Live Event Itinerary, September 26-27, 2026
2026 Sonare International Piano Competition
Live at Benaroya Hall | September 26–27, 2026
The 11th Sonare International Piano Competition, formerly the Seattle International Piano Competition, comes to Benaroya Hall in Seattle for two days of outstanding live piano performance on September 26–27, 2026.
The Final Round brings together exceptional young, collegiate, and professional pianists selected through the preliminary round of this international competition. Audiences are invited to experience the competition as it happens—from our youngest prizewinners to emerging professional artists—culminating in the announcement and presentation of the 2026 winners and a special performance by internationally acclaimed guest artist Jialin Yao.
All events take place in Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall.
Tickets are now on sale.
VIEW EVENTS & PURCHASE TICKETS
Saturday, September 26
Event 1 | Youth Winners & Final Round: Ages 10–13
2:00–4:25 PM
The 2026 Sonare International Piano Competition begins with a celebration of the competition’s youngest musicians.
The event opens with performances by selected Youth Ages 9 and Under winners, followed by the live Final Round for Youth Competitors Ages 10–13.
Hear some of the competition’s most promising young pianists perform on the Benaroya Hall stage before our international jury.
Event 2 | Final Round: Youth Ages 14–18
5:30–6:45 PM
The competition continues Saturday evening with the Final Round for Youth Competitors Ages 14–18.
These accomplished young pianists represent an exciting generation of emerging musical talent. Finalists perform individually before the competition jury in a public concert setting, bringing together the excitement of competition with the experience of a live recital.
Sunday, September 27
Event 3 | Final Round: Collegiate Artists
12:00–1:40 PM
Sunday begins with the Collegiate Artists Final Round, featuring outstanding pianists pursuing advanced musical studies and the early stages of professional careers.
This division offers audiences an opportunity to hear emerging artists at a pivotal point in their development as performers.
Event 4 | Final Round: Professional Artists
2:00–3:40 PM
The Professional Artists Final Round brings the competitive portion of the 11th Sonare International Piano Competition to its culmination.
Selected from an international field of applicants, these finalists take the stage for the competition’s highest-level division and the opportunity to earn the top distinctions of the 2026 Sonare International Piano Competition.
Event 5 | Guest Artist Jialin Yao & Presentation of the 2026 Prizewinners
5:00–6:15 PM
The weekend concludes with a special celebration featuring guest artist Jialin Yao and the presentation of the 2026 Sonare International Piano Competition prizewinners.
Join the competitors, jury, families, teachers, and audience as the results of the 11th competition are announced and the achievements of this year’s artists are celebrated.
Five Events. Two Days. One International Celebration of Piano.
The Sonare International Piano Competition is designed not only as a competition, but as a series of exceptional concert experiences.
Across five events, audiences can follow the progression from remarkable young musicians to collegiate and professional artists, hear a wide range of repertoire and artistic personalities, and witness the excitement of an international competition unfold live.
Whether you attend one event or spend the weekend with us, we invite you to discover some of today’s most exciting emerging pianists.
Audience members are invited to participate by casting votes for their favored artist in each category.
Venue
Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall
Benaroya Hall
Seattle, Washington
All five events are General Admission. Tickets are sold separately for each event through Benaroya Hall.
PURCHASE 2026 SIPC TICKETS
Information for 2026 Participants
Official notifications were sent on August 4, 2026, to all Finalists and Unranked Winners.
Participants who have not located their official results letter should first check their spam or junk email folder. If you are still unable to locate your notification, please contact:
Finalists should carefully review their official correspondence for participation instructions and requirements for the live Final Round.
Volunteers & Host Families
The Seattle International Piano Festival welcomes community members interested in helping make the 2026 competition possible.
Competition volunteers and local families hosting out-of-state finalists may receive complimentary tickets to competition events.
We are grateful to the many volunteers, supporters, teachers, families, and audience members whose participation makes this international gathering of pianists possible.
Join Us September 26–27
Experience the excitement of an international piano competition from the audience.
Hear extraordinary young musicians. Discover emerging collegiate and professional artists. Celebrate the 2026 prizewinners. And join the Seattle International Piano Festival for the 11th Sonare International Piano Competition at Benaroya Hall.
September 26–27, 2026 | Seattle, Washington
TICKETS & EVENT LISTINGS AT BENAROYA HALL
The Seattle International Piano Festival is non-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Seattle International Piano Festival brings outstanding pianists and pedagogues from around the world to Northwest audiences through competitions, performances, masterclasses, festivals, and concerts. SIPF supports and encourages pianists of all ages, promotes excellence in piano education and performance, and fosters appreciation for great piano playing and diverse repertoire. Recognition is awarded solely on artistic merit.