Hilton Head International Piano Competition 2026, US
Hilton Head Island (South Carolina), US
Deadline: September 30th, 2025
The mission of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition (HHIPC) is to encourage and support excellence in the performance of classical piano music by showcasing the talents of young pianists on the threshold of their careers in competitions adjudicated by internationally acclaimed judges, and to offer additional performance opportunities.
AGE: 13 through 17
Application Fees: US$150
SCHEDULE: 3Rounds
March 16 & 17: Round I/ 20 Candidates
March 18 & 19: Round II
March 20: Master Classes and School Ambassador Program for non-finalists; rehearsals with the HHSO for the five finalists
March 21: One-on-One Conversations for non-finalists with the Judges (morning/afternoon)
March 21: Round III Finals (evening; followed by Awards Ceremony & Reception)/ 5 Candidates
PRIZES:
First Prize: $12,000 US cash prize, plus:
- Concerto performance with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (2026-2027 Season)
- Additional possible engagements, subject to arrangements with presenters
Second Prize: $6,000 US cash prize
Third Prize: $3,000 US cash prize
2 Medalists: $1,000 US cash prize each
Sascha Gorodnitzki Memorial Prize: $1,000 (judges’ discretionary prize given to most promising non-finalist)
Peter Takács Classical Sonata Prize: $1000 (judges’ discretionary prize given for the best performance of a sonata by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven or Schubert)
