Every three years since 1988 some of the most talented young pianists in the world have come to Dublin to take part in this prestigious competition.
Previous winners have gone on to become celebrated soloists and all acknowledge the major role the competition has played in advancing their careers.
While the financial prizes are considerable, they are not the most valuable to those taking part. The competition organisers negotiate on behalf of the winner a series of prestigious orchestral engagements and recitals, giving their career a jump start and providing valuable performance experience.
It’s no walk in the park for the competitors. In the first two rounds each performs as recital programme of their own choosing, of 30 minutes and 40 minutes long. In the semi-final the recital is 45 minutes in duration and must include the competitor’s choice from a number of short pieces specially commissioned for the occasion.
Finalists perform a piano concerto, again of their own choosing.
While this is a grueling process for the young pianists, it means that there is a real feast of music for anyone in Dublin at the time – all the rounds are open to the public and you can also see them streamed live (below is a test, it’ll be live from the competition while it’s on).
Date and details for 2024 subject to confirmation.
Venue and Map for Dublin International Piano Competition
Most of the performances take place in the National Concert Hall or the RDS.
