GENERAL REGULATIONS
· The Carles & Sofia International Piano Competition is an online competition open to pianists of all nationalities.
· Applicants must submit video recordings available online (YouTube, Vimeo, or similar platforms). Recordings must have been made no more than one year prior to the submission deadline.
· Each work must be recorded in a single uninterrupted take, as in a live competition performance. Editing, playback assistance, or the addition of audio or visual effects is not permitted.
· Interruptions of the camera during the recording of the same work are not allowed. Applicants may submit several recordings with different works, provided that the maximum duration established for each category is respected.
· The instrument, hands, and face of the performer must remain clearly visible throughout the recording.
· Evaluation will be based exclusively on the submitted recordings.
· Contestants whose teacher is a member of the jury will not be evaluated by that jury member. All jury members will inform the Competition Office in advance of any professional or personal relationship with any contestant.
· By submitting an application, participants confirm their acceptance of the competition regulations, general policies, terms of use, and privacy policy.
· Applications submitted by minors must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.
· Application fees are non-refundable.
· The decisions of the international jury are final and not subject to appeal. Individual jury votes and comments remain strictly confidential.
· By submitting an application, contestants grant permission to the Carles & Sofia International Piano Competition to process their personal data and to use submitted materials for publication on the competition website, social media platforms, and other communication or promotional materials. For minor participants, such consent is granted by their parent or legal guardian upon submission of the application.
CATEGORIES
The competition includes two performance categories:
Piano Solo
Piano Four Hands (two performers at one piano)
Each category is divided into the following age divisions:
A – up to 8 years
B – 9–12 years
C – 13–16 years
Emergent – 17–21 years
Professional – 22 years and above
Amateur – Non-professional pianists aged 16 and above (no upper age limit)
Notes
Age eligibility is determined as of the application deadline: June 30th, 2026.
For the Piano Four Hands category, the applicable age division is determined according to the average age of the two performers.
Applicants may apply to more than one category and may also apply to a higher age division than their own.
REPERTOIRE
Each contestant or duo presents a free-choice programme within the following maximum durations:
Category A – up to 10 minutes
Category B – up to 15 minutes
Category C – up to 20 minutes
Emergent – up to 25 minutes
Professional – up to 30 minutes
Amateur – up to 15 minutes
Concertos for piano and orchestra (performed either with orchestra or with a second piano) are accepted.
Applicants may submit multiple recordings, provided that the total duration permitted for the category is not exceeded.
SCORING SYSTEM
Each contestant may receive a maximum total score of 100 points for the overall performance.
The following distinctions are awarded according to the marks assigned by the jury:
CARLES & SOFIA VICTORY AWARD
2 Victory Awards – Professional Category, Piano Solo
(minimum score: 95/100)
2 Victory Awards – Emergent Category, Piano Solo
(minimum score: 95/100)
1 Victory Award – Professional Category, Piano Four Hands
(minimum score: 95/100)
1 Victory Award – Emergent Category, Piano Four Hands
(minimum score: 95/100)
GOLD HANDS AWARD
Awarded to contestants obtaining a score between 91–100
SILVER HANDS AWARD
Awarded to contestants obtaining a score between 86–90
BRONZE HANDS AWARD
Awarded to contestants obtaining a score between 80–85
Honourable Mentions may be awarded upon recommendation of the jury.
AWARDS
NEW PRIZES FOR THE 2026 EDITION
(TRIBUTE TO EMIL GILELS)
See all the details here.
SCHEDULE
DEADLINE OF SUBMISSIONS: 30th of June, 2026 (11:59PM PST)
RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT: 31st of July, 2026
FEES
ENTERING FEE: 80 € + 30 € per category
+30 € for application to “Best composer’s” performance (optional)
