🎹 May 22–23, 2026 | Rathgar Methodist Church, Dublin 6
The Piano Academy of Ireland is delighted to announce the 14th Annual National Piano Festival — our flagship competition celebrating young and adult pianists from across Ireland. The festival takes place on May 22–23, 2026 at Rathgar Methodist Church, Dublin 6, with the Festival Playoffs & 21st Anniversary Celebration Concert on June 20, 2026.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Festival Dates | May 22–23, 2026 |
| Registration Opens | 1st April 2026 |
| Entry Deadline | 10th May 2026 |
| Late Entry Deadline | Monday 11th May 2026 |
| Festival Playoffs & 21st Anniversary Concert | June 20, 2026 |
Festival Adjudicators
Lance Coburn
Adjudicator
Dr. Mary Lennon
Adjudicator
Festival Categories
- Solo Under 6 years
- Solo Under 8 years
- Solo Under 10 years
- Solo Under 12 years
- Sonatina Under 12 years
- Solo Repertoire Under 12 years
- Solo Under 14 years
- Solo Under 16 years
- Solo Under 18 years
- Solo Etude Open (any age)
- Piano Concerto Open (any age)
- Solo Adult Bronze — Pre-Grade 5
- Solo Adult Silver — Post-Grade 5
- Duet Under 12 years
- Duet Under 16 years
Register for the 14th Annual Festival
Registration opens shortly — click below to secure your place!
Prizes & Awards
All participants receive adjudicator feedback, a certificate, and a free gift. 1st place receives a cup & gold medal, 2nd place a silver medal, and 3rd place a bronze medal
🏆 Virtuoso Cup — €125 cash prize
Awarded to the winner of the Solo Etude Open category, together with a cash prize of €50.
🌿 Emerald Award — Best performance of an Irish composer in any category — €75
Presented to the best performance of a piece by an Irish Composer from any category, together with a cash prize of €50.
🎹 Bob Smyth Cup — € — €150
A cash prize of €100 awarded to the winner of the Piano Concerto Open category.
🎖️ The Clive Gouldson Awards
A cash prize of €100 presented to the Overall Junior Pianist — €150.
A cash prize of €200 presented to the Overall Senior Pianist — €300.
🎁 Participation Prize: All participants will receive a pack of the Pokemon Trading Card Game!