2026 Piano Competition Regulations

Your Gateway to the Global Music Community

Preliminary Round (Video Submission)

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

Submission: Email to: kunstharmoniemusic@gmail.com

Format Requirement:

Please indicate the contestant’s name, age group, and repertoire in the following format:

Contestant’s First and Last Name / Age Group / Repertoire and Composer(s)

*This format must be used in the email subject line, the email body, and the attachment file name. Failure to follow this format may result in delayed notification.

Repertoire Requirements:

One free-choice piece. The piece may be chosen from any style or period and should best represent the contestant’s musical character, technical ability, and overall preparation.
Memorization is encouraged but not required.

Suggested Performance Duration:

• Children A (Age 6–8): 1-3 minutes

• Children B (Age 9–11): 1-5 minutes

• Junior (Age 12–14): 3–5 minutes

• Youth (Age 15–17): 5–7 minutes

• Young Artist (Age 18–20): 7–10 minutes

These durations are suggested guidelines; shorter or longer performances are acceptable at the discretion of the jury.

Video Requirements:

Clean and quiet recording environment
Performer centered in the frame
High-resolution video with clear sound
Recorded in one continuous take without edits

Results Notification:

All contestants will be informed of results by email no later than March 10, 2026.

Final Round (Live Performance)

Date: April/May 2026 (exact date TBA)

Location: New York & New Jersey & China & Taiwan (venue TBA)

Performance Guidelines:

Contestants will perform one or two works according to their age group.

Memorization is required.

There is no time limit; however, the jury reserves the right to stop a performance once sufficient evaluation has been made without affecting the result.

Repertoire Requirements by Age Group:

Children A (Age 6–8):

One free-choice piece.
Optional: One contrasting piece in a different style or period.

*Contestants are encouraged to perform both pieces if possible, but the optional selection will not affect the final evaluation if omitted.

Children B (Age 9–11):

One short Etude (e.g., Czerny Op. 599 or equivalent).
One free-choice piece from any period.

Junior (Age 12–14):

One Etude (e.g., Czerny Op. 849 or equivalent).
One piece from the Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary period.

Youth (Age 15–17):

One Etude (e.g., Czerny Op. 299 or equivalent).
One major work from the Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary period.

Young Artist (Age 18–20):

One virtuosic Etude (e.g., Czerny Op. 740, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, or equivalent).
One major work from the Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary repertoire.

Evaluation Focus:

Musicality · Technical mastery · Interpretation · Artistic presentation · Stage presence

Winners’ Concert & Award Ceremony& Music Summit Opening Gala

Date: July/August 2026

Location: United Nations premises/venues in New York or an equivalent international stage

Program Highlights:

Remarks from United Nations NGO Representatives/officials

Acceptance remarks by the competition winners

Special performances by invited guest artists

Performances by all winners

Presentation of awards and certificates

Exclusive On-site Honor:

All attendees at the Winners’ Concert & Award Ceremony will have the opportunity to take photos with United Nations NGO Representatives/officials, guest artists, and the Kunst Harmonie International Music Competition Committee.

Awards & Prizes & Recognition

Officially endorsed by the Young Global Leadership Foundation, a United Nations ECOSOC–accredited NGO with Special Consultative Status

Grand Prize — Young Global Artist of the Year

Awarded to one outstanding contestant (from any age group) who demonstrates exceptional artistry, technical mastery, and stage presence.

Privileges:

• “Young Global Artist of the Year” a special Certificate jointly signed by YGLF & Kunst Harmonie Committee

• Performance and award speech at the Winner’s Concert

• Interview and featured artist profile on the official website

• Complimentary admission to the 2026 Summer Youth Music Summit (all workshops & concerts included)

• One Recommendation letter from one jury member

• Priority recommendation for next season’s programs

First Prize (one per age group)

• Performance and award speech at the Winner’s Concert

• Interview and featured artist profile on the official website

• One Recommendation letter from one jury member

• Direct invitation to the 2026 Kunst Harmonie Youth Music Summit

• Priority recommendation for next season’s programs

Second Prize (up to two recipients per age group)

• Performance at the Winner’s Concert

• Interview and featured artist profile on the official website

• One Recommendation letter from Kunst Harmonie Committee member

• Direct invitation to the 2026 Kunst Harmonie Youth Music Summit

• Priority recommendation for next season’s programs

Third Prize (up to three recipients per age group)

• Performance at the Winner’s Concert

• Artist name and profile featured on the official website

• Direct invitation to the 2026 Kunst Harmonie Youth Music Summit

• Priority recommendation for next season’s programs

10 Special Awards

Technical Excellence Award – For outstanding precision, control, and mastery of technique.

Artistic Expression Award – For exceptional musicality, interpretation, and emotional communication.

Stage Presence Award – For confidence, charisma, and professionalism on stage.

Jury Distinction Award – Presented at the jury’s discretion for remarkable artistry or individuality.

Rising Star Award – For young contestants who show extraordinary potential and promise.

Best Performance – Classical Era – For outstanding interpretation of Classical-period works.

Best Performance – Romantic Era – For expressive and stylistically authentic performance of Romantic repertoire.

Best Performance – Contemporary Era – For creativity and excellence in late 19th –21st century repertoire.

Comprehensive Musicianship Award – For well-rounded excellence that integrates technique, musicality, and artistic maturity.

Artistic Personality Award – For showcasing a distinctive personal voice, creativity, and individuality in musical interpretation.

All Special Awards recipients will also receive priority recommendation for next season’s programs.

Trophies, Certificates, and Recognition

All awards are accompanied by official certificates and trophies, designed to reflect each level of achievement and to honor the recipients’ artistic excellence.

Grand Prize Winner

• Special certificate and customized trophy (Gold Seal)

• Presented by:

Young Global Leadership Foundation (UN ECOSOC–accredited NGO),

Kunst Harmonie International Music Competition Committee,

and Guest Artist

First, Second & Third Prize Winners

• Winner’s Certificate (Gold Seal) and Trophy

• Presented by:

Young Global Leadership Foundation,

Kunst Harmonie International Music Competition Committee,

and Guest Artist

Special Award Recipients

• Certificate (Silver Seal) and Medal

• Presented by:

Kunst Harmonie International Music Competition Committee

and Guest Artist

All Finalists

• Participant Certificate (Bronze Seal)

• Presented by:

Kunst Harmonie International Music Competition Committee

(In-person presentation opportunities are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Contestants who cannot attend may request delivery by regular mail or collection from a designated location.)