Sardoal International Piano Competition

The Sardoal Internacional Piano Competition (hereafter referred to as “SIPC”), will be open to pianists from all countries.

SIPC is divided into 3 different categories:

JUVENILE: Up to 13 years old
JUNIOR: from Up to 17 years old
SENIOR: from Up to 35 years old

Competitors must be within the age range of their categories on the 1st january 2026. Past First Prize Winners are not permitted to compete in the same category but are allowed to compete in a higher category even if under aged. Candidates must choose only one of the categories.

For specific regulations, repertoire, dates and prizes of each category, please consult the information above, in “categories”.

Jury members who are teaching, or have taught in the past, one of the competitors (in a school, privately or in repeated masterclasses) must inform the organization in advance, the remaining jury members will be informed after voting. Juries must not vote on his own/past students, and only the average of the remaining juries will be considered for these students. Competitors cannot appeal against the decisions of the Jury. 

SIPC will take place in Sardoal (Centro Cultural Gil Vicente). 

• Competitors who are not ready to perform when called upon to do so may be disqualified
• The Best Portuguese Prizes are open to all candidates of portuguese nationality or residence, studying in a portuguese school, conservatory or academy.
• The Jury retains the right to stop a performance if the competitor exceeds the allotted time

• All compositions must be performed in whole. However, single movements from a sonata, or single pieces from a collection, are accepted. Memorization is only required for the soloist categories. Repeats will be left to the discretion of the competitor. The chosen pieces should be published musical works. If requested by the jury, the candidate should provide a copy of the score by email. Compositions and improvisations made by the participants are not allowed.

• Prizewinners must perform in the prizewinners concert on the 12th july 2026 if requested. The prize may be revoked in case of non-attendance.