SIPF Events
2026-27 Season At a Glance
Enjoy the many events the SIPF has to offer, including its many NW Festival events for international pianists and instrumentalists, to its fund raising concert series.
Festival Dates: September 26-27, 2026
Venue: Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall, Seattle, Washington
2026 Seattle Int'l Piano Festival
The SIPF proudly presets the 11th bi-annual festival, which frames the final round of the 2026 Sonare International Piano Competition. Participants from around the globe cast their entries to compete for over $21,000 in total prize money during the spring. Six selected finalists from the Professional Artists, Collegiate Artists, Youth 14-18, and Youth 10-13 categories, in addition to the presentation of the Youth 9 and under winners. Hear Youth categories on Saturday, September 26, and adult categories on September 27 and cast your vote for the audience favorite.
Preceding the announcement of 2026 prizewinners, join us as we present guest artist, Jialin Yao, our 2024 President’s Prize winner in concert with a stunning program. Complete details and ticket options will be announced on the 2026 event page in August and September.
Application Deadline: Oct-10-2026
Venue: Steinway Gallery of Arizona, 14418 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 184, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Southwest Bach Piano Competition
For more than fifteen years, the Bach Festival has provided meaningful educational opportunities for young musicians around the world, encouraging the study and performance of the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Participants receive adjudicated evaluations, medals, certificates, and the opportunity to share their artistry with an international community of performers. New for 2026, the SIPF is partnering with the Steinway Gallery of Arizona to present the Southwest Bach Piano Competition, a live event devoted exclusively to the keyboard music of J.S. Bach. This exciting new competition features cash prizes, written adjudications, medals and diplomas, and a special Gold Medalist Masterclass for top performers.
Application Deadline: Oct-31-2026
Format: Online
2026 Bach Festival International
The Seattle International Piano Festival (SIPF) is proud to present for the seventeenth iteration, the annual Bach Festival International (online edition) for pianists and instrumentalists of any nationality, featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach, as well as other Baroque masters. This competitive event was created to provide performing opportunities for those who wish to share their love of Bach’s revered music and to provide performers with constructive feedback from performing and teaching masters. Participants will receive educational evaluations by performing for adjudicators, and a chance to receive medals and certificates.
Application Deadline: Mar-01-2027
Format: Online
2027 Chopin & Beyond Festival
The Seattle International Piano Festival (SIPF) proudly invites musicians from around the world to participate in the second Chopin & Beyond Festival – International Competition of Polish Music. This international online competition celebrates the brilliance of Frédéric Chopin, Henryk Wieniawski, and the rich legacy of Polish music — from the Romantic era through the works of contemporary masters.
Application Deadline: Apr-12-2027
Format: Online
2027 Classical Viennese Festival
The deadline for the 2027 Classical Viennese Festival International, now exclusively online, comes in April. Complete rules and details are found on the Classical Viennese Festival page. This event now invites pianists and instrumentalists of all ages and nationalities to participate for medals and distinctions, featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, and their classical contemporaries.
Application Deadline: Jun-21-2027
Format: Online
2027 Virtuoso Artists Festival
The deadline for the 2027 Virtuoso Artists Festival International, now exclusively online, comes in June. Complete rules and details are found on the Virtuoso Artists Festival page. This event now invites pianists and instrumentalists of all ages and nationalities to participate for medals and distinctions, and features works for soloists and chamber musicians from the romantic to the current era.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2028
Format: Online Preliminary Round; live final round TBA
Sonare Int'l Piano Competition
Application due May 15
The SIPF invites participants to apply for the 12th edition of the newly re-branded Sonare International Piano Competition (formerly the Seattle International Piano Competition). The SIPC is a bi-annual event on a world stage. Prepare your video recordings for the 2028 competition preliminary round and take part in this unique and inclusive competitive event. This competition is adjudicated by blind jury process. Visit the SIPC Overview page for more details.