The 2nd edition of International D Masters Piano Competition, under the collaboration with the renowned Alink-Argerich Foundation, held during D Festival Young Pianist Program, aims to forge a fresh path in nurturing tomorrow’s pianists by celebrating unique artistic expression and empowering emerging musicians to shape their own musical journeys. Beyond the competition stage, we seek to cultivate a supportive environment that fosters camaraderie among participants and enriches the musical community for years to come, contributing to the growth of piano arts education in China and the broader Asian region.
The 2026 edition offers cash prizes, festival scholarships, and a comprehensive artist and young performer management and promotion package with a total value of up to HKD $300,000. Winners will receive carefully orchestrated career opportunities through partnerships with Hong Kong Fantasia International Music Management Ltd. and Hong Kong GMC Music, such as professional manager signings, concert engagements, and recording projects. They will also be eligible for full or partial scholarships to the 2026 D Festival, along with performance opportunities during the festival.
Head to the D-Blog and read A Message From International D Master Piano Competition Jury Chairman by Professor Andrew Tyson to know more about our competition.
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Competitors between ages 8 and 30 must demonstrate advanced proficiency and submit application through the application portal, including applicant's information, first round recordings, a categorized repertoire list for each competition round, and a professional portrait photograph. Prior competition experience is not required.
The 2026 International D Masters Piano Competition is governed by the following Board of Directors, who serve as the competition panel:
Chief Advisor: Gabriel Kwok
Jury President: Andrew Tyson
Competition Director: Junhui Chen
Artistic Director: Ruoyu Huang
Competition Secretary-General: Qitu Feng
Administrative Director: Xiaoqin Pan
Executive Director: Hin-Sing Au
3 divisions of Professional Category
- D1 Children’s Division (12 and under) / Date of birth range: Born on or after July 20, 2013
- D2 Youth Division (13–17) / Date of birth range: July 20, 2008 – July 19, 2013
- D3 Artist Division (18–30) / Date of birth range: July 20, 1995 – July 19, 2008
6 divisions of Amateur Category
- A1 Division (6–7 years old) / Date of birth range: July 20, 2017 – July 19, 2019
- A2 Division (8-9 years old) / Date of birth range: July 20, 2015 – July 19, 2017
- B1 Division (9-10 years old) / Date of birth range: July 20, 2013 – July 19, 2015
- B2 Division (10-12 years old) / Date of birth range: July 20, 2011 – July 19, 2013
- C1 Division (13-15 years old) / Date of birth range: July 20, 2009 – July 19, 2011
- C2 Division (16-18 years old) / Date of birth range: July 20, 2006 – July 19, 2009
The competition formats for each Professional Category division are structured as follows:
D1 Children Division
First Round (online) → Semifinal → Final
D2 Youth Division
First Round (online) → Quarterfinal → Semifinal → Final
D3 Artist Division
First Round (online) → Quarterfinal → Semifinal → Final
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The competition schedule is as follows:
- Application opens: January 25, 2025 (submit videos online)
- Application deadline: May 26, 2026
- Advancement results announced: Early June 2026
- Final round: July 19 to July 31, 2026
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*All live-round stages will take place during the D Festival Young Pianist Festival.
*All travel and accommodation expenses are to be borne by the finalists.
*Venue: Quanzhou Grand Theater (Quanzhou Public Culture Center, Fuxi Road, Donghai Subdistrict, Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province).
The competition formats for ALL Amateur Category divisions are structured as follows:
First Round (regional live location / online) → Final (live)
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The competition schedule is as follows:
- Application opens: January 25, 2025 (submit videos online)
- Application deadline: May 26, 2026
- Advancement results announced: Early June 2026
- Final round: July 19 to July 31, 2026
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*All live-round stages will take place during the D Festival Young Pianist Festival.
*All travel and accommodation expenses are to be borne by the finalists.
*Venue: Quanzhou Grand Theater (Quanzhou Public Culture Center, Fuxi Road, Donghai Subdistrict, Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province).
First Round
Applicants must submit video recordings of two contrasting pieces, each 10–15 minutes in duration.
The judges will select 9 contestants to advance to the semi-final round.
Semi-Final
Part A (optional, not mandatory) : All contestants in each category may choose to perform an improvisation at the beginning of the semifinal round . On site, contestants will randomly draw two starting notes (e.g., A/B/C/D with sharps or flats) and improvise within 2 minutes. This prize is scored independently and does not affect the final results.
Part B : Contestants will perform solo piece(s) totaling 13–15 minutes, and then followed by performing 2 art songs selected from a designated repertoire list (1 from Group A & 1 from Group B) in collaboration with a specially invited vocalist.
The judges will select 3 contestants to advance to the final round.
Group A Art Songs:
1. Schubert: "Gute Nacht" (from "Winterreise"), D.911, No.1
2. Schubert: "Der Lindenbaum" (from "Winterreise"), D.911, No.5
3. Schumann: "Die beiden Grenadiere", Op.49 No.1
4. Liszt: "Loreley", S.273
5. Debussy: "Le Jet d'Eau" (from "Cinq Poèmes de Baudelaire"), L.81, No.3
6. Richard Strauss: "Beim Schlafengehen" (from "Vier Letzte Lieder"), TrV 296, No.4
Group B Art Songs:
1. Schubert: "Gretchen am Spinnrade", D.118
2. Schubert: "Auf dem Wasser zu singen", D.774
3. Schubert: "Frühlingstraum" (from "Winterreise"), D.911, No.11
4. Schumann: "Im wunderschönen Monat Mai" (from "Dichterliebe"), Op.48, No.1
5. Richard Strauss: "Allerseelen", Op.10, No.8
6. Hahn: "Si mes vers avaient des ailes"
Final
Finalists will perform the 1st movement of a designated concerto in collaboration with Quartet Daedalus.
Contestants are encouraged to perform a cadenza of their own composition.
List of Piano Concerto:
1. Bach: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052
2. Haydn: Piano Concerto in D major, Hob.XVIII:11
3. Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat major, K.271
4. Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 12 in A major, K.414
5. Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K.488
6. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op.15
7. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op.19
First Round
Applicants must submit video recordings of two contrasting pieces, each 10–15 minutes in duration.
The judges will select 12 contestants to advance to the semi-final round.
Quarter-Final
Contestants will perform self-selected solo piece(s) totaling 20-25 minutes.
The judges will select 9 contestants to advance to the semi-final round.
Semi-Final
Part A (optional, not mandatory) : All contestants in each category may choose to perform an improvisation at the beginning of the semifinal round . On site, contestants will randomly draw two starting notes (e.g., A/B/C/D with sharps or flats) and improvise within 2 minutes. This prize is scored independently and does not affect the final results.
Part B : Contestants will perform 4 art songs selected from 2 designated repertoire lists (2 from Group A & 2 from Group B) in collaboration with a specially invited vocalist by the D Festival.
The judges will select 3 contestants to advance to the final round.
Group A Art Songs:
1. Schubert: "Gute Nacht" (from "Winterreise"), D.911, No.1
2. Schubert: "Der Lindenbaum" (from "Winterreise"), D.911, No.5
3. Schumann: "Die beiden Grenadiere", Op.49 No.1
4. Liszt: "Loreley", S.273
5. Debussy: "Le Jet d'Eau" (from "Cinq Poèmes de Baudelaire"), L.81, No.3
6. Richard Strauss: "Beim Schlafengehen" (from "Vier Letzte Lieder"), TrV 296, No.4
Group B Art Songs:
1. Schubert: "Gretchen am Spinnrade", D.118
2. Schubert: "Auf dem Wasser zu singen", D.774
3. Schubert: "Frühlingstraum" (from "Winterreise"), D.911, No.11
4. Schumann: "Im wunderschönen Monat Mai" (from "Dichterliebe"), Op.48, No.1
5. Richard Strauss: "Allerseelen", Op.10, No.8
6. Hahn: "Si mes vers avaient des ailes"
Final
Finalists will perform the 1st movement of a designated concerto in collaboration with Quartet Daedalus.
Contestants are encouraged to perform a cadenza of their own composition.
List of Concerti:
- Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K.466
- Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37
- Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op.25
- Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op.21
- Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.16
- Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major, M. 83
- Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major, Op.102
First Round (Online)
Applicants must submit video recordings of two contrasting pieces, each 15–20 minutes in duration.
The judges will select 12 contestants to advance to the semi-final round.
Quarter-Final
Contestants will perform self-selected solo piece(s) totaling 10–15 minutes, and then followed by performing the 1st movement of a designated piano quintet in collaboration with Quartet Daedalus.
The judges will select 9 contestants to advance to the final round.
List of Piano Quintets :
1. Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op.44
2. Franck: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op.14
3. Brahms: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op.34
4. Saint-Saëns: Piano Quintet in A Minor, Op.14
5. Dvořák: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op.81
6. Fauré: Piano Quintet No.2 in C Minor, Op.115
7. Elgar: Piano Quintet in A Minor, Op.84
Semi-Final
Part A (optional, not mandatory) : All contestants in each category may choose to perform an improvisation at the beginning of the semifinal round . On site, contestants will randomly draw two starting notes (e.g., A/B/C/D with sharps or flats) and improvise within 2 minutes. This prize is scored independently and does not affect the final results.
Part B : Perform a self-selected solo program of 45–50 minutes. The repertoire must not repeat any pieces performed in the quarterfinal round.
The jury will select 3 contestants to advance to the final round.
Final
Finalists will perform ALL movements of a designated concerto in collaboration with the D Ensemble.
Contestants are encouraged to perform a cadenza of their own composition.
List of Piano Concerti :
1, Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.4 in G Major, Op.58
2. Chopin: Piano Concerto No.1 in E Minor, Op.11
3. Schumann: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op.54
4. Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No.2 in G Minor, Op.22
5. Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No.2 in C Minor, Op.18
6. Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.43
7. Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No.3 in C Major, Op.26
First Round
Online applicants must submit a video recording of 1 piece of their choice.
Regional live applicant will be performing 1 piece of their choice in one of the regional locations of 2026 IDPC.
Regional locations:
China : Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Fuzhou
Southeast Asia : Malaysia
USA : Seattle, New York
Europe : Paris
A1 Time Limit: 2 minutes
A2 Time Limit: 3 minutes
B1 Time Limit: 5 minutes
B2 Time Limit: 5 minutes
C1 Time Limit: 7 minutes
C2 Time Limit: 7 minutes
*Pop music transcriptions or repertoire are not accepted.
Final
Contestants can choose either one of the following:
1. Perform the same piece in the Final Round as in the First Round
2. Perform a different piece in the Final Round, provided you notify the competition committee at least one month in advance.
Finalists must perform live at the Quanzhou Grand Theatre, with all travel and accommodation costs being the responsibility of the finalists.
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD $20,000.
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Cash Prize: HKD$2,000
1. 50% Scholarship for D Festival 2027 (12-Day Program)
2. Invited to perform at D Festival 2027
3. Production of live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Fantasia Music Management International Ltd.
5. Certificate and Trophy
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD $14,000.
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1. Cash Prize: HKD$1,000
2. 30% Scholarship for D Festival 2027 (12-Day Program)
3. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Fantasia Music Management International Ltd.
5. Certificate and Trophy
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD $5,000.
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1. Cash Prize: HKD$500
2. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
3. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Fantasia Music Management International Ltd.
4. Certificate and Trophy
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD $28, 000.
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Cash Prize: HKD$3,000
1. 50% Scholarship for D Festival 2027 (12-Day Program)
2. Invited to perform at D Festival 2027
3. Production of live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Fantasia Music Management International Ltd.
5. Certificate and Trophy
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD $20, 000.
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1. Cash Prize: HKD$2,000
2. 30% Scholarship for D Festival Young Pianist Program 2027 (12-Day Program)
3. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Fantasia Music Management International Ltd.
5. Certificate and Trophy
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$10, 000.
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1. Cash Prize: HKD $1000
2. 20% Scholarship for D Festival Young Pianist Program 2027 (12-Day Program)
3. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Fantasia Music Management International Ltd.
5. Certificate and Trophy
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD $55, 000.
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Cash Prize: HKD $10, 000
1. Full Scholarship for D Festival 2027 (12-Day Program)
2. Invited to perform at D Festival 2027
3. Production of live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Fantasia Music International Limited
5. Certificate and Trophy
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD $25, 000.
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1. Cash Prize: HKD $3, 000
2. 50% Scholarship for D Festival Young Pianist Program 2027 (12-Day Program)
3. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Fantasia International Music Management Ltd.
5. Certificate and Trophy
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$12, 000.
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1. Cash Prize: HKD $2000
2. 20% Scholarship for D Festival Young Pianist Program 2027 (12-Day Program)
3. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Fantasia International Music Management Ltd.
5. Certificate and Trophy
D1/D2 Divisions: HKD $500 each; D3 Division: HKD $1,000.
D1 Children Division: Best Chamber Music Award (Art Song)
Awarded to the contestant that demonstrates exceptional musicality, listening skills, and stylistic understanding in art song performance with the volcalist. Recipients will receive a Medal + Certificate in recognition of their outstanding collaborative achievement.
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D2 Youth Division: Best Chamber Music Award (Art Song)
Awarded to the contestant that demonstrates exceptional musicality, listening skills, and stylistic understanding in art song performance with the volcalist. Recipients will receive a Medal + Certificate in recognition of their outstanding collaborative achievement.
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D3 Artist Division: Best Chamber Music Award (Piano Quintet)
Awarded to the contestant that demonstrates the highest artistic standard in piano quintet performance, showcasing technical mastery, mature ensemble communication, and a strong grasp of chamber style. Recipients will receive a Medal + Certificate.
All professional group contestants entering the semi-finals will receive the Semi-Finalist Award (medal + certificate), in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the competition.
Distinguished Teacher Award will be presented to the teacher(s) of competitors who receive prize(s) in the Final Round.
Outstanding Teacher Award will be presented to the teacher(s) of competitors who advance into the Semi-Final Round.
Outstanding Institution Award will be presented to the institution (school/studio/organization) whose students achieve outstanding results, such as advancing to the Semifinal or Final Round, or contribute to the competition in terms of promotion and orgnaization.
The following awards are set for each group (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2):
First Round Award Benefits:
Distinguished Teacher Award will be presented to the teacher(s) of competitors who receive the First, Second or Third Prizes in the Final Round.
Outstanding Teacher Award will be presented to the teacher(s) of competitors who receive the Grand, Silver or Bronze Awards in the First Round.
Special Opportunities for Amateur Group Finalists
Contestants who successfully advance to the Amateur Group Finals, after paying the Live Final Round Registration fee, will enjoy the following exclusive opportunities carefully designed by the D Festival team, providing valuable learning and growth opportunities for participants to perform at their best on the final stage.
Finals Qualification: Gain official eligibility to compete in the 2026 International D Masters Piano Competition Quanzhou Grand Theatre Finals.
30-Minute Pre-Competition Coaching: Enjoy one 30-minute professional coaching session before the competition.
D Festival Group Studio Classes: Participate in a series of group studio classes held during the 2026 D Festival Young Pianist Program. Each class is approximately 1 hour, and each group participant will receive about 10–15 minutes of performance and live feedback opportunities. Course content covers piano performance techniques, music theory, stage presence, and other related topics.
Auditing Masterclasses/Lectures: Gain auditing access to all masterclasses and special lectures during the 2026 D Festival Young Pianist Program.
Note: Participants simultaneously participating in 2026 D·Festival are not subject to these terms.
