Sonare 2026: Seattle’s International Piano Competition Takes the Stage at Benaroya Hall
The wait is almost over. This weekend, September 26–27, the 11th Sonare International Piano Competition brings an extraordinary weekend of live piano competition to Benaroya Hall in Seattle.
For months, the identities of our finalists have remained confidential. They have been selected from an international field of applicants and will arrive in Seattle ready to perform before our distinguished jury—and before you.
We’re not revealing their names just yet.
That happens when they take the stage.
Five Divisions. Two Days. One Remarkable Weekend.
From remarkable young musicians age 9 and under to emerging collegiate artists and accomplished professional pianists, Sonare brings multiple generations of exceptional talent together in one of Seattle’s most beautiful concert settings.
Saturday belongs to our Youth Artists, beginning with our youngest Gold Medalists and continuing through the highly competitive Ages 10–13 and Ages 14–18 divisions.
On Sunday, the level rises again as our Collegiate Artists take the stage at noon, followed by the Professional Artists at 2:00 PM.
And then comes the finale.
At 5:00 PM Sunday, internationally acclaimed pianist Jialin Yao takes the stage in a special recital, followed by the moment everyone has been waiting for: the 2026 Awards Ceremony and announcement of this year’s winners.
This Is More Than a Competition
There is something very different about hearing a competition live.
Every performer walks onto the stage knowing that this one performance matters. There are no second takes. No editing. No carefully selected recording submitted from home.
It is the pianist, the instrument, the hall—and the moment.
That combination creates an electricity that is difficult to reproduce anywhere else.
Sonare was created around the idea that a piano competition should also be a great concert experience for the audience. You don’t need to be a pianist, a teacher, or even particularly knowledgeable about classical music to enjoy it. Come hear remarkable musicians, discover new repertoire, choose your favorites, and experience the excitement as the weekend unfolds.
And audience members won’t simply be spectators. During the competitive divisions, you will have the opportunity to vote for your Audience Favorite.
Who Are the Finalists?
We know.
Our jury doesn’t.
And for just a little longer, we’re keeping the suspense going for everyone else, too.
Sonare employs a blind adjudication process designed to focus attention on what matters most: the performance itself.
Throughout the weekend, we’ll begin revealing our performers as their divisions get underway. Follow the Seattle International Piano Festival on social media and check back throughout Saturday and Sunday as we introduce the artists taking the Benaroya Hall stage.
Make a Weekend of It
If you love the piano, bring a student, a friend, a teacher—or someone who has never attended a piano competition before.
If you’re a young musician, come hear what is possible.
If you’re a teacher, bring your students.
And if you simply love great live performance, come discover some exceptional musicians before you start hearing their names elsewhere.
Sonare happens only once every two years. This is the weekend.
11th Sonare International Piano Competition
September 26–27, 2026
Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall | Seattle
Explore the complete weekend schedule and event information on the official Sonare 2026 event page.
For tickets and Benaroya Hall information, visit Benaroya Hall.
The finalists are coming. The piano is waiting. Seattle—we’ll see you this weekend.
2026 Sponsors
