“PRO PIANO–ROMANIA” – ANNIVERSARY EDITION
International Online Piano Performance Competition
30th Edition – June 11, 2026
REGULATIONS
The 30th edition of the International “PRO PIANO–ROMANIA” Competition celebrates 30 years since its founding and will take place online, with broad international participation among both jury members and competitors.
The competition is open to young pianists of any nationality born after January 1, 1996, studying in public or private music education institutions.
The competition is organized into four sections, depending on the participants’ year of birth. Each section is further divided into age categories, as follows:
1. Section A (4 categories)
2. Section B (8 categories)
3. Section C (1 category)
4. Section D – Piano four-hands (3 categories)
I. SECTIONS AND CATEGORIES (according to year of birth)
SECTION A – 4 categories / Participants born between 2019 and 2016
Repertoire: three pieces (alternatively: one étude and two pieces, or three different pieces).
Category A1 – born in 2019 or later – maximum duration: 10 minutes
Category A2 – 2018
Category A3 – 2017 – maximum duration: 12 minutes
Category A4 – 2016
SECTION B – 8 categories / Participants born between 2015 and 2007
Repertoire: one étude and two pieces
Category B1 – 2015 – maximum duration: 15–20 minutes
Category B2 – 2014
Category B3 – 2013
Category B4 – 2012
Category B5 – 2011 – maximum duration: 25 minutes
Category B6 – 2010
Category B7 – 2009 – maximum duration: 30 minutes
Category B8 – 2008–2007
SECTION C / Participants born between 1996 and 2006
Maximum duration: 35–45 minutes
The repertoire should include works that fall within the time limits above (études are also permitted).
SECTION D – Piano Four (six ) Hands
One or two pieces
Duration: 5–15 minutes
II. REPERTOIRE
Sections A and B: competitors must perform three pieces in contrasting styles, within the announced time limits., compulsory by heart!
Section C: the repertoire must last between 35 and 40 minutes (maximum).
Section D (four hands): one or two pieces are required. Performing with the score is permitted.
III. REGISTRATION
To register, the following two documents must be sent together in the same email (not in separate emails) by May 28th, 2026, at 24:00, to address: propiano@gmail.com
1. Registration Form (Excel)
The form can be found in the FORMS section on the website (after the Regulations).
Please select the form corresponding to the competitor’s age and section (A, B, C or D).
The form must be completed directly with all requested information.
Scanned or photographed forms will not be accepted.
For Section D (four hands), the names and details of both partners must be included on the same form.
Links to the competition video recordings must be inserted in the last fields of the form, together with the composer’s name and the title of each piece.
The links may also be attached separately, but must be included in the same email.
Video Recording Requirements
The recording must be made horizontally using a phone or camera placed on a stable stand or tripod. Camera should be positioned to the performer’s right side, showing the performer’s full body and the piano.
After recording, upload the video to a personal YouTube account, using the PUBLIC setting.
Insert the YouTube link in the form, together with the composer’s name and the title of the piece.
Videos may be submitted as: one recording containing all pieces, or separate recordings for each piece, all links must be sent in the same email.
Recordings from other public performances are also accepted, provided they are no more than one year old.
2. Proof of Participation (Donation):
for category A – 80 EURO; category B – 90 EURO; category C – 100 EURO; category D – 110 EURO both (55 /person), payable only by Bank transfer, to the account opened at BCR sector 3, Bucharest, Romania,
IBAN Code: RO65RNCB0074029148620010, SWIFT CODE: RNCBROBU, for: Stela Avesalon.
You must specify, on the payment order: the Name of the competitor and Contest name PRO PIANO. For section A and D – please send for both competitors, not separately. In case of withdrawal or non-participation, the donation will not be returned (for any reason ).
Only complete will be registered, with the documents (separate references are not allowed).
All participants will receive a receipt confirmation, no later than two days after sending! If you do not receive confirmation, please report it to us (it means the documents have not been received).
The list of registered competitors will be published on the Foundation website on June 2, 2026, under the Schedule section. Please make sure to check the list. If you do not find your name, kindly report this issue by email or phone message (please do not call).
IV. PRIZES
Each category will award the following prizes: 1st Prize, 2nd Prize, 3rd Prize, 4th Prize, 5th Prize
Additional distinctions include: Excellence First Prizes, Special Prizes for interpretation, musicality, technical achievement, sensitivity, virtuosity, or best interpretation of a particular piece
Grand Prize Trophy – “PRO PIANO–ROMANIA” International Competition
Special Award: “GEORGETA SANDU” Prize, offered by pianist Constantin Sandu (Porto, Portugal).
Selected competitors may also be invited to perform in recitals organized by the Foundation during the 2026–2027 season.
RESULTS and prizes will be announced online on June 11, 2026, in the SCHEDULE section.
Diplomas will be sent by email to the teacher (for all their students) within one week after the results are announced.
V. JURY
The jury consists of seven distinguished personalities from the Romanian and international musical community:
- Prof. Stela Avesalon – President – Bucharest, Romania
- Prof. Dr. Monica Noveanu – Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Prof. Univ. Dr. Vlad Dimulescu – Head of Department, National University of Music Bucharest, Romania
- Prof. Univ. Dr. Constantin Sandu – Head of Department, School of Music and Performing Arts, Porto, Portugal
- Pianist Mihai Ungureanu – Craiova, Romania
- Pianist Mariusz Adamczak – Warsaw, Poland
- Prof. Univ. Dr. Diego Caetano – Houston, USA
The jury’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
By registering for the competition, participants accept these regulations and the jury’s decisions.
Competitors may not request compensation for the future use or publication of their video recordings.
Additional Information
Phone: +40 0722 38 26 26 (outside 14:00–17:00)
Email: propiano@gmail.com
Website: www.propiano.org