Festival Competition Information and Regulations
All information is, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of publication. The Cambridge International Piano Festival and Academy reserves the right to make changes should circumstances dictate.
By submitting an application, you agree to accept the following terms.
1. Competition Dates
1.1. The Competition will take place on the following dates:
📌 8th of April 2026 Semi-Final Round
📌 9th of April 2026 Final
2. Eligibility
The competition is open to professional-level pianists of all nationalities.
The age limit is 32 years.
In the tradition of the Festival, also very young pianists with exceptional qualities can be admitted.
The age is calculated on the basis of the starting date of the Piano Festival.
3. APPLICATION and FEE
Applications, completed in English, are possible from January 16th. The registration deadline is March 1st, 2026. The registration fee is set at £100. Registrations are only confirmed once the required payment of the application fee has been received. Payments have to be made to the following bank account:
CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL AND ACADEMY LTD
Account number 28296085
Sort code 23-01-20
Bank Revolut Ltd
All payments must be in GBP and net of bank charges.
Cambridge Spring Piano '26 - Application Form
**Due to the high level of interest and limited capacity, late applications will not be accepted.
4. First Round
The first round will be judged based on recordings (Retpretoire can be repeated from the Final Round Programme). By 1 March, the Festival must receive the completed application form with all the required information, a video link and proof of payment of the non-refundable registration fee of £100. The requested video must contain at least two different works by two different composers. Payment confirmation must be sent by email to info@cambridgepianofestival.com.
The Jury will select up to 20 semi-finalists.
5. Semi-Final & Final Round
Selected semi-finalists must arrive in Cambridge the day before the beginning of the competition. The performance order will be determined by last name alphabetical order. From the Semi-Final Round competitors will be selected to perform in the Final Round. Following the completion of the Semi-Final Round those selected by the Jury will be admitted through to the Final Round. Up to six competitors will be selected to go through to the Final Round.
*All competitors must perform from memory.
6. Repertoire Requirements
6.1. For the Semi-Final round, select either the entire work or movements from the Final Round programme to perform : Please note that the programme should last not more than 15 minutes. The jury reserves the right to stop any performance that exceeds the time limit and may ask the performer to perform for a part of the selection in the Semi-Final round.
6.2. Final Round
A free choice programme to last not more than 50 minutes in duration.
6.3. You must submit your finalised programme on the application form.
7. Prizes
7.1. The following prizes will be awarded: (Total : £5,000)
Each prize may be jointly awarded except the Audience Prize.
- First Prize: £2,000
- Audience Prize: £300
- Second and Third Prizes: cash awards
- Concert Opportunities including the Carnegie Hall Concert in 2026/27 season
*Sponsored by the Festival Committee and various sponsors.
**Prizewinners must include a mention of the Cambridge International Piano Festival Competition Prize in their biographies.
The prize winners will be chosen as follows: The winners will be chosen by a jury consisting of the Festival Director (chair), festival artists and two external jury members. The audience prize will be voted by audiences of the final-round concert.
In case of a tie, the final decision will be made by the jury.
* Taxed will be deducted from the indicated amount according to British law.
7.2. The Jury’s decision is final, and no further discussion or correspondence can be entered into.
7.3. If the winner has not demonstrated consistent artistic growth since completing the competition, or if they are not sufficiently qualified to perform in a recital presented by the Festival, the award may be withdrawn following a meeting of the festival board and committee. Alternatively, the concert prizes may be given to another/other runner-up.
8. General Conditions
8.1. The Competition reserves the right to broadcast, record and film any part of the competition without the participant claiming fees.
8.2. The Competition welcomes applications from students of the Jury. However, Jury members are not permitted to vote or take part in any discussions relating to their students.
8.3.. The original language of the Information and Regulations document is English. Any discrepancy in interpretation will be resolved on the basis of the English language rules.
8.4. Competitors are responsible for insuring their personal belongings. The CIPFA and the College do not accept responsibility for any items lost, stolen or damaged whilst in transit or on the premises.
8.5. All Semi-Finalists will be notified by email no later than 8 March 2026.
8.6. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.