World Class Piano Returns to New Orleans
The New Orleans International Piano Competition has announced its semi-finalists, as well as the guest musician, for the 2026 version of their competition.The 2026 New Orleans International Piano Competition Semifinalists include: Kevin Ahfat (Canada), Wooyoung Cho (South Korea), Shangru Du (China), Yuang Fan (China), Mitsuki Fukuhara (Japan), Miao Gao (China), Evgeny Konnov (Russia), Modan Oyama (Japan), Seiran Tozlian (Russia), Jiacheng Xiong (China), Jihyung Youn (South Korea), and Adria Ye (USA).
Guest performer and jury member, Canadian pianist Angela Cheng, will perform works of Mozart, Chaminade, and Chopin live in concert to open the festival on Saturday, July 18, at 4:00 p.m.
Competition
Each semifinalist will perform a commissioned piece composed by New Orleans pianist Courtney Bryan, named the Ancestor Tree, which honors the emblematic tree of Congo Square.
Round one of the semifinals will run from Sunday, July 19, through Tuesday, July 21, beginning at 7 p.m. each day. Round two of the semifinals will be held on Wednesday, July 22, and Thursday, July 23, at 7 p.m. each day.
The final round is split into two parts, with solo recitals scheduled for Friday, July 24, at 7 p.m. and a full concerto with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for three finalists at 2 p.m. The awards ceremony will follow.
What is the New Orleans International Piano Competition?
Presented by the Musical Arts Society of New Orleans, the New Orleans International Piano Competition brings together 12 of the world's most talented pianists to showcase their talent.
Over $100,000 in prizes is up for grabs, as well as spots in premier orchestras across Louisiana and the opportunity to perform a solo concert at New York's Merkin Hall. The gold medalist will earn a studio recording on the Steinway & Sons label.
The competition is held in conjunction with the New Orleans Piano Institute, running July 18-26, and the New Orleans Keyboard Festival.
Tickets for the competition are available at masno.org/noipc.
