Online, New York, Shenzhen, Bangkok. New Partnership with Skillman Music to provide recording discounts to 2024 Piano Star applicants in the New York area.
• ELIGIBILITY
- Open to pianists ages 10–18 as of May 1, 2026.
- Open to applicants of all nationalities.
- Applicants under 18 must have parent/guardian consent.
- Applicants must possess a valid passport or legal documentation permitting international travel.
The number of grand finalists have been expanded to 12 in Groups A, B, and C, 10 in Group D, and 8 in Group E. The minimum time limit has been removed for the Preliminary Round and the Final Round. The number of Final Round Locations has been increased. There will be a total of four locations this year: Online, New York, Shenzhen, Bangkok. New Partnership with Skillman Music to provide recording discounts to 2024 Piano Star applicants in the New York area.
• REQUIRED REPERTOIRE
Johann Sebastian Bach
- Johann Sebastian Bach – Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052
- Johann Sebastian Bach – Concerto in F minor, BWV 1056
- Johann Sebastian Bach – Concerto in D major, BWV 1054
Joseph Haydn
- Joseph Haydn – Piano Concerto Hob. XVIII:1
- Joseph Haydn – Piano Concerto Hob. XVIII:3
- Joseph Haydn – Piano Concerto Hob. XVIII:4
- Joseph Haydn – Piano Concerto Hob. XVIII:11
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Concerto No. 11 in F major, K. 413
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Concerto No. 12 in A major, K. 414
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Concerto No. 13 in C major, K. 415
Ludwig van Beethoven
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19
Johann Nepomuk Hummel
- Johann Nepomuk Hummel – Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 85
- Johann Nepomuk Hummel – Piano Concerto in B minor, Op. 89
Felix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn – Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25
Frédéric Chopin
- Frédéric Chopin – Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11
- Frédéric Chopin – Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21
- All repertoire must be performed from memory.
- The same concerto must be performed in:
- The Preliminary Round (video)
- The Final Round (live)
- The Winner’s Performance in Rome, Italy
- No repertoire changes are permitted after submission.
- Cuts are not permitted unless standard and/or traditionally accepted.
- Cadenzas may be performed as written or artist-composed.
• APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Applicants must submit:
- A YouTube link (Public or Unlisted) of a single, unedited performance either the first movement of a piano concerto, OR the second and third movements performed consecutively. Concertos by J.S.Bach that last around 15 minutes should be recorded in their entirety. The videos must be recorded in a single, continuous take from one fixed camera angle, clearly showing the performer’s face and hands, with no audio or video editing permitted.
- The video title should include the applicant’s full name and the title of the concerto.
- A short biography (200–250 words).
- Application fee $75
The Fee is waived for the 2026 PMF Piano Summer Camp applicants. - Confirmation of valid passport status. (All applicants must possess a valid passport or green card permitting international travel to and from Italy. The PMF International Concerto Competition does not provide visas, visa assistance, or official invitation letters of any kind. It is the sole responsibility of the participant to ensure compliance with all travel, visa, and entry requirements.) *For additional information, please refer to the Travel & International Performance Disclaimer included in the application form.
The number of grand finalists have been expanded to 12 in Groups A, B, and C, 10 in Group D, and 8 in Group E. The minimum time limit has been removed for the Preliminary Round and the Final Round. The number of Final Round Locations has been increased. There will be a total of four locations this year: Online, New York, Shenzhen, Bangkok. New Partnership with Skillman Music to provide recording discounts to 2024 Piano Star applicants in the New York area.
• AUDITION PROCESS
Preliminary Round (Video Audition via Youtube Link)
All submissions will be reviewed by the PMF International Concerto Competition Jury and the results will be posted at www.primamusicfoundation.com/competition/ on May 15th, 2026
Five finalists will be invited to perform at the Final Round in Pittsfield, MA on June 29th, 2026.
Final Round (Live Performance)
Location: Berkshire Music School, Pittsfield, MA
Rehearsal: June 28, 2026
Performance: June 29, 2026
Finalists will perform the complete concerto from memory with second piano accompaniment provided by PMF International Concerto Competition. Finalists may perform with their own accompanist if PMF International Concerto Competition is notified in advance of the Final Round.
Finalists are responsible for their own travel and lodging in Pittsfield, MA.
Audition results will be announced following jury deliberations on June 29, 2026. All jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
The number of grand finalists have been expanded to 12 in Groups A, B, and C, 10 in Group D, and 8 in Group E. The minimum time limit has been removed for the Preliminary Round and the Final Round. The number of Final Round Locations has been increased. There will be a total of four locations this year: Online, New York, Shenzhen, Bangkok. New Partnership with Skillman Music to provide recording discounts to 2024 Piano Star applicants in the New York area.