Application Guideline 2027
Main Age Categories
The age category is calculated based on the anniversary of Chopin's birthday, 1st March, 1810.
Category A: Up to Age 11
Born after 1 March 2016 (inclusive)
* Video Preselection
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
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Maximum performance time: 10 minutes.
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Repertoire selected for the Semifinal and Final Rounds may be included.
* Semifinal Round
(Up to 10 pianists admitted)
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin with no minimum time limit but a maximum of 7 minutes of performance. You may choose pieces from the final round.
* Final Round
(Up to 3 pianists admitted)
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
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Performance duration: 7–10 minutes.
Category B: Up to Age 14
Born after 1 March 2013 (inclusive)
*Video Preselection
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
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Maximum performance time: 15 minutes.
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Repertoire for later rounds may be included.
*Semifinal Round
(Up to 10 pianists admitted)
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin with no minimum time limit but a maximum of 8 minutes of performance. You may choose pieces from the final round.
*Final Round
(Up to 3 pianists admitted)
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
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Performance duration: 9 – 12 minutes.
Category C: Up to Age 16
Born after 1 March 2011 (inclusive)
*Video Preselection
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
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Maximum performance time: 15 minutes.
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Repertoire for the Semifinal and Final Rounds may be included.
*Semifinal Round
(Up to 10 pianists admitted)
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
-
Maximum performance time: 10 minutes.
*Final Round
(Up to 3 pianists admitted)
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
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Performance duration: 15–20 minutes.
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The programme must include one Mazurka by F. Chopin.
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The repertoire must be different from the Semifinal Round programme.
Category D: Up to Age 19
Born after 1 March 2008 (inclusive)
*Video Preselection
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
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Maximum performance time: 15 minutes.
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Repertoire for the Semifinal and Final Rounds may be included.
*Semifinal Round
(Up to 10 pianists admitted)
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
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Maximum performance time: 12 minutes.
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The repertoire must be different from the Final Round programme.
*Final Round
(Up to 3 pianists admitted)
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
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Performance duration: 18 – 25 minutes.
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The programme must include one Etude by F. Chopin.
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The repertoire must be different from the Semifinal Round programme.
Category E: Up to Age 23
Born after 1 March 2004 (inclusive)
*Video Preselection
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
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Maximum performance time: 20 minutes.
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Repertoire intended for the Semifinal Round may be included.
*Semifinal Round
(Up to 10 pianists admitted)
Free choice of repertoire by F. Chopin.
-
Maximum performance time: 20 minutes.
*Final Round
(Maximum 3 pianists admitted)
Finalists must perform:
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One complete Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 or Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 by Frédéric Chopin.
The concerto will be performed with accompaniment of string quartet, according to arrangements made by the Competition. All performances must be presented from memory.
Festival Category: Individual Repertoires
All applicants must be born after 1 March 2006 (inclusive).
Virtual round — prize winners will receive performance opportunities in London)
Applicants may enter one or more Festival Categories.
Available categories:
Mazurka
One Mazurka by F. Chopin.
Ballade
One of the following:
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Ballade Op. 23
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Ballade Op. 38
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Ballade Op. 47
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Ballade Op. 52
Polonaise
One of the following:
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Polonaise Op. 26
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Polonaise Op. 40
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Polonaise Op. 44
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Polonaise Op. 53
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Polonaise-Fantaisie Op. 61
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Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante Op. 22
Etude
One Etude from:
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Op. 10
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Op. 25
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Trois Nouvelles Études
Impromptu
One Impromptu from:
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Op. 29
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Op. 36
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Op. 51
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Fantaisie-Impromptu Op. 66
Nocturne
One Nocturne from:
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Op. 9
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Op. 15
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Op. 27
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Op. 32
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Op. 37
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Op. 48
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Op. 55
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Op. 62
Prelude
One Prelude from Op. 28.
Rondo
One Rondo from:
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Op. 1
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Op. 5
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Op. 16
Scherzo
One Scherzo from:
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Op. 20
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Op. 31
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Op. 39
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Op. 54
Waltz
One Waltz from:
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Op. 18
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Op. 34
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Op. 42
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Op. 64
Miscellaneous
One of the following:
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Bolero Op. 19
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Fantaisie Op. 49
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Berceuse Op. 57
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Barcarolle Op. 60
Junior Categories
Polonaise Junior:
One posthumous Polonaise (G minor, B-flat major or A-flat major).
Waltz Junior:
Waltz in A minor, Op. Posth.
Nocturne Junior:
Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op. Posth. or Nocturne in E minor, Op. Posth.
Application Guide
Main Age Category
Applicants must submit a recording through Google Drive links provided in the application form - please make sure to change the setting of the link for the public.Please transfer the application fee prior to submission and attach your payment confirmation directly to the application.
Selected participants for Main Age Categories must attend the Semifinal and Final Rounds in London according to the Competition schedule.
Festival Category
Applicants must submit a recording through Google Drive links provided in the application form - please make sure to change the setting of the link for the public. Please transfer the application fee prior to submission and attach your payment confirmation directly to the application.
Keydates
Main Age Categories
Regular Application Deadline: 21 December 2026
Late Application Deadline: 4 January 2027
Preliminary Results: 11 January 2027
Semifinal and Final Round: 1st March ~ 3 March 2027
Final Gala Concert: 3rd March 2027
The Final Round will take place at:
Ognisko Polskie – The Polish Hearth Club
South Kensington, London
All Semifinalists and Finalists will have the opportunity to practise at the Royal College of Music and the practice schedule will be given closer to the date.
Festival Categories (Virtual Round)
Regular Application Deadline: 21 December 2026
Late Application Deadline: 4 January 2027
Application Result: 31 January 2027
1st Prize Winner Performance Date: 23 May 2027
The concert details will be provided for the winners closer to the date.
Application Fees
Main Age Categories
Category A: £65
Category B: £75
Category C: £85
Category D: £95
Category E: £120
Late applications are subject to an additional £25 fee per category.
Festival Categories (Virtual Round)
Each Festival Category: £50
Late applications are subject to an additional £25 fee per category.
Gala Concert - Only for Main Age Categories
First Prize winners from each category will perform at the Gala Concert with a final selection chosen by the Jury.
During the Gala Concert, the Jury will announce:
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Category Prize Winners
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Ognisko Audience Prize Winner
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Grand Prize Winner
Only finalists will attend the Gala Concert.
Prizes
Main Age Categories
Category A
1st Prize: £200
2nd Prize: £150
3rd Prize: £100
Category B
1st Prize: £300
2nd Prize: £175
3rd Prize: £125
Category C
1st Prize: £500
2nd Prize: £250
3rd Prize: £150
Category D
1st Prize: £1000
2nd Prize: £500
3rd Prize: £250
Category E
1st Prize: £1500, Solo Recitals (3)
2nd Prize: £750
3rd Prize: £375
Audience Prize: Trophy
Grand Prize: Chopin Institute study visit
Festival Category
First Prize winners in each Festival Category will receive a diploma and performance opportunity.
All participants will receive a certificate of participation. Please note that the certificate will be issued after the winner’s concert in May.