Acadiana Center for the Arts introduces new piano competition

The inaugural Piano Plus Richard Goula International Chamber Music Competition will focus on ensembles that include piano.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:54pm

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The Acadiana Center for the Arts has announced a new competition for young classical pianists and chamber musicians. The inaugural Piano Plus Richard Goula International Chamber Music Competition is the first competition of its kind to focus specifically on ensembles that include piano, highlighting the pianist's central role in chamber music. The competition will be open to instrumental ensembles of 2–5 musicians including piano from the United States and internationally, with all performers required to be 27 or younger.

Why it matters

The competition aims to champion one of chamber music's most dynamic collaborative formats and create a platform for emerging musicians to perform this unique repertoire at a high level while gaining visibility in their field. It also honors the legacy of Richard Goula, a South Louisiana philanthropist, classical pianist, painter, botanist and business leader who had a lifelong passion for music and the arts.

The details

The winners of the competition will receive cash prizes, with the First Prize ensemble also receiving a featured performance engagement in AcA's 2028 season. The competition will have an international jury of leaders in chamber music to elevate the project and help place the Acadiana region firmly on the global classical music map.

  • Applications for Piano Plus will open on May 1, 2026 and close on October 31, 2026.
  • The live competition takes place on February 27–28, 2027 at Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette.

The players

Acadiana Center for the Arts

A performing arts center located in Lafayette, Louisiana that is hosting the new Piano Plus Richard Goula International Chamber Music Competition.

Richard Goula

A South Louisiana philanthropist, classical pianist, painter, botanist and business leader whose lifelong passion for music and the arts continues through the Thistlewood Foundation, which supports the new competition.

Samuel Oliver

The Executive Director of the Acadiana Center for the Arts, who said the Piano Plus competition was designed to champion one of chamber music's most dynamic collaborative formats.

Mariusz Smolij

The Chair of the Artistic Advisory Committee for the Piano Plus competition, who said the competition will fill a significant void in the international music landscape by uniquely combining the art of piano performance with chamber music across all instruments.

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What they’re saying

“'WIth a jury of international leaders in chamber music, the competition creates a platform for emerging musicians to perform this unique repertoire at a high level while gaining visibility in their field.'”

— Samuel Oliver, Executive Director of Acadiana Center for the Arts

“'This competition will fill a significant void in the international music landscape by uniquely combining the art of piano performance with chamber music across all instruments. Its distinguished, international jury will elevate the project and help place the Acadiana region firmly on the global classical music map.'”

— Mariusz Smolij, Chair of the Artistic Advisory Committee

What’s next

The live competition takes place on February 27–28, 2027 at Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette.

The takeaway

The new Piano Plus Richard Goula International Chamber Music Competition at the Acadiana Center for the Arts aims to elevate chamber music with piano and provide a platform for emerging musicians to gain visibility in the classical music field, while also honoring the legacy of a local arts philanthropist.