Vienna Piano Prodigy
Competition 2026
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International Piano Competition · Vienna
Discovering and nurturing exceptional young pianists in the city of music.
About the Competition
The Vienna Piano Prodigy Competition was established to support talented young musicians, encourage artistic excellence, and promote classical music.
Inspired by Vienna's rich musical heritage, it offers talented performers the opportunity to showcase their artistry, gain recognition from an esteemed international jury, and take an important step toward their future musical careers.
Who May Enter
The Vienna Piano Prodigy Competition is open to young performers in two age divisions.
Ages 7–12
For our youngest performers — pianists aged twelve and under, beginning their journey on the concert stage and ready to share their artistry with an international jury.
Ages 13–18
For advancing pianists aged thirteen to eighteen, developing a mature voice and an expanding repertoire as they take an important step toward a musical career.
Age is determined as of the application deadline. Piano repertoire is free choice unless otherwise specified.
Program & Rules
Participants perform a free-choice program that must include at least two contrasting works — or works from different styles and periods.
Category I
Ages 7–12
Category II
Ages 13–18
The Format
Participants compete within their respective age categories. In the preliminary round, entrants submit a video and the jury selects the most outstanding performers. A total of six finalists advance to the Final Round, where the jury decides First, Second, and Third Prize in each category.
The Final Round takes place on 5 December 2026 at 15:00 at the prestigious Bellini Hall, in the heart of Vienna. The six finalists perform before an international jury and audience, competing for the top prizes in their categories.
STEP 01
Choose your program and record a single, unedited video of your performance at the piano.
STEP 02
Complete the application and include a link to your performance video on YouTube or Vimeo.
STEP 03
The international jury reviews every recording and selects six finalists to advance to the Final Round.
STEP 04
The six finalists perform live before the jury and audience at the Final Round & Award Ceremony, Bellini Hall, on December 5, 2026. The jury's decisions are final.
Eligibility
The competition is open to pianists of all nationalities within the specified age categories.
Prizes & Awards
First, Second, and Third Prizes are awarded in both categories, each carrying a cash award, a Laureate Diploma, a trophy, and a performance at the Winners' Concert in Vienna.
The six finalists perform at the Final Round & Award Ceremony on December 5, 2026, at Bellini Hall, Vienna.
Winners receive official diplomas and trophies presented during the ceremony in recognition of their achievement.
Every entrant receives an official electronic Certificate of Participation acknowledging their contribution to the competition.
The Jury
Recordings are evaluated by a distinguished international panel of pianists and pedagogues. Further members to be announced.
Dr. Alexa Sowers
Collaborative Pianist, Vocal Coach & Conductor
USA
A Doctor of Musical Arts graduate of the Eastman School of Music, she has collaborated with Houston Grand Opera, Eastman Opera Theatre, and Opera in the Heights. In 2025 she serves on the jury of the International Vienna Opera Competition and as assistant conductor, vocal coach, and collaborative pianist at the Vienna Opera Academy.
Toby Purser
Conductor · Head of Conducting, Royal College of Music
United Kingdom
One of the UK’s leading conductors and Head of Conducting at the Royal College of Music, London. Celebrated for his work in opera and symphonic repertoire — with productions nominated for the Olivier and International Opera Awards — he is a respected mentor to the next generation of conductors.
Miyuki Schüssler
Concert & Collaborative Pianist
Japan / Austria
Born in Tokyo, she studied with Kiyoko Nishikawa before earning a Concert Diploma in Piano at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna under Alexander Jenner and Georg Ebert. An award-winner of the Palma d’Oro International Chamber Music Competition in Italy, she has performed throughout Austria, Germany, and Japan with numerous radio recordings. Since 1999 she has been a faculty member at Performing-Center Austria, and since 2002 a lecturer and répétiteur in the Voice and Opera Department of MUK — Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna.
Key Dates
Phase One
Application DeadlineNovember 22, 2026
Phase Two
Finalists AnnouncedTo be announced
The Celebration
Final Round & Award CeremonyDecember 5, 2026 · Bellini Hall, Vienna
We have received your submission to the Vienna Piano Prodigy Competition 2026. A confirmation will follow at the email address you provided. We look forward to hearing you play.