Competition Details
The Fourth Globe International Piano Competition will be held in person in Hilversum, The Netherlands from 27 - 29 March 2026. It will consist of 3 rounds. The first round will be by video selection. Ten semi-finalists per age group (40 in total) will be invited to play live in the semi-finals on Friday and Saturday, 27 and 28 March 2026. The best 3 pianists from each age category will proceed to the final round on Sunday, 29 March 2026. All live rounds will be held at MCO, Hilversum, The Netherlands, Heuvellaan 33. The competition is open to pianists of any nationality according to the age categories below.
All repertoire is free choice, and pieces may be repeated in several rounds.
A limited number of host families will be available for those who need support to attend the competition.
There will be 15 pianos available for practice during the competition, with one piano shared by four competitors. A practice schedule will be given to you. Practice pianos are in the same venue as the competition hall.
Application deadline: January 10, 2026.
Ten semi-finalists per age group will be announced by January 30th, 2026
Video preselection
- Category A maximum 6 minutes (9 years old and under)
- Category B maximum 9 minutes (10 - 13)
- Category C maximum 15 minutes (14 - 17)
- Category D maximum 20 minutes (18 - 21)
Video Recording Guidelines:
- Videos must be recorded with a single, stationary camera, ensuring the pianist's face and hands are clearly visible throughout the performance.
- Each piece submitted must be a continuous, unedited take. Editing or splicing of individual pieces is not permitted.
- Multiple pieces from different performances can be put together in one video.
- Audio quality should be as clear as possible to allow for accurate judging.
- Videos should be uploaded to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo, and submitted via the application form.
Friday 27 March 2026 semi-final - Category D
- Category D maximum 30 minutes
Saturday 28 March 2026 semi-final - Categories A, B, C
- Category A maximum 9 minutes
- Category B maximum 12 minutes
- Category C maximum 20 minutes
Sunday 29 March 2026 final round - Categories A, B, C, D
Maximum 3 contestants of each age group- Category A maximum 9 minutes
- Category B maximum 12 minutes
- Category C maximum 20 minutes
- Category D maximum 30 minutes
Application fees
- Category A €50
- Category B €60
- Category C €70
- Category D €80
Terms and Conditions
The contestant's age must fall within the specified age group as of January 10, 2026.
Students of jury members who are sitting in the live rounds are not allowed to participate.
Performances in Categories B, C, and D for the semi-final and final rounds must be from memory. For Category A, the use of sheet music and a page-turner arranged by the contestant is permitted.
The decisions of the jury are final and not subject to appeal. Deliberations of the jury are confidential.
Contestants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and visa arrangements and expenses. While a limited number of host families may be available, placement is not guaranteed. The GIPC can provide a letter of invitation for visa purposes upon request after successful admission to the semi-finals.
To ensure fairness and impartiality, contestants must not communicate directly with any member of the jury regarding the competition during the competition period (from the start of the semi-finals until the announcement of final results), outside of official and scheduled masterclasses or designated feedback sessions.
All videos and pictures made during the competition are owned by GIPC and may be used for promotion on social media and the website. If a competitor wishes not to be included in the above-mentioned media, they should contact GIPC before the competition starts. However, this rule must apply to all finalists.
By signing up for this competition, you accept all terms and conditions of the competition.
Prizes
Diplomas will be available for every participant, including those who don't pass to the semi finals or finals. Jury comments will be available on request.- Category A: First absolute prize (required 98/100 points) with HIGHEST POINTS €250
- Category B: First absolute prize with HIGHEST POINTS €500
- Category C: First absolute prize with HIGHEST POINTS €750
- Category D: First absolute prize with HIGHEST POINTS €1000
Special Prizes
- Public Prize - €750
- 3 x Concert in Heuvellaan, Hilversum
- 2 x Concert in Museum, Hilversum
- Concert in Nieuwe Kerk, The Hague
- 2 piano benches and 2 kids pedals = sponsored by Oostendorp
- Participation in masterclasses with Nicolas Bringuier 5 - 7 June 2026
- Participation in summer school August 2026 Heuvellaan Hilversum
- Category D semi-finalists who do not advance to the final round will be offered a special masterclass with jury members on Saturday, March 28th, and Sunday, March 29th. This unique opportunity is designed for young professionals to gain valuable feedback and insights.
- More details to come