Fort Wayne to Host Midwest's Best Young Pianists

Annual competition invites talented pianists aged 18 and under from within 100 miles of Fort Wayne.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:15am

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The annual Gene Marcus Piano Competition in Fort Wayne, Indiana is set to showcase the Midwest's most talented young pianists aged 18 and under. The competition, now in its 15th year, will feature performers from across the region competing in four age divisions, with the finals taking place on February 8th at the Rhinehart Recital Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Why it matters

The Gene Marcus Piano Competition provides a platform for young, aspiring pianists in the Midwest to showcase their skills and be recognized for their dedication and talent. It also offers the public a chance to experience the remarkable abilities of these young musicians in a free, all-day event.

The details

The competition features four age divisions - ages 5-9, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18. Pianists from within a 100-mile radius of Fort Wayne, including those from Michigan, Ohio, and as far south as Carmel and South Bend, will compete. The finals on February 8th will be livestreamed on the 'Gene Marcus Piano' YouTube channel, where recordings of past competitions can also be found.

  • The Gene Marcus Piano Competition is an annual event.
  • The 15th edition of the competition will take place on February 8, 2026.
  • The finals will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 8th, followed by a winners' recital at 6:30 p.m.

The players

Dr. Jonathan Young

A Purdue University Fort Wayne Music lecturer who helps judge the first round of the competition before the finalists move on.

Rhinehart Recital Hall

The venue at Purdue University Fort Wayne where the final round of the Gene Marcus Piano Competition will take place.

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What they’re saying

“The acoustics are phenomenal, and the piano itself is state-of-the-art, a nine-foot Steinway. The dedication and talent, it's just really quite remarkable.”

— Dr. Jonathan Young, Purdue University Fort Wayne Music lecturer (WANE)

“The level of music that these young kids are playing, as young as I've seen, age five, it's just remarkable. It's very inspiring.”

— Dr. Jonathan Young, Purdue University Fort Wayne Music lecturer (WANE)

What’s next

The finals of the Gene Marcus Piano Competition will take place on February 8, 2026, with the winners' recital following immediately after.

The takeaway

The Gene Marcus Piano Competition provides a unique opportunity for young, talented pianists in the Midwest to showcase their skills and be recognized for their dedication and artistry. The free, all-day event allows the public to experience the remarkable abilities of these young musicians, inspiring the next generation of piano prodigies.