The 1st Cape Town International Piano Competition

Whilst Cape Town International Piano Competition is a prestigious event, it aims to provide participants an experience beyond pure competition. Not only will participants be flown to the event by the competition, they will have the opportunity to engage in recitals, masterclasses and community engagement, should they not progress in a round.

Further, the competition will make Cape Town tourism events available to all participants.

Who may apply

Applicants must be born between the 1 March 1995 and 1 March 2011 (ages 16–32).

No current student of a juror may apply to participate in the competition.

Submission dates

Registration opens on 1 April 2026.
Application closes on 1 August 2026.

How to apply

Applicants must complete the online application form and upload the following required materials:

• Personal information
• Copy of passport and identity document
• Recent high-res photograph 300dpi
• Biography/CV (including qualifications), 250 words
• Video recording (see Video Selection requirements below)

Application and Participation Fees

International Competitors

• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $35 is payable upon submission of the online application. Payment instructions are provided on the application portal.
• Live Rounds Participation Fee: International competitors invited to advance to the live rounds will be required to pay a participation fee of $100, payable by the deadline stated in the invitation.

South African Competitors

• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $35 is payable upon submission of the online application. Payment instructions are provided on the application portal.
• Live Rounds Participation Fee: South African competitors invited to advance to
the live rounds, will have the $100.00 participation fee waivered.

Participation in the live rounds is confirmed only upon receipt of the applicable participation fee. All fees are non-refundable.