About the Competition
In 2027, the Cleveland International Piano Competition continues its focus on identifying and supporting the future leaders of the piano world while setting its sights on creating a more equitable competition landscape. To that end, we are pleased to continue with and expand our commitment to artistic expression, artist development, and inclusivity.
Artistic expression
A key goal of the Cleveland International Piano Competition is to allow contestants to showcase their artistry and creative programming in ways that are traditionally not supported within a competition.
We provide opportunities unique to the competition world such as:
Chamber Rounds with members of The Cleveland Orchestra
We have deepened our long-standing relationship with The Cleveland Orchestra. In addition to Finalists performing concerti with The Cleveland Orchestra, Semi-Finalists will also have the opportunity to perform in a trio with two members of the world-famous ensemble.
Innovative Competition Rounds
The Cleveland International Piano Competition remains on the cutting edge of the competition world with high-energy performances. We continue to offer competition salon rounds, which promise to engage audiences with speaking and playing. This year’s competition promises to further innovate the classical piano world with the first-ever competition duo Final Four(hand) Challenge!
Sharing Artistic Visions
Throughout the competition, our contestants have several opportunities to share their career development goals and artistic vision with both jury and audience members. After the competition is over, we invite competition laureates back to Cleveland to turn their goals into realities.
Artist development
In addition to significant monetary prizes and the exceptional First Prize Package, our Artist Development Program provides unique opportunities for contestants (Quarter-Finalists through Finalists) to gain specific skills necessary for building a career in the classical music world including:
- Residencies at northeast Ohio universities
- Mentorship opportunities with leading classical pianists, faculty, and innovators
- Short courses in personal branding, social media marketing, fundraising, online teaching, and similar topics
- Workshops on how to build new programming and audience engagement
Prizes
Each cycle Cleveland International Piano Competition awards over a dozen special prizes that recognize choice in repertoire, uniqueness in programming, musicianship as well as bespoke partnership awards that provide performance opportunities in addition to a cash prize.
This year, we are proud to introduce two more unique prizes:
Cynthia Reece Prize
Awarded to the woman pianist whose competition performances advance her the furthest of all women competitors in a single competition year. Valued at $20,000, the prize includes cash award and support for artistic development opportunities proposed by the awardee in consultation with Piano Cleveland.
Larry and Lynn Schmelzer Leadership and Alumni Relations Prize
Awarded to the contestant who inspires their colleagues and creates community within their competition cohort. Prize involves opportunities to build a network of CIPC alumni from the 2027 competition and beyond. Valued at $5,000, the prize is comprised of a cash award in addition to an engagement/performance trip to Cleveland.
Inclusivity
As an international competition hosted by an organization whose mission is to “Build a better world through the transformative power of piano,” our goal is to be as inclusive as possible. That means creating a level playing field; recognizing, accepting, and celebrating cultural differences; and helping contestants overcome financial barriers to success.
Travel Funding
New to 2027! We are pleased to announce the Roe Green Travel Fund. The Fund will cover the cost for all contestants traveling to Cleveland during the summer portion of the competition. Additional funding is available during the First Round.
Equitable Adjudication
We have multiple juries for different competition rounds and have dedicated slots within the First Round for contestants from underrepresented backgrounds to ensure that all qualified pianists—regardless of your country or ethnicity of origin—have a chance to compete.
Flexible Repertoire Guidelines
Within the competition recital rounds repertoire guidelines encourage contestants to explore works from composers of underrepresented backgrounds (or from their home country!).
Competition Structure and Locations
The structure of the 2027 CIPC supports our vision of identifying the future leaders of the piano world. Please read details below regarding each round.
When
All complete applications submitted by Friday, December 4, 2026 at 11:59pm EST will be considered for the 2027 Cleveland International Piano Competition.
In January 2027, our Preliminary Jury will select between 50 and 60 pianists to perform in the First Round, which will take place in spring 2027.
What will applicants do?
In addition to video recordings and biographical information, applicants will be asked to answer short questions regarding their reason for applying to the CIPC and their specific career goals and interests. For more information on how to apply, see here.
Who will adjudicate?
The Preliminary Jury.
When
March/April 2027
Where
Cleveland, OH at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Paris, France at Salle Cortot
How many contestants will participate?
50-60, selected by the Preliminary Jury
What will First Round contestants do?
- Contestants will prepare two 25-30 minute programs of music that feature diverse styles.
- There may be overlap in composer/style between the two programs, but the programs should remain distinct.
- For example, contestants may have Program A feature Mozart and Rachmaninoff, and Program B also feature Mozart, but it must be paired with something that is not late Romantic.
- Why do we ask this? The First Round Jury wants to see how contestants create programming when given the flexibility to build two unique short recital programs.
- The First Round Jury will inform you of which program you will perform by one month before your performance date.
- There may be no overlaps in repertoire with the preliminary recording round.
- Contestants will also have a short conversation with the First Round Jury regarding their programs, career goals, and how the CIPC can help to achieve them.
- Conversations will be held in English, but contestants will not be judged on their English language proficiency.
Who will adjudicate?
A separate First Round Jury, featuring five leaders in the piano world.
When
July 27 – 29, 2027
Quarter-Finalists will be expected to arrive in Cleveland no later than July 17.
In addition, Quarter-Finalists may be asked to participate in up to two Zoom sessions before the rounds to discuss their career trajectories and areas of needed support.
Where
Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
How many contestants will participate?
16
What will Quarter-Finalists do?
- 35-40 minute solo recital of free repertoire with at least two pieces of diverse styles
- Featured genres and style must be distinct from Semi-Final Repertoire
- In either the Quarter-Final or Semi-Final Round, contestants are required to play a work by a composer from a traditionally underrepresented background. This composer may be from the contestant’s origin country if that country is not well represented in the Western Art Music canon. Contestants selections will be subject to review by competition leaders. See more details and resources on the Repertoire page here.
- One piano duo transcription, to be performed at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, July 25. This will be part of the judging process but will not be weighted as heavily as Quarter-Final performances.
- One outreach performance around Northeast Ohio before the beginning of the Quarter-Final Round. This will be an additional opportunity to run through programs and connect with local audiences.
Who will adjudicate?
The CIPC Jury
When
July 30 – August 3, 2027
Where
Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
How many contestants will participate?
8
What will Semi-Finalists do?
- 45-minute solo recital with speaking
- Program should weave together performances and speaking to tell the story of your recital. Speaking may include introductions of specific pieces or composers, a personal narrative, or other descriptive language.
- Speaking should be done in English; if this is not possible, Piano Cleveland will provide a translator in the contestant’s language.
- In either the Quarter-Final or Semi-Final Round, contestants are required to play a work by a composer from a traditionally underrepresented background. This composer may be from the contestant’s origin country if that country is not well represented in the Western Art Music canon. Contestants selections will be subject to review by competition leaders. See more details and resources on the Repertoire page.
- Piano Trio selected from the Repertoire list.
Who will adjudicate?
The CIPC Jury
When
August 4 – 8, 2024
Finalists will be asked to stay through August 11 for celebratory performances and media opportunities following the culmination of the CIPC.
Where
Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
How many contestants will participate?
4
What will Finalists do?
- Final Four(hand) Challenge
- Finalists will participate in a collaborative piano performance for the Cleveland community.
- Contestants will perform three pieces: one solo piece of virtuosity (5-7 minutes) and two four-hand works in collaboration with a fellow Finalist. Four-hand works will be selected by Piano Cleveland from the competition’s repertoire requirements. Four-hands pieces and partners will be assigned when Finalists are announced on August 3, 2027.
- Concerto Final Round with The Cleveland Orchestra
- Repertoire to be selected from here.
- Contestants will submit two choices for their concerto round of contrasting styles. The jury will choose which concerto each contestant will play. Contestants will be informed of their choice when they learn if they are a Finalist (Sunday, August 4).
- Gala performances of single piece, 5-7 min
- Finalists will perform as part of the Piano Cleveland Bravo Piano Gala on August 8, 2027. Each Finalist will play a short piece and speak briefly about the impact of their CIPC experience.
Who will adjudicate?
The CIPC Jury
Jurors
Competition Repertoire
NB: You may choose select pieces from your pre-screening repertoire to perform during the in-person rounds. However, you may not repeat more than one piece from your pre-screening round per in-person program. For example, if you recorded piece X and piece Y, you can play piece X in the First Round and piece Y in the Quarter-Final Round, but you cannot play both piece X and piece Y in a single program.
Contestants will prepare two 25-30 minute programs of music that feature diverse styles.
- There may be overlap in composer/style between the two programs, but the programs should remain distinct.
- For example, contestants may have Program A feature Mozart and Rachmaninoff, and Program B also feature Mozart, but it must be paired with something that is not late Romantic.
- Why do we ask this? The First Round Jury wants to see how contestants create programming when given the flexibility to build two unique short recital programs.
- The First Round Jury will inform you of which program you will perform by one month before your performance date.
Contestants will also have a short conversation with the First Round Jury regarding their programs, career goals, and how the CIPC can help to achieve them.
- Conversations will be held in English, but contestants will not be judged on their English language proficiency.
35-40 minute solo recital of free repertoire with at least two pieces of diverse styles
- Featured genres and styles must be distinct from Semi-Final Repertoire.
- In either the Quarter-Final or Semi-Final Round, contestants are required to play a work by a composer from a traditionally underrepresented background. This composer may be from the contestant’s origin country if that country is not well represented in the Western Art Music canon. Contestants selections will be subject to review by competition leaders.
- Need help finding repertoire? Check out these resources from the Yale School of Music!
One piano duo transcription, to be performed at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, July 25. This will be part of the competition adjudication but will not be weighted as heavily as Quarter-Final solo performances.
45-minute Salon Round with speaking
- Program should weave together performances and speaking to tell the story of your recital. Speaking may include introductions of specific pieces or composers, a personal narrative, or other descriptive language. Speaking should be done in English; if this is not possible, Piano Cleveland will provide a translator in the contestant’s language.
- Featured composers and genres must be distinct from Quarter-Final Repertoire.
- In either the Quarter-Final or Semi-Final Round, contestants are required to play a work by a composer from a traditionally underrepresented background. This composer may be from the contestant’s origin country if that country is not well represented in the Western Art Music canon. Contestants selections will be subject to review by competition leaders.
Piano Trio selected from the below:
L.V. BEETHOVEN
Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 1, No. 1
Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 70, No. 1 (“Ghost”)
J. BRAHMS
Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8
Piano Trio No. 2 in C Major, Op. 87
Piano Trio No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 101
A. DVOŘÁK
Piano Trio No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 90 (“Dumky”)
F. MENDELSSOHN
Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49
F. SCHUBERT
Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, D. 898
C. SCHUMANN
Piano Trio in G Minor, Op. 17
All trios should be performed without repeats in the 1st movement
Final Four(hand) Challenge
- Finalists will participate in a collaborative piano performance for the Cleveland community.
- Contestants will perform three pieces: one solo piece of virtuosity (5-7 minutes) and two four-hand works in collaboration with a fellow Finalist. Four-hand works will be selected by Piano Cleveland from the competition’s repertoire requirements. Four-hands pieces and partners will be assigned when Finalists are announced on August 3, 2027.
C. DEBUSSY
Petite Suite
I. En bateau
IV. Ballet
G. FAURE
Dolly Suite, Op. 56
I. Berceuse
II. Mi-a-ou
VI. Pas espagnol
F. SCHUBERT
March No. 1 in D Minor from Marches militaires, Op. 51, D. 733
J. BRAHMS
Hungarian Dances, Nos. 1, 4, and 5
Concerto Final Round with The Cleveland Orchestra
- Contestants will submit two choices for their concerto round of contrasting styles. The jury will choose which concerto each contestant will play. Contestants will be informed of their choice when they learn if they are a Finalist (Tuesday, August 3).
- Contestants may choose from the following concerto choices:
J.S. BACH
Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 1052
Concerto No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1053
Concerto No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1054
Concerto No. 4 in A Major, BWV 1055
Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV 1056
A. BEACH
Piano Concerto in C-sharp Minor, Op. 45
L.V. BEETHOVEN
Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15
Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 19
Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37
Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58
Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73
J. BRAHMS
Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15
Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 83
F. CHOPIN
Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11
Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21
E. GRIEG
Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16
F.J. HAYDN
Concerto No. 11 in D Major, Hob. XVIII/11
F. MENDELSSOHN
Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25
Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 40
W.A. MOZART
Concerto No. 11 in F Major, K. 413
Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414
Concerto No. 13 in C Major, K. 415
Concerto No. 14 in E-flat Major, K. 449
Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K. 453
Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K. 466
Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467
Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488
Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491
Concerto No. 25 in C Major, K. 503
Concerto No. 27 in B-flat Major, K. 595
F. PRICE
Concerto in D Minor
S. PROKOFIEV
Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 16
Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26
S. RACHMANINOFF
Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18
Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30
M. RAVEL
Concerto in G Major, M. 83
C. SAINT-SAËNS
Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22
C. SCHUMANN
Concerto in A Minor, Op. 7
R. SCHUMANN
Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54
P. TCHAIKOVSKY
Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor, Op. 23
Gala performances of single piece, 5-7 min
- Finalists will perform as part of the Piano Cleveland Bravo Piano Gala on Sunday, August 8. Each Finalist will play a short piece (distinct from what was performed in the Final Round) and speak briefly about the impact of their CIPC experience.
Rules and Regulations
The signing of the acceptance form constitutes acceptance by the contestant of all rules and regulations. The original English version of these rules governs all interpretations.
The competition will consist of four separate rounds: First Round (all contestants); Quarter-Final Round (sixteen contestants); Semi-Final Salon and Chamber Round (eight contestants); Final Four(hand) Challenge and Concerto Round (four contestants).
- Candidates aged 18-32 on or after August 7, 2027, with the exception of past First Prize winners of the CIPC, are eligible to apply.
- All application rules found on the electronic application must be followed for consideration.
- Audition recordings should be made within the past year. The audition program must be submitted as one video, but the video does not need to be recorded in one take. Cuts between pieces are permitted. Edits made to individual pieces are not permitted.
- There will be a total of fifty (50) to sixty (60) contestants chosen for the First Round.
- All selected First Round contestant names will be announced to the public in February 2027.
- The First Round will take place in March 2027 in both Cleveland and Paris. If a third performance location is available, contestants will be notified at the time of their acceptance to the First Round.
- All First-Round contestants will receive a travel stipend of up to $500 USD. Contestants must submit receipts to Piano Cleveland for reimbursement of travel costs.
- Contestants will submit two First Round programs following the competition’s repertoire requirements. Programs will be chosen by the chair of the First Round Jury in consultation with Piano Cleveland leadership. Piano Cleveland leadership will inform contestants which program they will perform by one month before their performance date.
- Sixteen (16) contestants will be selected to come to Cleveland for the Quarter-Final Rounds beginning on July 25, 2027.
- All Quarter-Finalists will be announced to the public on or before April 19, 2027.
- All Quarter-Finalists will arrive in Cleveland on July 17, 2027.
- All Quarter-Finalists will receive one (1) roundtrip economy class flight to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Piano Cleveland will not provide travel or additional accommodation for guests traveling with contestants.
- All Quarter-Finalists will perform community outreach concerts the week before the start of the Quarter-Final Round, as well as a two-piano Opening Ceremony. Partners and repertoire for the Opening Ceremony will be drawn at random and provided to contestants via email at least one month before the performance date.
- Eight (8) contestants will be selected to advance to the Semi-Final Round.
- Semi-Finalists will be announced to the public at the conclusion of the Quarter-Final Round on July 29, 2027.
- All Quarter-Finalists who do not advance to the Semi-Final Round will receive a contestant prize of $1,000 USD.
- Semi-Finalists will have one (1) chamber music rehearsal with members of The Cleveland Orchestra as well as one (1) dress rehearsal session in the performance space. All Semi-Finalists will receive an equal amount of time at each session regardless of repertoire choice.
- The solo recital portion of the Semi-Final Round will be a salon recital 45 minutes in length. Programs should include speaking which may include introductions of specific pieces or composers, a personal narrative, or other descriptive language. Speaking should be done in English; if this is not possible, Piano Cleveland will provide a translator in the contestant’s language. The allotted time of 45 minutes includes all works performed and speaking. Contestants should refer to the competition’s repertoire requirements for further guidelines.
- Four (4) contestants will be selected to advance to the Final Round.
- Finalists will be announced to the public at the conclusion of the Semi-Final Round on August 3, 2027.
- All Semi-Finalists who do not advance to the Final Round will receive a Semi-Finalist prize of $2,000 USD.
- As part of the Final Round, Finalists will participate in a performance for the Cleveland community (Final Four(hand) Challenge). Finalists will perform three pieces: one solo piece of virtuosity (5-7 minutes) and two four-hand works in collaboration with a fellow Finalist. Four-hand works will be selected by Piano Cleveland from the competition’s repertoire requirements. Four-hands pieces and partners will be assigned when Finalists are announced on August 3, 2027.
- Contestants will prepare two concerti for the Final Round from the Repertoire Requirements. The CIPC Jury will choose one concerto for each Finalist to perform with The Cleveland Orchestra, and contestants will be informed of their choice at the announcement of the Finalists on August 3, 2027.
- Finalists will have one (1) one-on-one session with the conductor, solo practice time on the stage of Severance Music Center, and rehearsal time with The Cleveland Orchestra. All Finalists will receive an equal amount of time at each session regardless of concerto choice.
- Finalists will be required to stay in Cleveland until August 11, 2027 to perform at Piano Cleveland’s gala on August 8, 2027 and participate in media opportunities.
- All performances will be subject to program durations expressed in the Repertoire Requirements. Total performance times include pauses and applause. Repeats are at the discretion of the contestant (unless otherwise noted) to remain within the time limit. Contestants may be subject to penalty for failure to adhere to these guidelines.
- All works are to be performed from memory and in their entirety with the following exception: scores are permitted for the chamber music performance and piano duo and four-hand works.
- Repertoire must be different for each round. Contestants may choose select pieces from their Preliminary Round recordings to perform during the remaining rounds. However, they may not repeat more than one piece from the Preliminary Round per in-person program.
- Submitted repertoire is subject to review by competition officials. The Jury reserves the right to request scores for specific works.
- Performance order for the First Round, Quarter-Final Round, and Semi-Final Round are drawn by Piano Cleveland staff using a neutral randomizer and provided to contestants via email.
- Final Round performance order will be drawn in-person by the Chair of the CIPC Jury after Finalists are announced on August 3, 2027.
- Piano Cleveland holds the right to broadcast video and audio of all rounds of the competition, except for the Preliminary Round. Contestants are eligible to request video files of their competition performances. Videos will be provided in Fall 2027. Piano Cleveland retains all ownership of video and audio recorded content of the competition to distribute at their discretion.
- The CIPC has three separate juries: the Preliminary Jury adjudicates the Preliminary Round via applications, the First Round Jury adjudicates the First Round in person, and the CIPC Jury adjudicates the Quarter-Final, Semi-Final, and Final Rounds in person.
- Jurors from all three groups are provided with criteria to equally evaluate contestants. Appropriate criteria for each round are decided by Piano Cleveland leadership and CIPC Jury Chair.
- Jury members will not make contact with contestants while such contestant is continuing to compete.
- Jury members will not discuss their opinions and decisions regarding proceedings, marks, rankings, or contestants for the duration of the competition. Any discussion of competition matters amongst jurors is at the discretion of the CIPC Jury Chairman and Piano Cleveland leadership.
- Contestants cannot be current students of any members of any of the three juries. Once accepted to the First Round, contestants are not allowed to have a masterclass with either First Round or CIPC Jury members. It is preferable that contestants have not had a masterclass with a member of any of the three juries within the past six months of the start of each round.
- Any jury member who has taught a contestant within the last five years, or who will teach a contestant in the immediate future, or has a family relationship with a contestant, must abstain from voting on that contestant. Jury members may also waive their vote for personal or professional reasons. All declarations of abstentions will be made a month before the competition begins and will be maintained throughout the competition.
- Piano Cleveland will elect a staff member to serve as Jury Facilitator for the duration of the competition. All ballots are handwritten and submitted to the Jury Facilitator. Scores are tallied by the Jury Facilitator, one (1) additional Piano Cleveland staff member, and one (1) member of the Board of Directors before being delivered to Piano Cleveland leadership for certification.
- Prizes will be determined by submitted scores.
- In the event of a tie, voting will proceed to a second round involving only the two tied contestants. Jurors will cast their vote for one of the two tied contestants. This voting will result in the top contestant for the round.
- Quarter-Finalists, Semi-Finalists, and Finalists are eligible for special prizes. To select the special prizes, the members of the jury will rank the contestants in order of whom they prefer to be awarded each prize. Should none of the competitors attain a majority of votes, then a further ballot will be held to decide between the competitors with the most votes.
- The decision of the jury is final and not subject to questions, revisions, or appeal.
- Contestants selected at all stages will be announced to the public without regard to rank. After the Final Round is completed, the names of the Finalists will be announced in order of rank. Public announcements at each stage of the competition will precede formal media announcements.
- While participating in the competition rounds in Cleveland, all contestants (Quarter-Finalists and beyond) will be provided with housing, meals, practice facilities, and transportation.
- International contestants may require visas to travel to Cleveland. Contestants should consult their nearest United States Embassy or Consulate for guidance.
- Contestants in the Quarter-Finals and beyond should not have any professional obligations during the competition beginning with their arrival in Cleveland on July 17, 2027.
- Beginning with the Quarter-Final Round, all contestants will have the opportunity at each round to choose between a New York and Hamburg Steinway concert grand. All contestants will have an equal amount of time to test and choose their piano.
- Scores at all levels of the competition are determined by set categories and percentages that provide a holistic approach to adjudication. Beginning with the Quarter-Final Round, scores are cumulative with the Final Round counting for 50% of the total score.
- All announced prizes will be awarded.
- Prizes will be subject to U.S. income tax laws.
- If any unexpected situations arise in the execution of these guidelines, the Jury Chairman, the Chair of the Board of Directors, and the Chief Executive Officer will resolve such situations.
Prizes
Rankin First Prize
$100,000 USD
Carnegie Hall Debut recital
Professional Management Services and Mentorship provided by Arabella Arts and Piano Cleveland
Recording by Steinway & Sons, New York
Second Prize
Knowlton Second Prize
$50,000 USD
In honor of Karen Knowlton, presented with major endowment support from Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Manuel* and Mrs. Marvin A. Evenchik*
Third Prize
Cash Award
$25,000 USD
Endowed by Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Manuel*
Fourth Prize
Cash Award
$15,000 USD
Artist management services for the First Prize Winner provided by Piano Cleveland in partnership with Arabella Arts
Artist Development Program
Prizes within the Artist Development Program are open to Quarter-Finalists – Finalists, depending on the prize. These unique career development opportunities include:
Cynthia Reece Prize
Awarded to the woman pianist whose competition performances have advance her the furthest of all women competitors in a single competition year.
- Prize includes cash award and support for artistic development opportunities proposed by the awardee in consultation with Piano Cleveland.
- Valued at $20,000
Larry and Lynn Schmelzer Leadership and Alumni Relations Prize
Awarded to the contestant who inspires their colleagues and creates community within their competition cohort.
- Prize involves opportunity to build network of CIPC alumni from the 2027 competition and beyond.
- Prize is comprised of a cash award in addition to an engagement/performance trip to Cleveland.
- Valued at $5,000
- Residencies at northeast Ohio universities, including the Cleveland Institute of Music
- Mentorship opportunities with leading pianists, faculty, and innovators in the classical music world
- Performance Opportunities with partners around the globe
- Short courses in personal branding and social media, fundraising, artist finances and similar topics
- Workshops on how to build new programming and audience engagement
PARTNERS
Semi-Finalist Prizes
$2,000 USD
Quarter-Finalist Prizes
$1,000 USD
To each Quarter-Finalist who does not advance to the Semi-Final Round
All contestants are provided with travel funding, including a stipend for First Round performances and full travel costs for Quarter-Final performances in summer 2027. Travel funding for the pianists provided by the Roe Green Travel Fund.
Special Prizes
Audience Prize
$2,000 presented to the finalist voted Audience Favorite during the final round on August 6 and 7.
Baroque Prize
$2,500 for best performance of a Baroque competition, endowed by Art of Beauty/Michael and Zoya Reyzis
Beethoven Prize
$2,000 for the best performance of a work by Beethoven, endowed by Barbara Evenchik* in memory of Marvin Evenchik*
Cairns Family American Prize
$1,500 for the best performance of an American work composed after 1944, endowed by The Cairns Family Foundation
Chopin Prize
$2,000 for the best performance of a Chopin composition, endowed by the William O. and Gertrude Lewis Frohring Foundation in memory of Gertrude Lewis Frohring*
Female Composer Prize
$2,500 for the best performance of a composition by a female composer.
Mozart Prize
$1,500 for the best performance of a Mozart composition, endowed by Dr. and Mrs.* Richard Kaufman
Apply Now
We welcome pianists ages 18-32 to apply to the Cleveland International Piano Competition. Age is determined by your age on August 7, 2027. All applications must be submitted through Acceptd.
You will be asked to submit the following information through our online application system.
Biographical Information
- Concert Experience, including past competitions and prizes
- Concerto Repertoire and Experience
- Current and Past Teachers
- Personal Narratives, including:
- Your interest in the CIPC and how it fits into your artistic goals
- Your career objectives and interests outside of the piano
- Your application program and why you chose these pieces for your application
- Please note: all answers will be evaluated on content, not on English proficiency.
- Recommendations (2x), including current teacher
- Please share this document with your recommenders that outlines what we are looking for in a recommendation letter. Recommendations must be submitted by 11:59 PM on December 17, 2027.
Video Length
20-25 minutes of music
- Include at least two pieces of diverse styles
- One selection must be by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven or Schubert. Applicants are welcome to record a single sonata movement or a full sonata.
- Second selection must be a piece that displays virtuosity
Applicants are highly encouraged to submit 1-2 additional videos of live performances from within the last three years (concerto performances may be included).
Recording Instructions
Your audition video should be a recording made within the last year. It is recommended to use at least one external microphone when recording audition videos to ensure the highest quality recording possible. The audition program must be submitted as one video, but the video does not need to be recorded in one take. Cuts between pieces are permitted. Edits made to individual pieces are not permitted.
Early Bird
November 4, 2026
$150
Deadline
December 4, 2026
$200
Questions About This Year's Competition?
Contact Corey Knick, Artist & Production Manager, at corey.knick@pianocleveland.org