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International
D Masters piano competition
Compete at the highest level during D·Festival's premier international piano competition
About IDPC
The 2nd edition of International D Masters Piano Competition (IDPC), held during D·Festival, 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 IDPC 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.
Open to all pianists worldwide
Competitors between ages 8 and 30 must demonstrate advanced proficiency and submit application through the application portal, including applicant's information, pre-screen recordings, a categorized repertoire list for each competition round, , and a professional portrait photograph. Prior competition experience is not required.
Professional & Amateur
2026 IDPC will be divided into two main categories:
1. Professional Category
2. Amateur Category.
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:
- A2 Division (8-9 years old) /
Date of birth range:
- A3 Division (9-10 years old) /
Date of birth range:
- A4 Division (10-12 years old) /
Date of birth range:
- A5 Division (13-15 years old) /
Date of birth range:
- A6 Division (16-18 years old) /
Date of birth range:
Professional Formats
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
All rounds except the First Round will take place during the D·Festival live at Quanzhou Grand Theatre.
D1 Repertoire
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: Contestants will perform solo piece(s) totaling 13–15 minutes
Part B: Contestants will then followed by performing 2 art songs selected from a designated repertoire list (1 from Group A & 1 from Group B) in collaboration with an IDPC specially invited vocalist.
The judges will select three 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.
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
D2 Repertoire
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.
Quarter-Final
Part A: Contestants will perform solo piece(s) totaling 13–15 minutes
Part B: 2 art songs selected from a designated repertoire list, performed in collaboration with an IDPC specially invited vocalist.
The judges will select 3 contestants to advance to the final round.
Semi-Final
Contestants will perform 4 art songs selected from 2 designated repertoire lists (2 from Group A & 2 from Group B) in collaboration with an IDPC 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.
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
D3 Repertoire
First Round
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
Part A: Contestants will perform solo piece(s) totaling 10–15 minutes,
Part B: Contestants will then perform the 1st movement of a designated piano quintet in collaboration with Quartet Daedalus.
The judges will select 3 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
Contestants will perform solo piece(s) totaling 13–15 minutes, followed by two art songs selected from a designated repertoire list, performed in collaboration with an IDPC specially invited vocalist. The judges will select 3 contestants to advance to the final round.
Final
Finalists will perform the first movement of a designated concerto in collaboration with D·Ensemble.
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
Amateur Group Repertoire
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 (Amateur Group).
Regional locations: Seattle (USA), Beijing (China), Guangzhou (China), Shenzhen (China), Xiamen (China)
A1 Time Limit: 2 minutes
A2 Time Limit: 2 minutes
B1 Time Limit: 3 minutes
B2 Time Limit: 5 minutes
C1 Time Limit: 7 minutes
C2 Time Limit: 7 minutes
Final
Contestants who successfully advance to the Amateur Group Final Round, after paying the Final Round participation fee (HKD $2, 500), 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. Finalists must perform live at the Quanzhou Grand Theatre, with all travel and accommodation costs being the responsibility of the finalists.
1. Finals Qualification: Gain official eligibility to compete in the 2026 IDPC DMasters International Piano Competition Quanzhou Grand Theatre Finals.
2. 30-Minute Pre-Competition Coaching: Enjoy one 30-minute professional coaching session before the competition.
3. Studio Class: Participate in a series of group studio classes held during the 2026 D·Festival. Each class is approximately 1 hour, and each group participant will receive about 10–15 minutes of performance and live feedback opportunities. Class content covers piano performance techniques, music theory, stage presence, and other related topics.
4. Auditing Masterclasses/Lectures: Gain auditing access to all masterclasses and special lectures during the 2026 DFestival Young Pianist Art Festival.
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 IDPC committee at least one month in advance.
D1 Prizes
first place
First Prize
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$20,000.
Cash Prize: HKD$2,000
1. 50% Scholarship for DFestival 2027 (12-day participation category)
2. Invited to perform at DFestival 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
second place
Second Prize
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$14,000.
1. Cash Prize: HKD$1,000
2. 30% Scholarship for DFestival 2027 (12-day participation category)
3. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Phantasy Music International Limited
5. Certificate and Trophy
Third place
Third Place
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$5,000.
1. Cash Prize: HKD$500
2. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
3. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Phantasy Music International Limited
4. Certificate and Trophy
D2 Prizes
first place
First Prize
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$20,000.
Cash Prize: HKD$2,000
1. 50% Scholarship for DFestival 2027 (12-day participation category)
2. Invited to perform at DFestival 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
second place
Second Prize
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$14,000.
1. Cash Prize: HKD$1,000
2. 30% Scholarship for DFestival 2027 (12-day participation category)
3. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Phantasy Music International Limited
5. Certificate and Trophy
Third place
Third Place
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$5,000.
1. Cash Prize: HKD$500
2. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
3. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Phantasy Music International Limited
4. Certificate and Trophy
D3 Prizes
first place
First Prize
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$20,000.
Cash Prize: HKD$2,000
1. 50% Scholarship for DFestival 2027 (12-day participation category)
2. Invited to perform at DFestival 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
second place
Second Prize
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$14,000.
1. Cash Prize: HKD$1,000
2. 30% Scholarship for DFestival 2027 (12-day participation category)
3. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
4. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Phantasy Music International Limited
5. Certificate and Trophy
Third place
Third Place
Scholarship, cash prize, and performer development package worth a total of HKD$5,000.
1. Cash Prize: HKD$500
2. Production of professional live competition recordings (video and audio)
3. Concert performance opportunities planned by Hong Kong Phantasy Music International Limited
4. Certificate and Trophy
Special Prizes
Chamber Awards
Chamber Awards
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 Group: 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.
Semi-Final Award
Instructor award
Outstanding Instructor Award
Presented to instructors whose students have demonstrated exceptional artistic level and notable achievements in the competition. This award recognizes the teacher’s dedication, pedagogical excellence, and long-term contribution to the development of young musicians. Recipients will receive a Trophy + Certificate.
Organization award
Organization award
Excellent Organization Award
Awarded to institutions, studios, or organizations that have shown outstanding support in organizing, preparing, and promoting contestants’ participation in the competition. This prize acknowledges exemplary administrative coordination, publicity efforts, and commitment to music education. Recipients will receive a Trophy + Certificate.
Preliminary Round Awards
The following awards are set for each group (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2):
- First Prize
- Second Prize
- Third Prize
- Excellence Award
Preliminary Round Award Benefits:
- Awarded an exquisite certificate of achievement to recognize the contestant's outstanding performance in the preliminary round.
- Free registration fee for the 2026 D Festival Young Pianist Art Festival, and direct qualification to participate in various festival activities and masterclasses without audition.
- Winners of the First, Second, and Third Prizes in the preliminary round will directly advance to the Quanzhou Finals. The final performance piece can be the same as the divisional preliminary piece, or it can be changed, but the organizing committee must be notified via email before June 15, 2026.
Final Round Awards
The following awards are set for each group (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2):
- 2026 D·Festival Young Pianist Art Festival 30% Scholarship (12-day full course).
- Opportunity to perform in a concert sponsored, planned, and organized by Hong Kong Huanle International Co., Ltd., sharing the stage with the second and third place winners (specific date and venue to be determined).
- Awarded an exquisite trophy and certificate.
- 2026 D·Festival Young Pianist Art Festival 20% Scholarship (12-day full course).
- Opportunity to perform in a concert sponsored, planned, and organized by Hong Kong Huanle International Co., Ltd., sharing the stage with the first and third place winners (specific date and venue to be determined).
- Awarded an exquisite trophy and certificate.
- 2026 D·Festival Young Pianist Art Festival 10% Scholarship (12-day full course).
- Opportunity to perform in a concert sponsored, planned, and organized by Hong Kong Huanle International Co., Ltd., sharing the stage with the first and second place winners (specific date and venue to be determined).
- Awarded an exquisite trophy and certificate.
Important Participation Instructions and D·Festival Involvement
- All participants must pass the online preliminary round and advance to be eligible to participate in the subsequent on-site (quarter-finals/semi-finals/finals) competitions at Quanzhou Grand Theatre.
- All registrations must be submitted through the official website or designated email (AdministrationParticipants who pass the preliminary round automatically qualify for the 2026 D·Festival Young Pianist Art Festival and are exempt from the festival registration fee – if they pass the online preliminary round and enter the on-site main competition, they are also exempt from the Live Round Competition Fees.
- D1 Children's Group
If semi-finalists do not advance to the finals, their subsequent rehearsal classes with Quartet Daedalus will be automatically canceled. - D2 Youth Group
If quarter-finalists do not advance to the semi-finals, or semi-finalists do not advance to the finals, their subsequent rehearsal classes with invited young vocalists or Quartet Daedalus will be automatically canceled. - D3 Artist Group
If quarter-finalists do not advance to the semi-finals, or semi-finalists do not advance to the finals, their subsequent rehearsal classes with Quartet Daedalus or the Festival Chamber Orchestra (D-Ensemble) will be automatically canceled.
Note: Participants simultaneously participating in 2026 D·Festival are not subject to these terms.
- Students who register for and are admitted to the 2026 D·Festival Young Pianist Art Festival and simultaneously participate in the competition can be exempt from the preliminary round registration fee – if they enter the on-site main competition, they are also exempt from the on-site main competition participation fee. The repertoire requirements for D·Festival registration are the same as those for the competition's preliminary round.
Rules & Regulation
To ensure the smooth running of the 2026 IDPC International D·Masters Piano Competition, all contestants and relevant personnel must comply with the following rules and guidelines. This section details key information such as eligibility, registration procedures, competition format, judging criteria, code of conduct, and technical requirements.
- All contestants must meet the age requirements of their registered category, with July 19, 2026, as the baseline date. The age range for the Professional Category is 8 to 30 years old.
- The same contestant may register for multiple amateur divisions, but not for multiple professional divisions. For example: the same contestant can register for both Amateur Group B1 and B2, but canot register for both Professional D1 and Professional D2.
- Registration must be conducted individually. Group registrations, proxy registrations, and anonymous registrations are not accepted. All contestants must provide valid identification documents for verification.
- Contestants must guarantee that all submitted registration information and performance videos are genuinely recorded by themselves. If forgery, proxy performance, tampering, or other improper conduct is discovered, the organizing committee reserves the right to immediately disqualify their participation and awards.
- All registrations must be submitted through the official website or designated email (Administration@dfestival.org).Registration materials include:
- Proof of identity (ID card, passport, or student ID)
- Personal resume (including educational background and artistic experience)
- Registered category and repertoire list
- Performance video link(s) (applicable for online First Round)
- Proof of registration fee payment
- The Professional Category competition is divided into the following stages (combinations of stages may vary depending on individual categories):
- First Round (Online)
- Quarter-Final (Live)
- Semi-Final (Live)
- Final (Live)
- Repertoire requirements, performance duration, and format for each round are subject to the "Category Repertoire Requirements".
- All live rounds require contestants to report by the time notified by the organizing committee. Those who fail to report on time or are absent without valid reason will be deemed to have voluntarily forfeited their eligibility.
- The accompanying orchestra for the final concerto will be arranged by the organizer. Contestants are not permitted to bring their own accompanists or designate performers.
- The organizing committee reserves the right to adjust the schedule, venue, and round arrangements based on actual circumstances.
- Advancement quotas for each group will be determined by ranking based on weighted average scores, to be announced after review by the jury.
- A maximum of three finalists will be admitted to the finals for each group, and award placings may be left vacant.
- The jury will award first, second, and third prizes based on performance level:
- First place cannot be shared.
- Second and third places may be shared by multiple contestants.
- If no satisfactory performance is achieved, the placing may be left vacant.
- If two or more contestants have exactly the same cumulative average score, the jury will first re-vote on these contestants.
- All contestants must demonstrate professionalism, respect the judges, staff, and other contestants, and uphold the order and fair play principles of the competition.
- If any contestant is found to have submitted false information, non-personal performance videos, disrupted order, contacted judges privately, or engaged in other violations, the organizing committee reserves the right to immediately disqualify them, and the registration fee will not be refunded.
- During the competition, unauthorized filming, recording, or live streaming of other contestants' performances is prohibited, as is any unauthorized publicity or display.
- All first round videos must be high-definition performance footage recorded within the last 12 months, and editing, mixing, or post-production is prohibited.
- The video must not display the contestant's name, portrait, or any identifying information; only the title and composer of the piece may be shown.
- Solo and concerto pieces must be performed from memory; art songs and chamber music pieces may be performed with sheet music.
- Online contestants must prepare their own equipment and stable internet connection. Consequences arising from equipment failure or upload failure are the sole responsibility of the contestant.
- All competition results are final decisions of the judging panel; there is no review mechanism for results, and no form of appeal or objection will be accepted.
- Should there be any questions regarding the process during or after the competition, inquiries may be made through official channels, but this must not affect the competition results or prize distribution.
- After the competition, contestants may schedule a face-to-face meeting with a judge, with a time limit of 15 minutes per person. Spots are limited and require advance registration.
- All other matters not covered by these rules will be jointly decided by the IDPC jury and organizing committee, who reserve the right of final interpretation.
- The official languages of this competition are Chinese and English. In case of any discrepancy between the two versions, the Chinese version shall prevail.
- The copyright and right of use of all audio, video, and image materials generated during the competition belong to the organizer. The organizer has the right to use them for promotional, publication, broadcasting, and non-commercial educational outreach purposes. Registration is considered as the contestant's agreement to authorize the use of their portrait, name, and image data.
- All registration information will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used for the organization and management of this competition and related art festivals, not for any other purpose.
- In the event of unforeseen circumstances (such as epidemics, natural disasters, policy adjustments, etc.) affecting the competition process, the organizer reserves the right to adjust, postpone, cancel, or modify the rules, and will announce such changes in advance through official channels.