4th GOLDEN PIANO TALENTS COMPETITION 2025
Organized by the International Association for Cultural Development and Education – ART FEST, Republic of North Macedonia, Europe
The GOLDEN PIANO TALENTS COMPETITION is recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious and largest piano competitions, attracting around a thousand contestants from 60 countries across all continents. It offers a global and unique platform to showcase exceptional pianists and assist in their career development.
Thе competition provides support and motivation for pianists of all skill levels, ages, and nationalities, encouraging them to build internationally recognized professional careers. It also promotes high-quality musical performances from around the world.
The organization is committed to maintaining the highest international professional standards, inspiring both pianists and audiences by fostering a love for piano and music in general.
Over the past three editions, 115 winners of categories have been invited to perform at the Golden Piano Talents Festival, where they participated in Grand Ceremony Concerts. Additionally, 20 selected pianists had the opportunity to perform full recitals at the festival in North Macedonia.
With great respect, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all pianists and their teachers who participated in previous editions of the GOLDEN PIANO TALENTS COMPETITION. We especially appreciate the winners who showcased their talent in Grand Ceremony Concerts and Recitals at the Golden Piano Talents Festival in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
GOLDEN PIANO TALENTS COMPETITION 2025
The 2025 edition of the competition will be organized entirely online.
However, the Grand Ceremony Concert featuring the winners will take place live in North Macedonia as part of the Golden Piano Talents Festival. 40 winners of categories and selected Grand Prize winners will be invited and few of them will have the opportunity to present their own recital during the festival.
Application Details:
- Open to all pianists, all ages, all nationalities, all levels
- Participants must submit video recordings
- Application deadline: April 30, 2025
- A motivational and friendly competition, welcoming young piano talents
- Evaluated by an esteemed international jury of renowned pianists and professors
Awards:
- No limit on awards—multiple pianists may share First, Second, and Third places, Honorable Mentions, Special Awards, and certificates for participation.
- Winners of the Golden Grand Prize (100 points), and Grand Prize winners (98-100 points), will be invited to perform at the Golden Grand Ceremony Concert in North Macedonia, September 2025
- Their teachers play a vital role in the winners’ success and are also invited to the Grand Ceremony concert
- The Grand Ceremony Concert will be part of the Golden Piano Talents Festival 2025
- All pianists and Teachers who participate in the Golden Piano Talents Competition can be guests at the festival, their families as well. The entrance is free.
Venue:
- The concert will take place in the stunning Bezisten Hall in Shtip, a 16th-century acoustical Art Gallery Hall in September 2025 (location to change if necessary, dates will be announced after the results of the competition).
Awards for Grand Ceremony Concert Participants:
- Plaques, medals, certificates, gifts
- Opportunity for a recital at the festival
- The competition Golden Laureate will receive:
- Cash prize of 45,000 MKD
- Plaque, medal, and recital invitation
- Participation in the Grand Ceremony Concert
- Paid accommodation during the festival
- Teachers’ Awards:
- Diplomas for extraordinary pedagogical achievement
- The Best Teacher (highest number of awarded students) will receive:
- Golden Piano Teacher Award plaque, medal, and a cash prize of 10,000 MKD
- Invitation to be a jury member in the next edition
- Selected winners will also have an opportunity for their own recital
MEDIA & GALLERY
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GOLDEN PIANO TALENTS FESTIVAL
The Golden Piano Talents Festival is a prestigious and truly unique platform where young pianists from around the world showcase their artistry and talent on an international stage. It provides an exceptional opportunity for emerging musicians to gain recognition, perform in a professional setting, and connect with esteemed mentors and fellow artists. With its inspiring atmosphere and unwavering commitment to excellence, the festival nurtures the next generation of pianists, guiding them toward successful musical careers.
At the heart of the festival are the extraordinary winners from each category, who captivate audiences with breathtaking performances filled with passion and virtuosity. These performances span various levels—from accomplished young professionals to exceptionally talented rising stars—each accompanied by their dedicated teachers. This collaboration highlights the invaluable role of mentorship and guidance in shaping musical journeys, making each performance even more special.
The festival is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a vibrant celebration of outstanding artistry, creative exchange, and lifelong friendships. The majestic 16th-century acoustic hall comes alive with the energy of young talents, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of inspiration and musical brilliance.
As an international event, the Golden Piano Talents Festival offers a rich program of unique musical experiences for young pianists, including:
- Recitals by gifted young pianists from around the world
- Masterclasses with distinguished pianists and educators
- The Grand Ceremony Concert, featuring the winners of the Golden Piano Talents Competition
- A special Concert of Young Macedonian Pianists, showcasing local talent
The festival is proudly supported by the Municipality of Shtip and Mayor Mr. Ivan Jordanov, whose dedication helps create an inspiring platform for young musicians to shine.
Follow our social media for highlights and updates from the Golden Piano Talents Festival.
COMPETITION DISCIPLINES:
- PIANO – CLASSICAL MUSIC
- CHAMBER MUSIC (Piano included)
- POPULAR MUSIC (Pop, Rock, Jazz, Traditional, etc.)
- STUDENT–PROFESSOR (Student soloist & teacher accompaniment)
- PIANO LOVERS (Late beginners, hobbyists, amateurs)
- CONCERT PERFORMANCE (With an orchestra or piano accompaniment)
AWARDS FOR PIANISTS AND TEACHERS at the Competition:
AWARDS FOR PIANISTS:
- GOLDEN PIANO TALENT DIPLOMAS:
- GOLDEN LAUREATE (1 Winner of all categories)
- GOLDEN GRAND PRIZE (100 POINTS) (Each category)
- GRAND PRIZE (98-100 POINTS) (Each category)
- 1ST, 2ND, and 3RD Awards
- Honorable Mentions & Special Prizes
- Participation in the Grand Ceremony Concert
- Recitals, plaques, medals, and gifts
- Cash Prize for the Laureate – 45.000 MKD and paid accommodation during the festival
CONCERT OPPORTUNITIES:
- Invitation to perform live at the Grand Ceremony Concert (Golden Grand Prize & Grand Prize winners)
- Recital invitation for Golden Grand Prize & selected Grand Prize winners (professional categories only)
- Plaques, medals, certificates, and gifts for performers
SPECIAL PRIZES IN EVERY CATEGORY:
- Promising Young Pianist Awards (Multiple winners per category)
- Special Awards for outstanding performances of:
- Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Czerny, Clementi, Gillock, Diabelli, and more
- Best performance of Macedonian composer
- Best performance of Etude, Sonata/Sonatina, and Concert Performance Awards
AWARDS FOR TEACHERS:
- Golden Piano Teacher Diplomas for outstanding pedagogical achievement to all teachers.
- Cash Prize of 10,000 MKD for the Best Teacher (Highest number of awarded students)
- Invitation to the best teacher to serve as a jury member in the next edition
- Teachers who accompany their students in the Grand Ceremony Concert will receive:
- Plaques, medals, gifts, and a special diploma
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
- Three selected pianists will receive online masterclasses
- All participants in the Grand Ceremony Concert will receive outstanding performance diplomas, plaques, medals and gifts.
COMPETITION RESULTS:
- Results will be published approximately one month after the application deadline.
For more information, please follow our official channels and social media platforms.
AGE CATEGORIES:
JUNIOR CATEGORIES:
- Pre-Baby Category – Born 2018 and later – Free program, max. 5 minutes
- Baby Category – Born 2017 – Free program, max. 5 minutes
- Pre Category – Born 2016 – Free program, max. 7 minutes
- First Category – Born 2014 & 2015 – Free program, max. 8 minutes
- Second Category – Born 2012 & 2013 – Free program, max. 10 minutes
- Third Category – Born 2010 & 2011 – Free program, max. 12 minutes
- Fourth Category – Born 2008 & 2009 – Free program, max. 14 minutes
SENIOR CATEGORIES:
- Fifth Category – Born 2006 & 2007 – Free program, max. 15 minutes
- Sixth Category – Born 2004 & 2005 – Free program, max. 18 minutes
- Seventh Category – Born 2003 and older – Free program, max. 20 minutes
CHAMBER MUSIC:
- Open to ensembles including 4-hands piano, 6-hands piano, duos, trios, etc., with piano included.
- Category placement is determined by the age of the oldest pianist.
- The program is free.
- Competitors are allowed to use sheet music.
STUDENT – PROFESSOR CATEGORY:
- Open to student soloists performing with their mentor (mentor on piano secondo). This is exceptional opportunity for the piano beginners.
- Category is determined by the student’s age.
- The program is free.
- Competitors may use sheet music.
VIDEO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
- The program must be performed from memory (except for Chamber Music and Student-Professor categories).
- Videos must be uploaded to YouTube or Bilibili as UNLISTED or PUBLIC.
- Title format: “GOLDEN PIANO TALENTS COMPETITION 2025 – [Competitor’s Name] – [Country]”
- Description format: Category and program details.
- Videos recorded in 2024 and 2025 are accepted.
- The entire program should be recorded in one video, but separate links are also accepted. The recording may be cut between movements and pieces but not within a piece.
- The Golden Piano Talents Competition reserves the right to publish competitors’ videos on its website and social media platforms.
PAYMENT INFORMATION:
- Payments can only be made online through the application form.
Participation Fees:
- Pre-Baby: €35 (Born 2018 and younger – Free program, max. 5 min)
- Baby Category: €40 (Born 2017 – Free program, max. 5 min)
- Pre Category: €40 (Born 2016 – Free program, max. 7 min)
- First Category: €45 (Born 2014 & 2015 – Free program, max. 8 min)
- Second Category: €50 (Born 2012 & 2013 – Free program, max. 10 min)
- Third Category: €55 (Born 2010 & 2011 – Free program, max. 12 min)
- Fourth Category: €60 (Born 2008 & 2009 – Free program, max. 14 min)
- Fifth Category: €65 (Born 2006 & 2007 – Free program, max. 15 min)
- Sixth Category: €70 (Born 2004 & 2005 – Free program, max. 18 min)
- Seventh Category: €70 (Born 2003 and older – Free program, max. 20 min)
Chamber Music Fees (per performer):
- €25 (Pre-Baby to Third Category)
- €30 (Fourth to Seventh Categories)
Special Discounts:
- Discounts are available for groups of pianists.
- Groups of pianists can pay by a bank account.
- For any information, please contact: [email protected]
- За Македонските пијанисти има посебна цена и жиро сметка, ве молиме да побарате информации на емаил.
The organizational team reserves the right to modify the propositions if necessary to ensure the smooth running of the event.
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