Prize Winners' Concert with Award Ceremony

International Competition for Young Pianists 2026

The prize winners' concert at Stadthalle Ettlingen marks the conclusion of the International Competition for Young Pianists, held biennially since 1998. The competition is regarded as the world's largest event of its kind; among its former participants is Lang Lang, who won it in 1994 at the age of 11.

The qualifying rounds are open to the public and take place in the week before the prize winners' concert in the Asamsaal at Ettlingen Castle. Participants compete in two categories: Category A (up to 15 years) and Category B (up to 22 years). In a preliminary selection, a jury decides based on submitted recordings who will be invited to the qualifying rounds - the names and nationalities of candidates are unknown to the jury.

An internationally composed jury evaluates the performances according to a points system; results are announced after each round or category is completed. At the award ceremony, main prizes totaling over 15,000 euros and numerous special prizes are presented. The prize winner in the age category up to 20 years also receives an invitation for the following year.