Now Open: 16th Annual Bach Festival International – A Global Celebration for Young Musicians
The Seattle International Piano Festival (SIPF) is pleased to announce the opening of registration for the 16th Annual Bach Festival International, a unique and fully online competition for pianists and instrumentalists of all ages and nationalities.
This annual event, originally founded by Jennifer Bowman and now stewarded by the SIPF, continues to honor the timeless legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque masters. While headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, this competition is open to students around the globe—including many from nearby Sammamish, Bellevue, Seattle, Redmond, and beyond—who seek an educational and artistic outlet to share their love of Baroque music.
What Is the Bach Festival International?
Unlike a public recital or showcase, the Bach Festival is a student-only, adjudicated event, created to:
- Encourage in-depth study of Baroque repertoire
- Offer personalized feedback from distinguished performing and teaching artists
- Provide an accessible opportunity for meaningful performance, regardless of geography
Students submit YouTube video recordings of their performances for evaluation by a panel of experts, competing within age-based and genre-specific categories for medals, certificates, and written commentary.
💡 Please note: This is not a public concert or event. While we welcome families, teachers, and students to participate, audiences seeking public performances should stay tuned for the 2026 Seattle International Piano Competition, which will be announced shortly after January 1, 2026.
🗓️ Key Dates and Details
- Application Opens: July 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 9:00 PM PDT
- Results Posted: On or shortly after November 10, 2025
Participants may submit their video recordings at any point before the deadline—even after submitting the application itself. All performances must feature works by J.S. Bach or approved Baroque contemporaries, selected from a detailed list of repertoire categories.
🎓 Who Should Participate?
This festival is ideal for:
- Piano and instrumental students seeking a serious, but low-pressure performance opportunity
- Teachers hoping to engage students with historically informed performance practices
- Families around the globe who want a meaningful goal on the fall calendar and a worthy goal to work toward
From absolute beginners under age 7 (non-competitive division) to conservatory-level performers and adult amateurs, the festival offers inclusive age categories, clear guidelines, and generous recognition for effort and artistry.
🏅 Awards and Feedback
All performers will receive:
- Detailed commentary from professional adjudicators
- Digital certificates of participation
- Eligible performers may receive gold, silver, or bronze medals
Medals will be distributed locally in King County or mailed directly to the participant’s instructor or home if located outside the Seattle area.
👉 Ready to Begin?
Visit the official festival page to:
🔗 Learn More & Apply Online
📄 Download the Official Rules & Guidelines
We look forward to celebrating the artistry of young musicians from around the world in this rich tribute to Bach’s enduring genius.
