Launching the 2026 National Piano Talent Festival

To continue the success of the previous two seasons, the third season of the National Piano Talent Festival will officially take place in early 2026.

Organizing committee member of the 2026 National Piano Talent Festival. Photo: BTC

On October 11, the competition's Organizing Committee announced many groundbreaking changes in the third season to increase its scale and internationality.

Accordingly, with the first two seasons (2024 - 2025) receiving nearly 2,000 applications/year, the 2026 season marks the first time there is official accompaniment from the Department of Performing Arts - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism , and at the same time expands the age of contestants to 5 - 25 years old, divided into 15 tables and three categories: Freestyle, Classic and Artist. This is a change to increase the professionalism and diversity of the playground.

Contestants perform during the kick-off ceremony for the Piano Talent Festival season 3. Photo: Organizing Committee

Another notable innovation of the competition is international cooperation: outstanding candidates will be selected to join the Vietnam Piano Talent Team to participate in the PIARA competition final round in Japan in July 2026. All candidates entering the national final round will receive a PIARA certificate recognized by the Japan Appraisal Association, creating an opportunity for international recognition of the candidates' abilities.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, Head of the Organizing Committee, President of the Vietnam Institute for Educational and Cultural Development, affirmed that the desire of the competition is to help more than 1 million students shine with the piano, not just a competition to compete. "The Piano Talent Festival is not just a music competition, but also a journey to honor the talent, passion and constant efforts of those who love art" - Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan shared more.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan - Head of the Organizing Committee, President of the Vietnam Institute for Educational and Cultural Development. Photo: Organizing Committee

The season's roadmap has been announced specifically: The Talent Search Round will be held online from January 1-31, 2026; The Shining Round will take place live in three regions (North, Central, South) in March; The Final Round and Gala Night are scheduled to be held on March 28-29, 2026 at the Concert Hall of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, Hanoi. After the Final Round, the Vietnamese delegation will leave for international competitions in July 2026.

This year’s jury consists of professors, doctors, and highly specialized artists from home and abroad, to ensure impartial and professional evaluation. The organizers emphasize that the goal of the season is to improve professional skills, expand international exchange opportunities for young artists, and consolidate the competition’s position on the music education map.

According to VNA

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/khoi-dong-cuoc-thi-festival-piano-talent-toan-quoc-2026-523333.html