THE THIRD EDITION
Dinu Lipatti International Piano Competition 2026
DINU LIPATTI
The Man. The Legend.
“This wasn’t just piano playing. It was music, released from all earthly weight.”
Few names in the history of piano performance evoke the same purity, refinement, and artistic integrity as Dinu Lipatti. Born in Romania in 1917, Lipatti revealed an extraordinary musical gift from an early age, becoming one of the most admired pianists of the 20th century.
Although his life was tragically short, his legacy remains profound. Through his recordings, his discipline, and his devotion to music, Dinu Lipatti continues to inspire generations of pianists and music lovers around the world.
The Dinu Lipatti International Piano Competition carries forward this legacy by celebrating young artists who seek not only technical excellence, but also depth, sincerity, and truth in musical expression.
2026 EDITION
The Third Edition of the Dinu Lipatti International Piano Competition
21–25 September 2026
Craiova, Romania
Registration
Eligibility
Online Round
Final with Orchestra
International Jury
Previous Editions
Explore the history of the Dinu Lipatti International Piano Competition
The Dinu Lipatti International Piano Competition continues to grow with each edition, bringing together young pianists, distinguished artists, cultural institutions, and audiences dedicated to classical music.
PRIZES
Excellence will be rewarded
“Ne vous servez pas de la musique, servez-la.”
Dinu Lipatti
The Dinu Lipatti International Piano Competition recognizes outstanding artistic achievement, technical mastery, and musical depth. The 2026 edition will award three main prizes, along with special prizes and concert opportunities offered by the organizer, partners, and sponsors.
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.
COMPETITION ROUNDS
From the Online Round to the Final
Online Round
24–30 August 2026
Candidates submit a video recording of the required repertoire for the Online Round. This is an eliminatory stage, and all recordings must follow the technical and musical requirements stated in the competition rules. The results will be announced on 31 August 2026.
The candidates’ order for the First Round will be determined through an online drawing. Each candidate will receive the necessary details by email, and 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
Hosted at the “Oltenia” Philharmonic – Craiova, the First Round marks the beginning of the live stages of the competition. A maximum of 40 candidates will be selected for this round, following the results of the Online Round.
The Semifinal will also take place at the “Oltenia” Philharmonic – Craiova. A maximum of 12 candidates will be selected for this stage, where they will perform the repertoire established in the competition rules.
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
FILARMONICA OLTENIA CRAIOVA
ARGERICH - ALINK FOUNDATION
BOSENDORFER
LICEUL DE ARTE "MARIN SORESCU" - CRAIOVA
GRAFOART
BAROUL DOLJ
Registrations are open
Apply by 10 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”.