The Concerto Open Piano Competition is designed for accomplished students who wish to push themselves beyond solo repertoire and experience the unique challenge of concerto playing. By preparing movements from masterpieces by composers such as Grieg, Schumann, Prokofiev, and Saint-Saëns, participants not only demonstrate pianistic skill but also learn the essential art of musical collaboration.

Performers in this category are guided and evaluated by esteemed adjudicators from the Piano Academy of Ireland and the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Their feedback offers young pianists valuable insight into interpretation, technique, and artistry.

In 2020, competitors included talented musicians such as Gavan Doherty, Brendan Kennedy, Leo Mac Nally, and Jinlong John Situ. Repertoire ranged from Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 to Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, each requiring both expressive sensitivity and technical brilliance.

What makes the Concerto Open Piano Competition truly special is its role as a platform for aspiring pianists to prepare for future professional opportunities. Performing concerto repertoire develops confidence, resilience, and musical maturity. It also introduces participants to the discipline of large-scale works that are central to the piano tradition.

For audiences, the Concerto Open category is always a highlight of the festival, offering an exciting glimpse into the future of Irish pianism. For students, it represents an invaluable milestone in their musical journey, proving that with dedication and passion, they can take their place on stage with some of the most demanding works ever written for piano.