2026 EDITION
The third edition of Dinu Lipatti International Piano Competition
About the 2026 Edition
Continuing a legacy of excellence
The Third Edition of the Dinu Lipatti International Piano Competition will take place from 21 to 25 September 2026 in Craiova, Romania, with the main rounds hosted at the “Oltenia” Philharmonic in Craiova.
This edition includes an Online Round, live competition rounds, a Semifinal, and a Final performed together with the “Oltenia” Philharmonic Orchestra. Young pianists from around the world are invited to participate in a competition dedicated to musical integrity, technical excellence, and artistic depth.
Open to pianists of any nationality born after 1 October 1992, the competition offers participants the opportunity to perform in front of an international jury and become part of a cultural project inspired by the enduring legacy of Dinu Lipatti.
DATES
REGISTRATION
LOCATION
APPLICATION FEE
VENUE
ELIGIBILITY
PRIZES
Excellence will be rewarded
“Ne vous servez pas de la musique, servez-la.”
Dinu Lipatti
First Prize
A distinction honoring exceptional talent, artistic maturity, and the promise of a remarkable musical path.
Second Prize
An award celebrating a strong artistic presence, refined musicianship, and a significant achievement in the competition.
Third Prize
A recognition of dedication, discipline, and musical excellence, marking an important step in the artist’s development.
Special Prizes
In addition to the main awards, the competition offers special distinctions that highlight specific artistic achievements and create further opportunities for participants.
1. The “Jean Mihail” Prize for the best ranked Romanian competitor;
2. The “Chopin” Prize for the best performance of a waltz by F. Chopin;
3. Concert opportunities within the concert seasons of Romanian Philharmonics;
4. Additional prizes offered by partners and sponsors.
Timeline & Repertoire
The Path to the Final
Online Round
25–30 August 2026
Candidates submit a video recording of the required repertoire. The recording must comply with the technical and musical requirements stated in the competition rules.
Repertoire:
A programme of the candidate’s choice, including the first movement of a W. A. Mozart sonata without repeats and a work from the Romantic period.
The candidates’ order for the First Round will be determined online. Each candidate will receive all details by email.
Note:
The order established by lot will be maintained throughout all rounds of the competition.
Order Drawing
1 September 2026
First Round
21–22 September 2026
A maximum of 40 candidates will be selected for the First Round, following the results of the Online Round.
Repertoire:
A programme of the candidate’s choice, including either three movements from a Partita by J. S. Bach or two contrasting sonatas by D. Scarlatti, plus a work composed by Dinu Lipatti.
A maximum of 12 candidates will be selected for the Semifinal, where they will perform the repertoire established for this stage.
Repertoire:
A programme of the candidate’s choice, including works from different stylistic periods and a waltz by F. Chopin.
Semifinal
23–24 September 2026
Final & Award Gala
25 September 2026
THE JURY
Distinguished Artists. Refined Judgement.
The 2026 jury brings together distinguished pianists, professors, and music professionals with extensive international experience. Their expertise ensures a rigorous, transparent, and artistically meaningful evaluation process, guided by the values of excellence, integrity, and musical depth.
Organizer & Partners
A competition supported by cultural commitment
The Dinu Lipatti International Piano Competition is made possible through the work of its organizer and the support of cultural institutions, artistic partners, sponsors, and organizations that share a commitment to classical music and young artistic talent.
Organizer
FUNDAȚIA CULTURALĂ “PRO ARTE”
Partners
PRIMĂRIA MUNICIPIULUI CRAIOVA
FILARMONICA OLTENIA CRAIOVA
LICEUL DE ARTE “MARIN SORESCU” CRAIOVA
BÖSENDORFER
ARGERICH - ALINK FOUNDATION
BAROUL DOLJ
Registrations are open
Apply by 30 August 2026
The Third Edition of the Dinu Lipatti International Piano Competition is now open for registration. Pianists of any nationality, born after October 1, 1992, are invited to apply online and submit the required documents, repertoire, video link, and proof of payment.
The application fee is €150, paid by bank transfer to FUNDAȚIA CULTURALĂ “PRO ARTE”.